Is Spain safe? Safety after moving

Is Spain safe? This is one of the questions asked not only by tourists but also by people planning to move to the Iberian Peninsula. In this article, you will find the most important information – from statistics to practical tips.

When choosing a new place to live, you should consider the location, job opportunities, access to schools for children, and overall safety. How does this look in Spain? As it turns out, this country located on the Iberian Peninsula – despite millions of tourists from all over the world and its multiculturalism – is an excellent destination for people who want a peaceful life. Read this article to find out if Spain is a safe place to live.

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Did you know that Spain is considered one of the safest countries not only in Europe but also in the world? Low levels of violent crime and relatively low risk make it an ideal destination for wealthy individuals looking for a peaceful and comfortable life abroad.

Of particular importance are the security measures provided by the Spanish authorities, which guarantee protection for both residents and the millions of tourists who visit the country. Law enforcement agencies operate efficiently and the police regularly patrol the streets, especially in exclusive neighbourhoods and on the coast.

Furthermore, when answering the question of whether Spain is a safe place to live, it is worth mentioning the numerous gated communities in prestigious locations. These types of properties offer wealthy property owners not only privacy and many premium amenities, but also security. Gates, security, surveillance and reliable alarm systems ensure peace of mind and effectively protect against already rare burglaries and thefts.

You may be interested in: How much does it cost to live in Spain? Prices and living costs

Statistics confirm Spain's safety:
 

• The country ranks 23rd on the Global Peace Index. The ranking takes into account factors such as violence, crime and internal conflicts.
   
• In 2022, the crime rate was only about 50 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest in Europe. In addition, a further decline has been observed in recent years.
   

Also significant is the low number of serious violent crimes compared to other countries, such as the United Kingdom or France. The biggest challenge is petty theft, mainly in popular, crowded tourist areas – Barcelona and Madrid have the highest rates of such incidents.

What contributes to such high safety in Spain? In addition to the low level of violence mentioned earlier, social and political stability in the country is also of great importance. It is ensured by both leaders and numerous social and cultural groups.

Investments by the authorities in security systems, such as alarms and monitoring networks, are also significant. In addition, law enforcement agencies undergo regular training to be able to respond even more quickly and effectively in the event of a threat. This is particularly evident in typical tourist regions, where the police patrol the streets. If necessary, tourists can seek assistance from officers, who often speak English.

When talking about whether Spain is safe, it is also worth mentioning the local healthcare system, which is widely recognised as one of the best in the world. This is mainly due to well-equipped public hospitals and highly qualified medical staff. As a result, the quality of healthcare services in Spain has remained high for years.

Spanish residents can take advantage of the aforementioned public healthcare and any free emergency assistance, which is available to everyone. In addition to basic healthcare, those who value comfort can opt for private insurance. These types of policies provide access to medical services in many languages, including English. This includes diagnostic tests and visits to specialists.

Now that you know the answer to the question in the title, i.e. whether Spain is a safe country, you may be wondering which regions and cities are the best in terms of peace and low crime rates. As it turns out, one of them is Alicante, which, despite its popularity, boasts a low number of petty thefts. The same is true for San Sebastián, Torrevieja, Oviedo and Pamplona.
 

The safest regions are considered to be:
 

• Andalusia with Málaga and Granada, which, thanks to its well-developed tourist infrastructure, provides its residents with a high level of safety;
• Costa Blanca, i.e. the eastern coast of Spain; rural areas, which are characterised by a low risk of crime.

What should you avoid doing in Spain? Despite the high level of safety, it is advisable to remain vigilant in popular tourist areas such as Barcelona and Madrid. This is due to the presence of pickpockets who take advantage of moments of inattention to steal from tourists. They most often do this in crowded places such as the metro, market squares, beaches, shopping centres and around major attractions.

Furthermore, when staying in larger cities – as in other European metropolises – it is advisable to avoid poorly lit and deserted places after dark. Although street crime is generally low, it is worth staying alert, especially if you are travelling alone.

What to watch out for in Spain? Also, try not to leave your belongings unattended, e.g. on the beach or in plain sight in your car. Always take your valuables with you, and when travelling on crowded buses, trains or the underground, keep your wallet and documents in a safe place, preferably in a front pocket. In case of danger, use the pan-European emergency number: 112.

Now you know whether Spain is safe and what makes the crime rate in this country so low. This makes this Mediterranean country one of the best places for wealthy people who are looking not only for luxury real estate, but also a place to live in peace. If you are planning to buy an apartment or house in Spain, be sure to use the services of the Polish agency Elite World Estates!

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Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.