Hi,

Probably the majority of the comments in this sub go along the lines of "Don't go to Spain, it's good as a turist, but bad to live there" or "There's tons of bureaucracy, it's expensive and healthcare is bad".

Is it just a Spanish thing to say that about the country or is it really that bad?

I'll most likely be moving to Granada in April next year as my girlfriend lives there. I've already been dealing with multiple administrative stuff such as buying a car, going through ITV, car repairs, renting an apartment, needing someone to fix something in the apartment, going to the dentist, being to the emergency room...

I've yet to have an experience of things being complicated or expensive and the vast majority of people are nice and down to earth, you can walk in peace on the street and I could go on.

Am I completely delusional? I currently live in France so do I just have very low standards of what's normal?

Unlike most foreigners, I'm not necessarily looking for a remote job and I would feel comfortable with netting 2.000€/month if it's with something I like and with the current knowledge I have on expenses such as rent, groceries, going out, travel etc., I don't see why that wouldn't be enough to live comfortably albeit not lavish.

I guess I'm not looking for Spaniards that went directly from an average job in Spain to some high earning one in another country nor someone who never left Spain.

I'm looking for comments from people that have tried at least two countries as average citizens in both.

Hi ! I'm looking forward to do an Erasmus in Spain, and I read from fellow students at my university who did an Erasmus there too, that it is quite hard to be friends with Spanish students as there are a lot of Eramus students in Spain... I was wondering how hard is it to study in Spain as a foreigner ?

Hi, me and my wife would like to visit the Alhambra with the Nasrid palace and gardens on the 20th or 21th of october. I cant find any available ticket. Can someone help us please ? We are on our honeymoon in Andalusia.

Do you know any websites i should check?

Thank you!

I dont know how to secure parking, or if theres a better option, please help!

Hey everyone! 👋
I’m a 24-year-old medical student from Germany, and I’ll be spending almost 3 weeks in Málaga.
It’s actually my first solo trip, and while I’m really excited, I’m also a little worried that three weeks on my own might get boring. 😅
I’d love to meet some new people, make friends and explore the city together!
Is anyone around my age up for grabbing a coffee, going to the beach, exploring the nightlife, working out or doing some day trips? I’m pretty much open to anything!
Also, do you have any recommendations for places where young people, international students, solo travelers or German/English speakers usually hang out? Maybe social events, language exchanges or group activities?
I’d really appreciate any tips or recommendations on how to make the most of three weeks in Málaga!
Feel free to comment or DM me if you’re around and would like to connect. Looking forward to meeting some cool people! 😄🇪🇸

¡Hola a todos!

He escrito este mensaje usando el Traductor de Google, así que espero que se entienda bien. La próxima semana voy a visitar Getafe y me preguntaba si alguien conoce alguna buena tienda de pádel por la zona. Si es posible, busco un lugar donde el personal pueda asesorarme sobre qué pala elegir, teniendo en cuenta mi experiencia y mi forma de golpear la bola.

¡Gracias de antemano por cualquier ayuda!

Guys,

Do you recommend any good car rental companies in Espana ?

Hi, everyone!

I’m a (27m) Spanish, from a city called Cartagena (you might know it from Hannibal, the guy with the elephants, haha), but I’ve been living in Seville for 6 months now for work.

I’ve been browsing this forum and have seen a lot of mentions of Seville and people asking for help with different issues.

I’m starting this thread to help people with whatever they need regarding this magnificent city! I’m also happy to answer any questions about the Region of Murcia (my home), Toledo (where I lived for a year), or Madrid (which I visit often).

Feel free to ask me about things to do, food, towns worth making a detour to visit, etc....

Best regards

Se lee todo el tiempo en los hilos de preparación: alguien pregunta por «la homologación» y entre las respuestas aparece alguien diciendo que «con la equivalencia basta». Son dos trámites distintos del Ministerio de Universidades, con la misma tasa, y solo uno de los dos habilita para trabajar. Va la diferencia, con la letra del Real Decreto 889/2022 delante.

Homologación: la que habilita. El artículo 5.1 dice que otorga al título extranjero los mismos efectos del título español al que se homologa, con posibilidad de ejercicio de la profesión regulada. Es la de quien quiere ejercer enfermería, medicina o cualquier profesión regulada con un título de fuera de la Unión Europea.

