10 Common Mistakes Americans Make When Moving to Spain (and How to Avoid Them)

Moving to Spain is a dream for many Americans. With its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and relaxed lifestyle, it's easy to see why. But relocating to another country involves more than just packing a suitcase and buying a plane ticket. From legal paperwork to cultural adaptation, there are several steps that require careful planning. Each region of Spain offers unique experiences, but the journey to settling in comfortably starts with avoiding common pitfalls. In this guide, we’ll explore ten common mistakes Americans often make when moving to Spain—and how to avoid them for a smooth transition.

Many Americans arrive in Spain confident in their Spanish abilities, only to find daily conversations much harder than expected. While some Spaniards speak English, everyday tasks like visiting the doctor, shopping, or handling paperwork are conducted in Spanish. Without fluency, life becomes frustrating and isolating. 

Spain offers several visa options for Americans. The most common are:

• Non-lucrative Visa: For individuals who wish to reside in Spain without working. This visa requires proof of sufficient passive income, such as retirement funds or investments.
• Student Visa: Issued to those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Spain. It allows part-time work under specific conditions.
• Work Visa: Requires a valid job offer from a Spanish employer and is subject to strict labor regulations.
• Digital Nomad Visa: This is ideal for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who wish to live in Spain while working for non-Spanish clients.

For more information about the Digital Nomad visa as an American, you can read our blog here.

A frequent mistake is applying for the wrong visa or misunderstanding its requirements. Incomplete documentation, not meeting financial thresholds, or failing to account for the timeline can delay or even derail plans. Some Americans assume they can enter on a tourist visa and then adjust their status from within Spain, which is generally not allowed.

• Begin the application process well in advance (ideally 3–6 months before your move).
• Contact the nearest Spanish consulate for the latest requirements and submission guidelines.
• Ensure that all documents are complete, translated, and meet format specifications.
• Keep multiple copies of every document and stay organized.
• Seek legal or immigration advice if your situation is complex or time-sensitive.

Before applying for a visa or planning your move, gather all required documents early.

• FBI Background Check: Many visa types, especially the non-lucrative and work visas, require an official background check from the FBI. This can take weeks to process and must be less than 90 days old at the time of submission.
• What is an apostille? An apostille is a form of international certification that verifies a document's authenticity for use in Spain. It’s commonly needed for documents like the FBI background check, birth and marriage certificates, and power of attorney forms. This seal must be issued by the U.S. Department of State or a designated state authority.
• Certified Translations: Any document not originally in Spanish must be translated by a certified translator recognized by the Spanish government (known as a “traductor jurado” or a sworn translator). Common documents requiring certified translation include

1. FBI background check
2. Birth and marriage certificates
3. Medical records or letters
4. Financial statements

• Submitting documents without the proper translation or apostille can result in rejection or requests for resubmission, delaying your visa processing.
• To streamline the process, you can use a trusted service like Globeia to obtain your FBI background check, apostille your U.S. documents, and handle certified translations accurately and efficiently. Globeia specializes in U.S. document processing for international use, helping you save time and avoid costly errors
• Start this paperwork as early as possible and keep everything neatly filed, both physically and digitally. Having all the correct documents in place will make your visa application and subsequent residency procedures much smoother.

Cultural differences between the U.S. and Spain can be surprising. Time is more flexible in Spain, and work culture often includes long midday breaks. Mealtimes are later than in the U.S., with lunch often at 2 p.m. and dinner after 9 p.m. Personal space norms, communication styles, and social expectations also differ. Spanish culture values community, relaxed conversation, and tradition. Understanding and respecting these norms helps with day-to-day life and strengthens social relationships. Learning how to greet people properly, adjust your schedule to local habits, and appreciate regional customs will go a long way in building positive connections.

The cost of living in Spain varies by location. While Madrid and Barcelona can be pricey, smaller towns and rural areas tend to be more affordable. Many Americans forget to factor in initial relocation expenses like visa fees, legal translations, or security deposits for rental properties. Currency conversion fees, international shipping, and unexpected medical costs can also add up. 

Healthcare, banking, and government services in Spain often work differently than in the U.S. Processes may involve more in-person visits, appointments, or seemingly slow paperwork systems. For example, public services often require booking appointments weeks in advance and preparing multiple printed copies of documents. Not understanding these differences can lead to frustration. 

Spain offers both public and private healthcare. Access to the public Spanish healthcare system depends on your visa and residency status, and registering for it may take time. Private insurance is often necessary for visa applications and can provide faster access to specialists or English-speaking professionals. 

Integrating into the community makes life in Spain more enjoyable and meaningful. Local friendships improve your language skills and help you understand cultural nuances. Getting involved in neighborhood events, language exchanges, or volunteering can create opportunities for meaningful connections.

Spain still uses a lot of cash, especially in smaller towns, traditional markets, and local businesses. Credit cards are accepted in most cities, but it's not uncommon to find shops or cafes that prefer cash or have minimum card limits. 

Spanish bureaucracy can be slow and requires patience. Long lines, multiple appointments, and detailed paperwork are common, especially for tasks like registering your address (empadronamiento), getting a foreigner ID (TIE), or applying for social security. 

Moving to Spain can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it requires thorough preparation. Understanding the legal, cultural, and practical aspects of life in Spain helps avoid common missteps. From learning the language to adapting to new systems and building a support network, your experience will be more enriching and enjoyable with the right approach.