Spain has so much to offer but you must remember, what you do and how you do it, is entirely up to you and this alone will determine the quality and length of time you spend in the beautiful warm Spanish sunshine with it's very friendly people.

This web site contains information on most subjects relating to living in Spain or owning property here. If you read it carefully, you will not only avoid some of the more common problems but probably save a considerable amount of time as well. However, it is written with my own enthusiasm for Spain and everyones situation and outlook is different so please bare this in mind.

Without a doubt, Spain's climate and "laid back" way of life are the main reasons for well over one and a half million foreigners now owning property - not just on the many Spanish coasts but throughout Spain. This amount is increasing, as more people, mainly from the colder climates of Northern Europe, go in search of the sun and a more relaxed way of life. The British have always been and still are, the single largest group. However, a word of caution. As I have mentioned before, Spain does not suit everyone and increasingly is becoming more like its European partners to the North. New laws, work and residence regulations and tax and property laws are now similar to those found in France, Germany and the United Kingdom, having said that there is still quite some way to go before they catch up.

Remember living in Spain is not a permanent holiday - even if you don't work. There are many things you will have to learn to cope with - the two most important things being Spanish bureaucracy and inefficiency, possibly one of the reasons why it hasn't quite caught up yet! 

Gaining attention will not work, as neither will getting irate - Take the easy option- be patient. When you learn the language you can even join in, which will even help pass the time while you are waiting! A good tip I have found is that out of my busy day if I have to wait for him to move on then it's a little time out for me a scarce break! so I just wait and chill (most of the time anyway!)

Be aware though people naively believe that Mañana is a password, which when spoken, means the necessity for compliance with any of the country's laws, is not really necessary allowing them to put off indefinitely those things which cannot really wait. If this is what you want from Spain take note - things are now changing. As each year passes, Spain takes on more of the characteristics of its Northern European partners. With each year seeing new laws to make more accountable the activities of those concerned with driving, car ownership, banking, insurance, employment, companies and anything else which the Spanish Government and Brussels feel are worthy of their attention.

Whether your intention is to buy a holiday home or make Spain your permanent residence, there are things you need to know and things you will have to do if you are to achieve your aim without too many serious problems. Unlike a couple or so years ago, these can no longer be ignored. Actually they could be if only for a while but almost certainly will be to your disadvantage and expense. But before we put you off the idea altogether take comfort from the fact that the vast majority of foreign residents comply easily with the requirements of Spanish law and its bureaucracy and are left alone to enjoy their lives under the Spanish sun. For however long they choose.