7 Truths About Moving to Spain (The Harsh Reality)

If you are not willing to adapt you might as well stay in Oklahoma .

What an amazing video. Thank you for helping me prepare mentally. I have a long moving To Do List which did not include hardly anything this video discussed. You don’t know what you don’t know! ❤

As an American, I lived in Spain for four years beginning in the 1960's, before marrying a Spaniard and we raised five children in Spain. We were married for 54 years before my husband's death. We went back and forth from Spain to the United States due to work. The culture shock for me was moving back to the United States. I am now too old to travel, but some of my children and grandchildren are moving back to Spain.

This is truly a heart to heart talk 🥹 thank you 🙏🏼 You really opened my eyes on the purpose of my own goals 🫡

It's a shit hole 😢😢😢😢😢

I see learning Spanish is number 7 on your list. I would have made it No 1. While all other aspects of moving to a country with a different culture, climate, city or countryside are important... I think knowing the local language should be a priority.

These segments are priceless.

I’m in Spain right now and the biggest culture shock for me is how widely portrayed racial stereotypes of Native Americans are in media and used in commercials. I noticed this in the culture in many different places in Barcelona I’ve seen posters and photos of white people doing black face and people using cultural identity as costumes for Carnival and I’m really curious if anyone has any perspective on what’s going on here with this and why this is such a thing. Where I’m from if somebody else is cultural heritage was just your costume that you were putting on it would be seen as very distasteful and unacceptable. Also, of course what I described with racial stereotypes would be completely unacceptable as well. I’m from the US. This is the thing that is getting under my skin and I just don’t know how to deal with it because it seems so pervasive. Again seeking insight

The bureaucracy point is so real — and it multiplies if you're moving with pets. The paperwork rabbit hole for bringing a cat into Spain from a non-EU country is genuinely its own project: vet certificates with tight validity windows, specific entry ports, the whole thing. Nobody warns you until you're 3 weeks out from your move date 😅

The biggest culture shock was being denied a DNV because of one single signature by a client of a, get this, freelancer. Isn't that the whole point? Well, at least 500 000 illegals got residency. Who cares about those who actually contribute to the economy

I tried Duolingo between languages that I already know, and at the end I concluded that I would have learned nothing if I was starting from zero. Flashcards with usual phrases do the job for me. Not just words, but full sentences that I print and keep in my pocket. There are apps that do that, but they live on you phone, next to instagram and email. Don't do that. I'm torn between France and Spain. 
I'd prefer France, but Spain is so much more affordable, and easier to get in.

Very well explained and well-thought out. It appears pragmatic but, most importantly, common sense - well done!

9:52 "sometimes very simple..." Sometimes it's VERY simple.
I have a friend who's mother was married to an American Serviceman at Rota, and she got lost in town - and also got lost between "tengo" and "quiero" - She kept asking a shopkeeper, “¿Tengo un mapa de Cadiz?” - (you can see the problem here...) - and getting Ye Old Nod And Smile from the shopkeeper she kept getting more desperate and emphatic and insistent about asking until she was in tears...“¿Tengo! un! mapa! de! Cadiiiiiiiiz?”
The shopkeeper finally said, gently and (very) quietly... ¿Quieres .... un mapa de Cadiz?”
"SI SI SI SI SI SI SI SI ¿Quieres un mapa de Cadiz!!!!!1!!!one!!!!!!1!!!!”
“Ah… por allí, señora.”

I went to Spain and I speak fluent Spanish and even I struggled with the language. It takes time to adjust the ear, so to speak. I remember giving the waiter a blank stare when he asked if I wanted “zumo de naranja” when where I’m from it’s “jugo de naranja”. And many more like this. But it’s fun.

A compelling MUST watch video! Thank you soooo much for the info...working on moving there 2026...

Thank you so much for this video James, really helpful and reassuring.
My wife and I are moving from the Netherlands to Spain in a few weeks, and we’ve just bought a house near Murcia.
Your tips and experiences are genuinely valuable and come at exactly the right moment for us.
Thanks again for taking the time to share this, much appreciated!