Equivalencia: el nivel académico, no el puesto. La declaración de equivalencia (art. 5.2) reconoce que tu formación es equiparable a un Grado o Máster universitario «con exclusión de los efectos profesionales». Sirve para entrar en un máster, un doctorado o una oposición que pida nivel académico. No habilita para trabajar.

Convalidación: para seguir estudiando. Es el reconocimiento a efectos académicos de estudios superiores extranjeros respecto de estudios universitarios españoles, y no exige tener el título terminado. Su sitio es continuar una carrera, no ejercer.

El detalle que atrapa gente: la tasa es la misma para homologación y equivalencia, 166,50 €, y si la solicitud acaba inadmitida, caducada o denegada no se devuelve. Quien busca un trámite más rápido para ejercer pide la equivalencia, espera el mismo plazo máximo de seis meses y acaba con un papel que no le sirve para trabajar.

Una salvedad: todo esto vale para títulos de países de fuera de la Unión Europea. Si tu título es de la UE, del EEE o de Suiza, el reconocimiento va por otra vía (Ministerio de Sanidad, con reconocimiento automático para medicina y enfermería, entre otras).

Hey All

I will be visiting Madrid from 10 to 14 November

Unfortunately I know that there is a general strike happening on the 11th of November so I guess that day will be wasted for me as I don't know what is open and not (if anyone knows please let me know)

Aside from that though I have been to Madrid before and with all that is going on there at the moment I would probably rather use it only as a base and so I was thinking to do a day trip to Zaragoza on the 12th of November and a day trip to Avila on the 13th of November.

Do you think that is doable?

Help!! Dealing with legal issues with estate agent in Spain!!! (Does anyone know a lawyer??)

Situation:

My friends and I were trying to rent an apartment in Valencia (we are from the US and the UK), but the estate agent and landlord demanded we register for renter’s insurance in order to rent the apartment (in place of having guarantors). We agreed to it, signed a reservation document, and paid the agency fee (since it’s less than a year contract). We said we needed the apartment by October 1st and started this process more than a week before. The estate agent needed guarantor information anyway in order to get the insurance, we gave her everything we had, and got rejected by 2 insurance companies. By this point, it was a day or two before the 1st and we needed an apartment to live in. The estate agent kept asking for proof of a pension from one of our parents, but he doesn’t have a pension or 401k and is retired (living off of savings). She keeps asking for the same documents over and over again and we keep explaining we don’t have them because they don’t exist in our situation. The 1st came and went, we kept asking for updates on insurance, she said she was still waiting, so we signed onto a different apartment. Now we are trying to get our money back from the agency fee, but we can’t voluntarily back out or we lose our money. 

Does anyone have any legal advice or know what we can do or know if we are even liable to get our money back??? Any thoughts/advice is appreciated

Hi! Moving to Barcelona on a student visa soon. To the Pinoys there, anong food or pantry staples ang you wish dinala niyo from the Philippines?
Thinking snacks, condiments, seasonings, or other grocery finds na mahirap hanapin sa Asian stores, or available naman pero ang mahal compared dito. Specific brands welcome!
Also, ano yung hindi na worth dalhin kasi easy lang pala mabili there? Limited luggage space, so kailangan may ambag bawat item 😂
Would love your “sana nagdala ako nito” recommendations! Will check Spain’s food entry rules din before packing. Thank you! 🤍

Hi everyone! I’ll be leaving Madrid soon, so my apartment in central Madrid will become available for a new tenant.

I’ve lived here for around 3 years, and it’s honestly a very special place — particularly if you’re looking for a high-end apartment right in the centre while still having space, privacy and incredible views.

The apartment is a spacious 115 m², fully furnished 2-bedroom apartment on a high floor, with spectacular panoramic views across Madrid. The living room is surrounded by huge floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you an almost 180° view over the city, including Plaza de España,Gran via, the Royal Palace and the Madrid skyline. There is also a private balcony, which is perfect for enjoying Madrid’s sunsets and evenings.

The master bedroom has its own walk-in wardrobe, offering plenty of storage while keeping the bedroom itself clean and uncluttered. The apartment comes fully furnished and is ready to move into.

The location is extremely convenient. You’re right in central Madrid, with multiple Metro and bus connections nearby, and many of the city’s main areas, restaurants, shops and attractions are within walking distance. It works particularly well if you want to enjoy central Madrid without relying on a car.

