Moving to Spain is a dream come true for many who buy a property in Spain. For over 25 years, Welcome Estates has helped countless Brits turn their dream of relocating to Spain into a reality. The idea of living in a beautiful microclimate like Costa Blanca South is inviting to most and the Spanish weather is just one of the welcomed differences you’ll appreciate when living in Spain. But when it comes to day-to-day living, what can you expect from Spanish life? At Welcome Estates, our sales team have all moved from the UK to Spain so we can let you know what to expect when living in Spain as an expat.
How Many Expats Live in Spain?
As of early 2026 the Spainish expat population is estimated to be somewhere between 7 and 8 million people with some sources suggesting over 9 million individuals which would mean expats make up about 20% of Spain’s population! British expats are among the top nationalities making up that figure with others including Morocco, Colombia, Romania, Venezuela and Italy.
As for British expats living in Spain, there are 400,000 officially registered as British residents however there are sources suggesting the actual numbers could be anywhere from 800,000 to a million including those not officially registered. The biggest concentration is in areas like Malaga and Alicante in the Costa Blanca region.
Living in Spain as an Expat: Key Things to Know
Health Insurance for Expats in Spain
Health insurance for expats in Spain is often mandatory to be considered for residency and expats usually have a choice between the public system (Sistema Nacional de Salud – SNS) and private options with the latter being more popular for non-EU citizens where specialised private insurance is generally required for visa approval.
For Brits moving to Spain, private health insurance needs to be purchased to secure a visa however once you’re a legal resident you’ll be able to access the public system as long as you’re employed or self employed, a UK pensioner or have lived in Spain for over 5 years. If none of these apply however you’ve lived there for one year, you’ll be able to access the SNS against a monthly fee (approx. €60 for under-65s, €157 for over-65s).
Expat Communities in Spain
Many people worry about feeling alone or isolated when considering moving overseas. For those moving to Spain from the UK, the chances of meeting other Brits who have relocated from the UK are quite high.
Costa Blanca and specifically the Alicante area has one of the biggest concentrations of expat communities in Spain where you’ll be able to join a growing community of British expatriates as well as those who have settled in Spain from other parts of Europe and further afield.
Depending on your preference however, your new life in Spain can be as authentically Spanish or as cosmopolitan as you wish thanks to the diversity of the region.
What Is the Best City for Expats in Spain?
Torrevieja boasts one of the largest expatriate communities in Costa Blanca with families and retirees from England, Scandinavia and Germany making up a large percentage of the expat population. This is a great environment if you would prefer your Spanish living experience to have an international feel and you want the opportunity to make friends from different parts of the globe.
Ciudad Quesada and Formentera del Segura are also fantastic options for expats and expat families, famous for being safe and secure and great for social networking in addition to excellent education options.
Schooling in Spain for Expats
If you’re moving to Spain with children, schooling options will be understandably high on the list of priorities. The good news is there are various options when it comes to education including free, state-funded public schools (great for full integration), concertado schools (semi-private, partially funded) and private schools. There are also a number of international schools if you’re looking for an English-based environment.
Spain Expat Retirement: What to Expect
As non-EU citizens post-Brexit, Brits retiring in Spain are required to apply for the so-called Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for which you’ll need proof of about €2,400–€2,900* monthly income and private health insurance. Since Spanish bureaucracy can sometimes be on the slower/complex side it’s recommended you hire an administrative advisor (also known as a gestor).
*Please note that these numbers are guidelines only and may change. Always check the latest requirements with official Spanish authorities or a qualified advisor.
What Is the Spain Expats Lifestyle Like?
Some aspects of life in places like Costa Blanca South are a stark contrast to life in the UK. Holidays can give you a glimpse into some of the cultural differences but living in Spain all year round will provide you with a different perspective.
