Telephone: (+350) 200 42686
Innovative and impartial international tax planning, company, trust and pensions services in Gibraltar for private clients, their businesses and their families.
Living in Spain
Spain has a unique culture. Getting used to the lifestyle can take a while, but a wonderful variety of experiences are on offer.
Knowing the local laws and customs will give you a real insight into life as you make your home abroad.
The Spanish way of life may be very different from what you are used to.
As a result, it is quite normal to experience some kind of culture shock.
Much of the reason for this is the climate, with extreme heat on summer afternoons forcing the siesta lifestyle that has evolved through the centuries.
However, temperatures can be very different in winter, especially in mountainous areas. Try to see the place you intend to live at all times of year before committing yourself to it.
Major differences you will experience are:
- bureaucracy: any process in Spain requires a vast amount of paperwork and takes time. If you accept this then you'll find life less frustrating. A practical alternative to the queues and endless photocopies is to use a gestor
- "mañana": in many aspects of Spanish life the "why do something today if you can do it mañana?" rules. And mañana isn't necessarily tomorrow but any time in the near future
- people: the Spanish are generally welcoming, and like to party, often going out, and staying out, late
- timetable: the Spanish eat and dine late (after 14:00 and 21:00 - later in summer), many shops and businesses close from 14:00 to 17:00, but open until 21:00, and banks and public offices are only open until 14:00. Most shops are closed on Sundays
- clothing: Spanish people are traditionally well-dressed, with skimpy clothes saved for the beach.
Holidays and parties are frequent in Spain, with each locality having its own celebrations at different times of year.
These are usually tied in with (Catholic) religion, and celebrate Saints' days and other Christian traditions.
The vast majority (94 per cent) of Spaniards are Roman Catholics and, although many aren't practising, religion plays an important part in daily life.
Most children are baptised shortly after birth and celebrate their first communion at ten, and most couples get married in church.
Learning the language can play a vital part in fitting in - like anywhere, Spain is much less strange and isolating if you can speak to local people as well as fellow expatriates. Attending classes locally is a great way to meet new people, too.
Mainland Spain uses Central European Time (CET), which is one hour ahead of the UK (GMT in winter and BST in summer). The Canary Islands use the same time as the UK.
To discuss how we can help you in your move to Spain, please email us or telephone us on Gibraltar (+350) 200 42686 and ask for a member of the International Tax Team.
