Poles in Spain. What is life like after moving there?

More and more Poles are moving to the Iberian Peninsula. There are many reasons for this – from financial issues, through a desire for a change of scenery, to the Mediterranean climate. How do Poles live in Spain?

The fact that Poles are buying flats in Spain has been widely reported in the media for years. This is not only about investment properties, but also about permanent emigration. The popularity of the Iberian Peninsula is due to a variety of reasons. The attractive real estate market and the Mediterranean climate are certainly important factors. Find out what life is really like for Poles in Spain.

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Are you wondering why Poles buy flats in Spain? There are several reasons:
 

• A warm climate and much better weather compared to Poland, with hot summers and mild winters.
   
• Work – better career prospects were one of the main factors that led Poles to move to Spain in the 1990s and early 2000s, when Poland joined the European Union. Today, Poles in Spain can find work in various sectors, such as IT, tourism, real estate and construction.
   
• Lifestyle – some Poles buy houses in Spain because of the local culture. The locals are friendly and very sociable, they like to have fun and at the same time know when to slow down. A great example is the siesta practised there.
   
• Attractive real estate market – following significant increases in housing prices in Poland in recent years, apartments in Spain have become financially attractive to Poles.
   

In addition, some regions offer a lower cost of living than in Poland.

Poles in Spain must remember to complete certain formalities after moving. The list of mandatory formalities includes:
 

• obtaining a N.I.E. number,
   
• registering with the Central Register of Foreigners (Registro Central de Extranjeros),
   
• obtaining a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of the European Union (Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la U.E.),
   
• opening a bank account,
   
• obtaining a health insurance number (número de Seguridad Social).
   

Once you have obtained your número de Seguridad Social, you will receive a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria), which allows you to use public healthcare services free of charge. You can also take out private insurance to ensure faster access to diagnostics and specialists.

On top of that, there are tax issues. Poles in Spain who stay there for more than 183 days a year are considered residents and pay taxes in Spain rather than in Poland. Non-residents who also own property in Spain are required to pay IRNR there.
 

See also: How to buy an apartment or house in Spain?

Poles in Spain most often find work in IT, childcare, construction and catering, or as carers for the elderly. Remember that on the Iberian Peninsula:
 

• the unemployment rate is currently around 10%,
   
• there is a shortage of workers in agriculture, tourism and construction, as well as specialists in healthcare and the food industry,
   
• Poles can work full-time or set up their own business (autónomo).
   

Is knowledge of Spanish necessary to find employment? It is definitely helpful. Although in some situations, e.g. in tourism, you can use English or even Polish on a daily basis (e.g. when guiding holidaymakers), knowledge of Spanish increases your chances of finding a good job.

There is a reason why Poles buy flats in Spain – real estate is either cheaper than in Poland or guarantees high returns. The highest rents and purchase prices are in large cities such as Madrid, Malaga and Barcelona, as well as in tourist regions.

The cost of living itself varies: it is lower in the provinces and higher in large cities. On average, you need to pay around €2,500 to support a family of four. Food prices are similar to those in Poland. Public transport is well developed, and a monthly ticket can cost around €30. Utilities, such as electricity, rubbish collection and water, cost around €130.

Spaniards are an open and friendly nation with a positive attitude towards foreigners. However, although you will have no problem communicating in English in tourist areas, in smaller towns it is important to know Spanish. It is worth starting to learn the language while still in Poland or signing up for a course immediately after moving. 

Keep in mind that Spain has a different work system. During the day, usually between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. or 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., there is a siesta. During this time, most shops, restaurants and institutions are closed. Offices are mainly open until 2 p.m.

Are you wondering how many Poles live in Spain? According to INE statistics, in 2023 their number was around 52,000, but in reality it may be higher. This is due, among other things, to the fact that not all emigrants complete the formalities and register as residents. 

Where do Poles buy flats in Spain? Most of them can be found in large cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, where they mainly rent properties. They buy houses and apartments in the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca regions. There are Polish shops, schools, associations and organisations in Spain where you can find support after moving and meet other compatriots.

Moving to another country not only opens up new opportunities, but also presents challenges. These are quite normal, especially at the beginning. Poles in Spain may have problems with bureaucracy, mainly in offices where communication is exclusively in Spanish.

Added to this is homesickness and the language barrier. In such situations, it is worth seeking support from the Polish community.

Spain attracts with its climate, cuisine, culture and attractive property prices. The decision to move should be well thought out and take into account your current life situation. It is definitely an excellent option for pensioners, students, families with children, investors and people looking for new professional challenges. If you decide to move, remember about formalities and tax issues, and start learning the language while still in Poland. The Polish agency Elite World Estates will help you find a property in Spain. Check out the details of the offer!

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Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. 
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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.