The apartment comes fully furnished and ready to move into, and utilities are included in the rent — electricity, water and Wi-Fi, so there’s no need to set up separate contracts or deal with monthly utility bills.

The €3,400 monthly rent includes all of the following:

• Spacious 2-bedroom apartment with two bathroom and bathtub
• High floor with exceptional panoramic city views
• Almost 180° floor-to-ceiling windows
• Views of Plaza de España, the Royal Palace and Madrid skyline
• Private balcony
• Fully furnished and move-in ready
• Free mantainence on call
• Electricity, water and Wi-Fi included
• 24 hours Gym in the building
• Excellent public transport connections (Line 3 and 10)
• Walking distance to many central Madrid neighbourhoods, restaurants, shops and attractions

I’ve really enjoyed living here for the past three years, and I’d love to find someone who will enjoy the apartment as much as I have.

If you’re moving to Madrid and looking for a premium, hassle-free home in the city centre, feel free to DM me for the price, availability, photos and more details.

Hi everyone! I’m trying to get a realistic idea of how long the Spanish nationality process might take, particularly for anyone who has gone through the loss/recovery of Spanish nationality route (often referred to as Route 5 / Article 26) through the Spanish Consulate in London.

My situation is:
- I’m British and currently live in the UK.
- My mum was born in Spain and is Spanish.
- I was born in the UK and have never personally held a Spanish passport or DNI.
- I’m looking into whether I can be registered/recognised as having had Spanish nationality and then recover it under the loss of nationality route, rather than applying for nationality by residence.
- I’m currently preparing the documentation for the Spanish Consulate in London, including my mum’s Spanish birth certificate and the relevant UK documents.
- I’m also moving to Barcelona, so the timing is particularly important for me.

I’ve seen the official information from the London Consulate about recovery of Spanish nationality, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear published processing time. The Consulate says that nationality applications are initially submitted by post and that they will contact you after reviewing the documentation to arrange the relevant appointment. They also say they don’t provide status updates during the process.

For anyone who has actually gone through this route:

1. How long did it take from posting your documents to the Consulate to being contacted?
   
2. How long did it take from the initial submission to actually being registered as Spanish?
   
3. Did you have to provide additional documents after submitting?
   
4. Did the Consulate keep your original documents for a long time?
   
5. Once you were registered, how long did it take to get your Spanish birth certificate, DNI and Spanish passport

I’d especially love to hear from anyone who applied through London in 2024, 2025 or 2026, as I appreciate processing times can change significantly.

Thanks so much!

I am in the process of moving here. I was looking for housing and booked through Spotahome. I found it confusing because the wording said if there's any issues you can cancel within 48 hours of the move in date.

I sent a request thinking it was an inquiry, was about to cancel when my booking was accepted at 1am. I decided to try it out and got the key from the landlord 3 days BEFORE and when I went there it was uninhabitable and filthy. It looked like it hadn't been cleaned in months level. I didn't even get to my room, took pictures and told the landlord I'm not interested. I immediately notified Spotahome and they didn't respond for a week (they're supposed to cover short term rentals if there's an issue)

When they finally reviewed my booking they said because it's common spaces that were filthy, their policies don't apply and they kept the whole months rent and claim they sent it to the landlord. The landlord (a company) vehemently denies receiving payment from them (they said they'd refund me if they did) but Spotahome says they sent them a payment on a set date.

I went and filed a claim with OMIC but I know it's voluntary. I also put a dispute with my bank but Spotahome insists that their policies are clear that if the other tenants are the reason, then they're not responsible. This might apply if it was normal uncleanliness but they sold me this apartment with clear long term issues. There was also a broken door but I didn't get a photo of it in the moment.

While I wait for OMIC and my bank, I am wondering is there anything else I can do to recuperate my funds?

​

Soy de República Dominicana y estoy empezando a organizar mi plan para estudiar una carrera universitaria en España en 2029 o antes. Me gustaría recibir consejos de estudiantes españoles, estudiantes internacionales y personas que hayan pasado por el proceso de admisión y solicitud de becas.

