While it is possible to get by without a car, many expats prefer to own one in Spain for the freedom it affords.
If your main goal is only to spend time in cities, you do NOT need a car. In fact, having one will make your life harder. It may also apply to any large city in Europe. Parking is expensive, driving in Spanish cities many times is pretty intense, and why even bother when public transport is well developed.
Compared to long road trips and all of the inconveniences of short flights, it's easy to get around Spain by train. Instead of sitting on a cramped bus or spending your time going to and from airports, the trains offer a quick and comfortable way to enjoy the ride to Spain's dazzling cities.
The city of Pontevedra in the Northwest of Spain is recognised for its well-preserved old medieval town and beautiful cobbled streets. Yet the city has also gained world-wide attention for something entirely different – its urban mobility strategy which has turned its centre into an almost entirely car-free haven.
Traveling by train is usually the easiest, fastest, and most sustainable way of getting around Spain. Spanish trains are mostly modern, comfortable, and usually on time. Taking a train is a relaxed and convenient way to travel - sit back and watch the beautiful landscapes of Spain unfold right before your eyes!
If you're not keen on changing your nationality, then you can apply for an “EU long-term residence permit” (permiso de residencia de larga duración) after 5 uninterrupted years in Spain or any EU state. This residence permit grants you the ability to work freely and reap the benefits from the social welfare in Spain.
Madrid and Barcelona are the cities most loved by expats in Spain. Thousands of expats and digital nomads find their home here every year. There are plenty of work opportunities in Madrid and Barcelona for those looking to relocate to Spain.
Two Spanish cities make the list, with Barcelona and Madrid in the top 20 most walkable cities in the world.
Do I need a car in Barcelona? Public transport in Barcelona is cheap and reliable; cars are quite unnecessary in most areas of the city. That said, there are areas and suburbs situated further afield and expats living in these spots may require a car.
If you are travelling in a family car, you can expect to pay between €5 and €30 for each toll. This can vary on the region and where you are travelling after you pass through the toll. All toll roads can only be paid for in Euros.
Malaga is one of those cities that makes it easy as pie for visitors and locals to get around without a car. Around the city center, it's completely walkable. Beyond that, Malaga's public transportation system is fantastic, cheap, and will take you anywhere you need to go.
Can I live in Spain without speaking Spanish? Sure. If you're living in a major city, studying a course taught in English, interning or working at a company that requires English, or are living in expat areas such as Costa del Sol or Malaga, you can get by with just English in Spain.
Can I get around in Spain without speaking Spanish? Yes, of course, if you had to learn the language of each country you visit it would be impossible to travel! In places that receive a lot of tourists, which is about the whole coastline and all major cities, you will find people who speak English.
The 90-day rule
This rule simply states that you can live in Spain without residency for a maximum of 90 days. After those 3 months, you need to either obtain a residence permit, or leave the country. And that is because the shortest stay option is the tourist (or Schengen) visa, which lasts exactly for 90 days.
The non EU-foreigners need the residence permit to inhabit in the Spain. To enter the Spanish country the foreigner will be required to show his valid passport and the corresponding visa. Residence permit is required in order to remain and live in Spain after a period of time exceeding 90 days..
How long can I stay in Spain without becoming a resident? You can stay in Spain for a maximum of 183 days per year (6 months) in order to not become a resident. If you spend an extra day (184 days and onwards), you will be regarded as a resident, hence paying resident taxes in the country.
Living in Spain without working is possible. For this, you need to apply for a non-lucrative residence permit (residence without a work permit). One of the requirements is proof of sufficient financial means for you and your family members for the period of time you wish to stay, as well as full healthcare coverage.
Good news - you don't necessarily need to be a resident in Spain to buy a car a Spain, whether new or second hand, but you will be required to provide proof of address, even if this address is for less than 6 months of the year (bear in mind that the 6 months do not need to spent in Spain consecutively).
You can live in Barcelona Spain, for around $1,690 a month for all expenses on a tight budget or $6,310 a month if you want to live much more luxuriously. The Cost of living in Barcelona Spain is from $1,690 – $6,310 (€1,470 – $5,390) Per Month.
The Costa Blanca town of Benidorm is the most British city in Spain!
The medieval fortress town of Granadilla is a ghost town. Visitors can peek into empty rooms, wander along its walled-in streets and view the town from atop its castle. But no one lives there. Not since all the residents were kicked out in the 1960s.