Expect Many Spanish Fiestas Near Costa Blanca
Life in Spain is vibrant, colourful and rich in cultural heritage as seen in the many fiestas held across Costa Blanca South. Year-round celebrations with music, dancing and costumes make living in the towns and villages of Costa Blanca South a hive of exciting festivals. Religious street processions during Holy Week and commemorative festivals like Moros y Cristianos mark important events in Spanish history while Feria de Mayo (May Fiesta) in Torrevieja unusually celebrates all things Andalucian with flamenco music and stunning traditional costumes. The prominent events and traditions throughout the year mean life in Spain is never dull. Some of the other festivities to be experienced in and around Costa Blanca South include:
- Torrevieja Carnival – this month-long selection of festival activities in Torrevieja includes a national drag queen contest, street processions and special days dedicated to children and the elderly.
- Fiestas del Pilar – a festival observed in Pilar de la Horadada is a week-long celebration which includes paella tasting and Paella contests as well as music events, games and children’s activities.
Get Ready For Spanish Food Adventures
While Spanish festivities demonstrate the strong sense of cultural pride shared by Spanish people across the country, the local cuisine is another manifestation of authentic Spanish living. It’s easy to embrace the tasty and healthy Mediterranean diet and most local food is traditional and varied depending on the location. Tasty rice dishes, seafood and tapas are popular throughout Spain and you’ll find an abundance of restaurants, and many seafood eateries taking advantage of the fresh fish and seafood caught locally and sold in the local markets. The Spanish cuisine combined with the local vineyards and wineries means foodies will truly relish the gastronomical adventures awaiting their palettes.
Discover The Rich Diverse History in Costa Blanca South
With a large selection of museums to visit including the Archaeological Museum of Alicante, you’ll learn a lot about the diverse history of the region. This includes the Moorish influence on the architecture as seen in the many castles and fortresses deemed sites of cultural interest on the Costa Blanca. Another site of cultural interest includes the Palmeral de Orihuela, a beautiful palm tree forest worth visiting in Orihuela.
Authentic old towns in Costa Blanca with their whitewashed houses have a unique Mediterranean appeal and world heritage sites like the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin are a sight to behold. When it comes to living in Costa Blanca, the south of the region offers so many ways to discover and appreciate your surroundings including:
- Nature walks and hiking in Altea
- Wildlife tours in Guardamar del Segura
- Guided mountain bike tours in Alicante
- Boat trips from Torrevieja port to Isle de Tarbaca
Sun, Siestas and a Slow-Paced Lifestyle
Life in UK cities can be fast, loud and busy, almost the complete opposite of life in Spain. When you relocate here, you’ll find yourself effortlessly slipping into the laid-back way of life. One Spanish tradition, in particular, makes life in Costa Blanca South very different to life in the UK. Siestas are still a part of daily life in many parts of Spain with some businesses and banks closing to the public between 1 pm and 5 pm. You’ll learn to appreciate the slow, easy-going Mediterranean pace of life as you become familiar with the customs and traditions that make the Spanish lifestyle so unique. Not into daytime naps? Take the time to appreciate the quiet areas and enjoy a walk, have a leisurely lunch or visit attractions which may be quieter during siesta.
Family Fun Recommendations: Things to Do in Costa Blanca South
It can be daunting making the transition to a new country with children. Families moving to Spain will find the Costa Blanca area particularly welcoming as locals love to go out of their way for children. The local beaches, parks and playgrounds cater for little ones with places like Flamingo Aquapark in Torrevieja promising fun for the young and young at heart. The clean and beautiful surroundings feel like a safe place for little ones as they enjoy greater freedom outdoors. Living in Costa Blanca South is ideal for families as there is an excellent variety of child-friendly activities in the area as well as a good selection of schools and nurseries. Discover more about activities and fun-filled adventures for families.
Expat Buying Property in Spain? We Can Help!
Over decades of experience, Welcome Estates has helped countless expats buying property in Spain find their new dream homes. Whether you’re looking to find an expat community to live in or a traditional Spanish town our experts will help you find the property that suits you best and we can organise an inspection trip for you so you can browse properties while taking in the culture and atmosphere of your area of choice first-hand.
Take a look at our latest property listings in Costa Blanca or contact the Welcome Estates team to find out more about buying properties in Spain.