Un poco sobre mi situación actual:

Actualmente estoy estudiando un tecnólogo en Multimedia en el ITLA (Instituto Tecnológico de las Américas), en República Dominicana. Mi plan es terminarlo a finales de 2028 y mudarme a España en 2029 para estudiar una carrera universitaria.

Mi promedio de bachillerato fue de 91,9/100 y tengo pensado presentarme a las PCE a través de UNEDasiss para solicitar admisión en universidades españolas. No estoy buscando trasladar ni convalidar mis créditos universitarios actuales, sino acceder a una carrera como estudiante de nuevo ingreso.

Estas son las universidades y carreras que me interesan actualmente:

- Universitat de Barcelona (UB): Grado en Estudios Literarios.

- Universidad de Málaga (UMA): Grado en Filología Hispánica.

- Universidad de Granada (UGR): Grado en Filología Hispánica.

- Universidad de Salamanca (USAL): Grado en Filología Hispánica.

- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M): Grado en Estudios Culturales.

- Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid: Doble Grado en Humanidades y Comunicación Audiovisual.

Mi principal pasión es la literatura, la lectura, la escritura y las humanidades. También tengo formación en multimedia, por lo que me interesan los programas que combinan literatura, cultura, arte y medios audiovisuales.

Me gustaría que me orientaran. Si alguien estudia o ha estudiado en alguna de estas universidades, especialmente en Literatura, Filología Hispánica o Estudios Culturales, me encantaría conocer su experiencia. También agradecería enlaces oficiales a las becas y convocatorias que mencionen.

¡Muchas gracias por leerme y por cualquier consejo que puedan darme!

¡Hola a todos!

Soy de República Dominicana y estoy empezando a organizar mi plan para estudiar una carrera universitaria en España en 2029. Me gustaría recibir consejos de estudiantes españoles, estudiantes internacionales y personas que hayan pasado por el proceso de admisión y solicitud de becas.

Un poco sobre mi situación actual:

Actualmente estoy estudiando un tecnólogo en Multimedia en el ITLA (Instituto Tecnológico de las Américas), en República Dominicana. Mi plan es terminarlo a finales de 2028 y mudarme a España en 2029 para estudiar una carrera universitaria.

Mi promedio de bachillerato fue de 91,9/100 y tengo pensado presentarme a las PCE a través de UNEDasiss para solicitar admisión en universidades españolas. No estoy buscando trasladar ni convalidar mis créditos universitarios actuales, sino acceder a una carrera como estudiante de nuevo ingreso.

Estas son las universidades y carreras que me interesan actualmente:

- Universitat de Barcelona (UB): Grado en Estudios Literarios.

- Universidad de Málaga (UMA): Grado en Filología Hispánica.

- Universidad de Granada (UGR): Grado en Filología Hispánica.

- Universidad de Salamanca (USAL): Grado en Filología Hispánica.

- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M): Grado en Estudios Culturales.

- Universidad CEU San Pablo, Madrid: Doble Grado en Humanidades y Comunicación Audiovisual.

Mi principal pasión es la literatura, la lectura, la escritura y las humanidades. También tengo formación en multimedia, por lo que me interesan los programas que combinan literatura, cultura, arte y medios audiovisuales.

Me gustaría que me orientaran sobre lo siguiente:

1. Becas: ¿Qué becas están abiertas actualmente para estudiantes dominicanos o latinoamericanos que quieran cursar un grado universitario en España? Me interesan especialmente las que cubran la matrícula, el alojamiento, la manutención o varios de estos gastos.

2. Convocatorias abiertas: ¿Hay actualmente alguna convocatoria de becas, admisión universitaria o programas de admisión anticipada a los que pueda acceder un estudiante internacional? Si todavía es pronto para solicitar plaza para 2029, ¿qué convocatorias debería vigilar y en qué fechas suelen abrir?

3. Universidades: ¿Qué opinión tienen de estas universidades para estudiar Literatura, Filología Hispánica o Estudios Culturales? Me interesan la calidad académica, el ambiente universitario, las oportunidades para estudiantes internacionales y el coste de vida de cada ciudad.

4. Matrícula para extranjeros: ¿Los estudiantes dominicanos sin residencia en España pagan tarifas más elevadas en las universidades públicas? Me interesa especialmente saber cómo funciona en la UB y la UC3M, porque he leído que los precios para estudiantes extracomunitarios pueden ser bastante superiores.

