8 Reasons Americans Should Think Twice Before Retiring in Spain

Spain can be a great place to retire for Americans seeking a warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and delicious cuisine. Additionally, according to the Bloomberg Global Health Index, Spain is the healthiest country in the world. The Bloomberg Global Health Index measures average life expectancy, access to clean water, and health risks such as tobacco use and high blood pressure. Spain’s excellent health is due to its high-quality healthcare system along with lifestyle factors such as the nutrient-rich Mediterranean diet and lots of exercise. While these factors make Spain an appealing place to retire, there are also some key reasons Americans should not retire in Spain. Each place in the world has unique pros and cons, and they may be different for each person. This article explores eight downsides of retiring in Spain. It is up to you to decide which of these factors are most important, and if the cons outweigh the pros.

8. The Language Barrier Can Be Challenging

One reason Americans should not retire in Spain is that it has low English proficiency, so knowing Spanish is essential. Most Americans are monolingual, with only one in five speaking a language other than English. If you are among the many Americans who do not speak Spanish, you will need to learn Spanish to effectively communicate in Spain. The good news is that Spanish is the second-most common language in the United States, with over 42 million speakers. Because Spanish is so common in the United States, there are plenty of resources available for learning Spanish. If you are motivated to learn, don’t let the language barrier stop you from moving to Spain.

7. Spain Has Gorgeous Weather, but Also Extreme Heat

While Spain is generally known for its warm and pleasant weather, it also experiences intense heat. During July of 2023, a brutal heatwave swept over Spain, shattering temperature records. Valencia, a Spanish city on the Mediterranean Sea coast, saw a record-breaking temperature of 116 °F during the heatwave. Extreme heat events also increase the risk of wildfires and droughts.

6. The Local Routine in Spain May Not Suit Retirees

Spanish routines typically involve a late dinner and staying up late, which Americans may struggle to adjust to. For those who prefer an early dinner and an equally early bedtime, you may find yourself out of sync with the locals.

5. Spanish Cuisine is Delicious but Lacks Diversity

Americans are used to a highly diverse cuisine. It’s common to find Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and Thai restaurants all in the same U.S. city block. Spain, however, has fewer food options. While Spanish cuisine is famously incredible, Americans may become bored with the lack of options. Additionally, Americans may have a harder time finding food in Spain that meets their dietary restrictions, such as vegan or gluten-free options.

4. The Cities Can Be Crowded and Noisy

Spain is celebrated for its vibrant nightlife and bustling cities, but those seeking tranquility may find it overwhelming. If you cherish quiet and cozy nights, Spain may not be the right choice for you. If, however, you are a night owl who delights in bustling crowds, Spain has much to offer.

3. Spain’s Tax System is Complex

Spain’s tax system is complicated, and Americans will likely want to meet with a tax attorney to decide if retiring in the country is right for them. Moving to Spain as an American citizen means that you will have to file taxes in both countries. Figuring out the tax system can be a headache, and it is recommended to seek professional help.

2. Spain’s Bureaucratic Systems are Slow

Spain is notorious for its slow and often confusing bureaucratic systems. It takes abundant time and patience to navigate the immigration, healthcare, and legal systems in Spain. For those who want to retire in Spain, it is recommended to look into hiring an immigration lawyer.

1. Spain’s Older Infrastructure has Limited Accessibility

The infrastructure in the United States tends to be more accessible for people with disabilities than the infrastructure in Spain. Despite Spain’s great public transportation system, not all stations have elevators. Additionally, the cobblestone streets and roads are more challenging to navigate than the smooth, paved sidewalks in the United States. Overall, Spain is not a great choice for people who need accessibility.