Costa Brava
Invest in real estate where a mild climate meets limitless opportunities.
Tired of long winters and short summers? Dream of a place where you can enjoy the sun by the sea without suffocating heat, where in winter you can reach the Alpine slopes in just a few hours? Welcome to Costa Brava – the perfect continuation of your Scandinavian and Baltic lifestyle.
Why Choose Costa Brava?
Spain is a warm and hospitable country where food and property prices are affordable. The cost of living here is lower than in other Western European countries. Spain’s advantages also include a stable political situation, safety, and the friendliness of the local people.
Among the challenges foreigners encounter are the hot summer and the language barrier. For comfortable living, English alone is not enough, so it’s better to start learning Spanish early. The country has a high unemployment rate, making it difficult to find employment. However, for remote workers, freelancers, and qualified specialists, this is not a problem.
The EU approved the establishment of a new unified work and residence permit in April 2024. Member states must implement it within two years.
Cost of Living 685 € (Detailed information about the cost of living: info (NUMBEO). Rent price from 675 € (Monthly rent for a one-room apartment (excluding utilities).
How and Where to Rent a Home
The housing market in Spain is very dynamic, so you should be prepared to pay the deposit and sign the contract immediately if you like an apartment.
Many landlords require proof of income: a suitable employment contract, bank statement, or payslips from the last 3 months. Your chances of renting a good home increase if you work for a Spanish company. If not, it is better to find a guarantor—a Spanish citizen or resident who works for a local organization.
Not all Spaniards speak English well, so it is better to prepare in advance and learn key phrases. Landlords often use WhatsApp. It is better to write messages in Spanish, for example, by using an online translator.
Banks and Cards
The Spanish bank BBVA may open accounts for new residents. Documents required to open a bank account: You will need your residence permit, foreign identification number (NIE), proof of temporary address, a bank statement from your previous country, and an employment contract or other document proving the legal origin of your funds. If you already have a Spanish residence permit, you should not encounter problems opening an account in Spain.
Initially, you can get a prepaid Correos card. It can be registered online. The necessary amount must be loaded onto the card, and the funds can then be used. The card can be topped up and cash can be withdrawn.
Cryptocurrencies
Spain has implemented a tax on cryptocurrencies.The government has approved new tax rules for cryptocurrency owners with Spanish residence permits. The tax authority now has the right to freeze and confiscate crypto assets from debtors.
All individuals residing in Spain who hold cryptocurrency assets abroad exceeding 50,000 euros in value are required to declare them. These assets will begin to be taxed with a wealth tax.
Residents who hold their cryptocurrency in wallets outside of exchange platforms must report it through the standard wealth tax declaration form.
Residents holding crypto assets on foreign platforms must declare the value of their cryptocurrency holdings abroad as of December 31, 2023, before the end of March 2024.
Muudatused tehakse ELi krüptoaktiivide turgude määruse (Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation, MiCA) kehtestamise ettevalmistamise raames.
Spain is one of the first countries where cryptocurrencies have been de facto equated with conventional financial assets for taxation and control purposes.
Is it possible to find a job in this country?
You need at least minimal Spanish language skills and good English skills. Ideally, you should be proficient in Spanish; this will open up many job opportunities for you.
Most job opportunities are in major cities, primarily in Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid.
Spain’s unemployment rate is 11.7%.
Minimum wage 1100 €
Average wage 2100 €
After receiving a job offer, you submit the documents at the Spanish consulate. After obtaining the residence and work visa, you must apply for a foreigner identity card (TIE — Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or at a local police station upon arrival in the country.
Pärast elamisloa ja tööviisa saamist peate esitama taotluse välismaalase isikutunnistuse (TIE — Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) saamiseks Hispaania välisministeeriumis või kohalikus politseijaoskonnas juba riiki saabudes.
To formalize an employment contract, you must register with the Social Security agency. This can be done at a Social Security office.
Is the country suitable for moving with children?
Spanish cultural traditions have led to many young Spaniards not rushing to leave their parents’ home. Consequently, the majority of parents are over 30 and strive to provide the best for their children. Typically, Russian children do not experience socialization problems in Spain: children are very much loved in this country, and peers in schools do not distinguish between their compatriots and children of other nationalities.