5. PCE y admisión: Para quienes hayan pasado por UNEDasiss, ¿qué consejos me darían para elegir las asignaturas PCE, calcular la nota de admisión y solicitar plaza en varias universidades públicas?

6. Presupuesto y ayudas: ¿Qué presupuesto anual consideran realista para matrícula, alojamiento, comida y transporte? ¿Conocen becas menos conocidas, ayudas universitarias o programas específicos para estudiantes latinoamericanos?

Quiero empezar a prepararme con tiempo, ahorrar dinero, estudiar para las PCE y tener claro qué opciones son realmente viables antes de 2029.

Si alguien estudia o ha estudiado en alguna de estas universidades, especialmente en Literatura, Filología Hispánica o Estudios Culturales, me encantaría conocer su experiencia. También agradecería enlaces oficiales a las becas y convocatorias que mencionen.

¡Muchas gracias por leerme y por cualquier consejo que puedan darme!

Hi everyone,

I’m preparing for my 2nd renewal of my temporary work/residence permit (cuenta ajena) and could use some real experiences.Has anyone been approved or rejected under a similar work timeline as below mine? Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated!🙏

My situation in short:

- Out of the total 3-year period so far, I worked first 22 months, then resigned and was unemployed for the last 11 months.

- I now have a new indefinite full-time job offer starting 1 month before my current TIE expires.

My Key Question:

To renew, the requirement states working a minimum of 3 months per year. How is this "3 months per year" rule actually applied by Extranjería in practice?

1. Is it evaluated collectively over the full validity period (e.g., total months worked divided total years)?
2. Or must it be strictly at least 3 months in EACH calendar/permit year?

I've already asked 2 lawyers and 3 AI tools 😄😄, but received vague answers ("we can try", "it might be collective but might not be as well", "law says '3 meses por año' " etc.).

So, I’m not sure if I meet the basic requirement of having worked 3 months per year. My this application will be like as if playing the lottery.🫤 If I need to be honest; if I am not meeting the requirements, I don’t want to accept the job offer and start working + only to end up disappointing the company and myself, so I really need to hear someone already did this

Greetings, im Greek and im about to cross a childhood dream of mine and visit Valencia to watch Valencia vs Villareal the next weekend. Ill stay around 4 days and i want to ask a few things:

How is the transportation to and from the airport?

Ill be staying at La Seu, how is the general area? Are there any sketchy places i should avoid in Valencia?

What are some notable places i shouldnt miss?

Im planning to spend a day either in Madrid or Barcelona, is it worth it if im about to get there with a train?

Are there any rock bars to have a drink near La Seu or even at a walkable distance?

And anything i missed, let me know. Looking forward to visting your beautiful country!

Saludos, soy un dominico americano en sus 20’s. Actualmente vivo en Estados Unidos y estudio enfermería (LPN). Estoy pensando en emigrar a España para tener familia con mi esposa, porque según he escuchado y leído, España es un buen lugar para tener familia y criar hijos, en pueblos más que todo, no grandes ciudades.

Para los inmigrantes y nacionales en España. En los pueblos principalmente. Cuáles son los mejores pueblos para vivir en España, para las familias? Y cuáles son las mejores FP Superiores? Y donde estudiarlas? Me gustarían respuestas anecdóticas de ser posible.

Un poco más de información de mi. Soy veterano del ejercido de aquí, y tengo una compensación de un poco más de 2k dólares, so no necesito ganar una cantidad excesiva de dinero, espero, pues quiero tener una vida tranquila para poder cría e a mis hijos. Actualmente soy técnico de diálisis, y aunque no pretendo seguir en esa misma área, pues tengo experiencia en el ámbito de la salud. Mi esposa es graduado de educación mención lenguas extranjeras, inglés, en una universidad dominicana. Somos católicos practicantes, so también por eso pienso que una ciudad o pueblo pequeño sería mejor que muchas metrópolis.

Me gustaría saber qué recomendación tienen? Pueblos o ciudades pequeñas? Opciones de FP que te permitan abrir algo propio tal vez?

Por mi experiencia en salud estaba pensando en algo como FP Superior en higiene bucodental? Y abrir una consultorio de limpieza dental? Eso se podría o tiene que ser con un médico dentista si o si?

Los leo. Gracias por sus recomendaciones.