Even for me, that I am Mexican (so, my Spanish is native) and we share a lot of things, it is hard to adapt to the Spanish lifestyle. There are lots of people that want to move to Spain because the language barrier can be passed, but reality hits really hard when trying to integrate and find the cheerful Mexican sometimes is not well looked.

Great video, thank you!
Moved to Mallorca from US 5 years ago and we love it.

Can I just say, I love your energy and the wealth of insight that you bring. I live in the UK and have no plans to move to Spain - though I am learning Spanish myself (that's how I ended up finding your channel years ago). Your video provides advice that applies to a lot of things in life and I just love it. Thank you for sharing. My quest to find a Spanish-learners local to me continues!

I've been in Barcelona, Madrid, and many other large European cities. Paris is the only one where I got so frustrated I paid extra to come back early. I'd say at least bare minimum stay a couple of weeks in a place before you even dare try and think about moving there permanently. One of the smallest things I've learned is for example, in Athens, even on the driest day if you wear the wrong footwear you can easily slip and fall on the sidewalk. In wet conditions in other cities, the ground can get very slick and it'll feel like walking on ice at times. It may be a small thing to some, but a large thing to others. In Amsterdam a teen girl fell and hit her head. The paramedics said she may need staples. Nothing beats going to the destination and learning through real life experience.

Best piece of advice: if mingling with locals and understanding Spanish culture aren't among your top priorities, you're not welcome, and you'll feel it. Everyday. Everywhere you go.

I loved this unfiltered look at moving to Spain. We took your masterclass 3 years ago before moving to Spain. We didn’t consider alot of these things listed and honestly we’re both surprised we made it to the 3rd stage! Everything you mentioned including the drivers license and toilet paper (if there is any in the public bathrooms!) are so spot on! I think this could be helpful moving to any new country!

imagine having the time and money to visit a bunch of cities in Spain to try them all out before moving there

Moved to Spain 16 years ago and it was fairly smooth thanks to EU membership. The Brexit buffoons will have made the move more difficult now. Harry KG

James, I have a lot to say about your video. First, thank you. This is so informative, and you are correct, people need to fully understand all that they will encounter to succeed. Being prepared is always a winning formula. I would really much like to move to Spain. It is my plan. I feel happy when I come here and I feel as an American that Europe always has felt more like me than the US. I have been exploring various cities over my 3 trips here so far. I have been most often to Barcelona (every trip because I am a huge FC Barcelona fan). But I have been to Madrid, Toledo, Corona, Sevila, Granada, Alicante, & Valencia. I am here now and just left Valencia which I really liked a lot. Alicante is another city I have thoroughly enjoyed. Barcelona is where I want to live but it is expensive and I don't think it may be possible. As of now, I can't move anytime soon because I have to wait until I retire. I won't be able to find a job here until then where I can get a visa. That depresses me. I have very primitive Spanish language skills. I am going to focus on learning it as much as I can. However, I have found in every place I have been to, I have been able to communicate either in English or Spanglish. I do want to learn because I should as I in their country and should assimilate. You are also correct that many people come on vacation look at all the great things you do while on vacation but the reality is, once you are here every day for months & years, that reality is not reality. I am single and do not anyone here. I am used to being on my own but building some key friends and a network of support I know will be crucial, especially as I age. That part scares me. You made me change my thoughts on networking with english speakers. I honestly like when I am not interacting with English speakers and tend to avoid them while I am here. But you made me realize those that are going through the process can provide some insightful info and perhaps maybe even a friend or two. I don't have to be friends with everyone! I also am coming in the "off seasons" to see the weather when it is not warm all the time. Valencia and Barcelona have both been quite cold at night and chilly during the day. I was quite surprised but ok with that! The key is the sunshine, which is why I think a sunny city (regardless the temperature) is probably my home. I do want to learn more about your masterclass to see how it can help me now. I am in the exploratory phase and as I mentioned unless something changes I am about 5-10 years (the latter end more likely) to moving.

I hope someone can reply to me:

I’m 23, black woman, I’m not conservative and I’m a goth/punk girl… I know I’ll be starred at and judged, I’m used to it. I know that I’ll be alone for the most part, I’m alone as is IN America but CHOICE. I have a few friends, no family, and cats. I have my own business starting up in Art, Retail and Jewelry with a future goal of expanding to providing a service for people. I don’t speak good Spanish but it is an easy language for me to learn vs the others.