Do not forget to obtain a health card extract and vaccination certificate before departure. These are issued at the clinic where the child is registered.
The child must have their own international passport. To confirm kinship, the child’s birth certificate must be submitted.
For a minor child to travel abroad, the consent of a parent or another person (grandmother or other relatives) is required. In the case of a single mother, the original single mother certificate must be submitted.
Specifics of Applying for a Visa or Residence Permit
You must definitely apostillate your birth certificate and your marriage or divorce certificate. Copies of passport pages are required. Vaccination certificates and a medical card extract are also necessary.
Health insurance must be arranged for the child.
Kindergarten
Preschool education in Spain is divided into two stages:
- Kindergarten in Spain (Escuela Infantil) for children aged 0 to 3 years,
- Preparation classes (Aula Infantil in primary school) for children aged 3 to 6 years.
The first stage is not compulsory. Classes mostly last half a day. The second stage is already compulsory and includes teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Regardless of your situation (whether you are in the country legally or not, on a tourist visa or with a residence permit), your child has the right to education in Spain, irrespective of nationality or status. The child will be accepted even into a state kindergarten. The number of required documents is minimal.
The vaccination certificate must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Cost
175–450 €
School
School education is divided into the following stages:
- Primary education (educación primaria) for children aged 6 to 12 years,
- Compulsory secondary education (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria) for children aged 12 to 16 years,
- Bachelor’s degree (Bachillerato) – 16-17 years, a non-compulsory stage for those who wish to enter university.
In Spain, there are three types of schools:
- Public schools,
- Semi-public schools, partially funded by the Catholic Church or local municipalities. Education in such schools in Catalonia is conducted mainly in the Catalan language.
- Private schools, primarily international private schools in Spain. The most popular are English or American schools, as well as Spanish schools that offer the opportunity to obtain an International Baccalaureate diploma (A Level, IB).
Mida noorem on laps, seda lihtsam on sisse astuda. Mida vanem laps, seda rohkem peab ta läbima sisseastumiseksameid, mis muutuvad keerulisemaks. Kõige prestiižsematesse koolidesse on sageli ootenimekirjad.
Sõltumata teie olukorrast (kas viibite riigis legaalselt või mitte, turismiviisaga või elamisloaga), on teie lapsel õigus haridusele Hispaanias, sõltumata rahvusest ja staatusest. Lapse võetakse vastu isegi riiklikku kooli. Vajaminevate dokumentide hulk on minimaalne.
The vaccination certificate must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Cost
350–450 €
Colleges and Universities
Intermediate and vocational education (Formación Profesional de Grado Medio) is quite common in Spain. You can enroll with a basic education diploma (Título de Educación Secundaria).
To enter university, you need health insurance, proof of financial solvency (starting from 630 euros per month for the entire study period), and a certificate of criminal record (translated into Spanish, apostilled, and certified by a sworn translator at the Spanish consulate or in Spain). Documents must be submitted in Spain no later than 30 days before the expiration of the Schengen visa; if submitted later, the Immigration Office will not accept them.
Cost
1000–20 000€
Population – 400 thousand people
Spain is suitable for you if:
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You want to work remotely or are seeking a peaceful life: Whether you are a digital nomad, retired, or simply looking for a better work-life balance, Spain offers warmth, good food, and an inspiring environment.
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You are an enthusiastic learner of new skills and languages: Spain offers many opportunities to learn Spanish (or some regional languages), be it through in-depth language courses or fun conversation classes with locals.
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You are looking for quality and affordable higher education: Spanish universities offer a wide selection of programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels, which is an excellent opportunity for professional development.
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You have a dream to start your own business and do it in an inspiring environment: We have created a favorable environment for developing new business ideas, especially in the fields of technology, tourism, and renewable energy.
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You are ready to invest in your future in the long term: A legal residence permit can be obtained on various grounds (for example, investment, qualified worker, studies). We understand that the process may take time, and we are here to support you on this journey.
CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE!
Roman Sobtšenko
Owner of the Estonian company Harju Real Estate and a foreign real estate investor with 7 years of experience in the real estate sector.
Language: Spanish, Russian, English
Nadezhda Marel
Licensed agent and Costa Brava market expert. Specialization: new development, investment, flipping, rental.
Language: Spanish, Russian, English