I’m okay with living slower, building community, living life how it should be. I just don’t want to be automatically met with more racism , sexism, or worse like death over picking the wrong place to move too… I’m also worried about my business not getting the inventory it needs due to the fact I need metals, crystals, etc… I don’t know if Spain has an Amazon equivalent, but I’m more than ok if they have shops for artists / jewelry workers…

I also hope to find a place where I don’t have to conform into normalities more so like having to dress down bc I look “intimidating” bc I like spikes and wear all black and have piercings and tattoos.. I find tht stupid to judge someone for.

I’m ok with being alone I just want to know if I’m able to LIVE in peace..I’m ok with speaking and learning Spanish , going out and stuff but not if it’s just gonna be a consistent reminder tht I’m never gonna fit in bc I was born a black woman..

Stop paying attention to The Sun!

I speak Spanish but naturally since I was born and raised in the USA, I still practice speaking every day.

My kids have no interest to move to Spain but they will visit.

I am not planning on moving to Spain. My sister and a few cousins decided they wanted their Spanish passport. We have been to Spain and we are still in touch with family in Spain. Some time in the future, I will stay at least a month or two.

All true! What you’re saying applies in any country, like the Philippines. Many foreign nationals are moving here and while most are able to integrate themselves into the community, a few leave disappointed.

I’m a math major seeking a Spanish minor so I can one day move to Spain as a teacher (I’m a big math guy) and I’m wanting to get involved in a community of like minded folk who want to move to Spain also. Does anyone know where I can go? Thanks!

Watched a good few of your videos over the years & really appreciate your honest, down to earth opinions. We moved from Africa to the UK around 25 years ago so moving countries in something we have had to deal with. I (not we) have wanted to move to Spain for well over 10 years now albeit we weren't ready financially for it until recently. Brexit has truly impacted my thoughts on staying in the UK & still cannot get my head around why people would give up their own freedom of movement! Anyway we are where we are & slowly but surely I will be able to convince my better half that life in Spain is where we want to spend our senior years. Your videos help with that. Thanks.

We retired and moved from the U.S. to Madrid 14 months ago. This was a dream I had when I was 29 when I came here for the first time. We wanted an international experience, learning and incorporating new cultures into our daily lives. We love it here and do not see us ever going back to the U.S. to live.

If you marry a Spaniard then you are maybe a part of them. If you are an expat forget having real spanish friends. They are so good at pretending community

Do you have a recommendation for Spanish Speaking tutor?

Very genuine and insightful info, gracias.

Thank you for the honesty.

Been in Spain for 34 years. NO regrets.

How do i find your course for moving to spain?

Excellent video! Having moved to Spain 5 years ago, you have really nailed it.
The "culture shock" section describes my overall experience. "Honeymoon", "adjustment", "mastery".
As you say, the "adjustment" is hard. But, you are getting closer to "mastery", where we thrive.
Nice work! 👍

Excellent video! Having moved to Spain 5 years ago, you have really nailed it.
The "culture shock" section describes my overall experience. "Honeymoon", "adjustment", "mastery".
As you say, the "adjustment" is hard. But, you are getting closer to "mastery", where we thrive.
Nice work! 👍

Excellent video! Having moved to Spain 5 years ago, you have really nailed it.
The "culture shock" section describes my overall experience. "Honeymoon", "adjustment", "mastery".
As you say, the "adjustment" is hard. But, you are getting closer to "mastery", where we thrive.
Nice work! 👍

Congrats on the new addition to the family....Enjoy your posts and will make my way there soon. Working on the exit plan here in the US.

If you want to make money and achieve something - the US is the best country. If you are financially independent - just spend some time in Spain or wherever. If you cannot afford to live in the US - then you have to move. Also have some experience with medical care in Spain - doctors are incompetent and could not care less.

such lies
people want to move to a place that values family so they leave their kids and grandkids to move ? lol
the truth is most americans are just loookg for a place they don’t have to work due to the stronger u.s. privileges- people look for cheap countries and idealize everything about it until reality hits