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Study, work, housing, business

Italians in Spain

Italians are one of the largest foreign communities in Spain: from Barcelona and Madrid to the Canaries and Balearics, here is how they live and what you need to settle.

Spain has long been one of Italians' favourite destinations abroad, thanks to cultural closeness, an easy-to-learn language, the climate and quality of life. Today hundreds of thousands of Italians live here, one of the country's largest foreign communities, from young professionals and families to entrepreneurs and retirees. See also moving to Spain.

Where they live

  • Barcelona, the city with the largest Italian community, strongly present in food, design, research and start-ups.
  • Madrid, for work in large companies, finance and services.
  • The Canary Islands, especially southern Tenerife, with Arona and Adeje, home to tens of thousands of Italians, many retirees and tourism workers, as well as Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
  • The Balearics, especially Ibiza and Formentera.
  • Valencia and the Costa Blanca, increasingly popular for their lower cost of living.
  • Málaga and the Costa del Sol.

Documents

As EU citizens, Italians need no visa, but anyone staying more than three months must register:

  • The EU citizen registration certificate, issued by the police or foreigners' office, which includes the NIE, the foreigner identification number needed to work, open a bank account, sign a lease or buy property. You must show a job, sufficient means and health insurance, or student status.
  • Empadronamiento, registration on the town's residents' register, the padrón, required for many services from schools to healthcare.
  • AIRE registration, the Registry of Italians Resident Abroad, compulsory by law for anyone moving for over twelve months: it is done online via the Italian Foreign Ministry portal and allows postal voting and consular services.
  • An Italian driving licence is valid in Spain; after a period of residence it may be worth exchanging it.

See also legal procedures.

Healthcare and tax

Those working in Spain pay into the Seguridad Social and can use public healthcare with their region's health card. Italian pensioners can use the S1 form for care. For tax purposes, anyone living in Spain for more than 183 days a year is usually a Spanish tax resident; Italy and Spain have a double taxation treaty. Rules change often: it is wise to consult a gestor or asesor fiscal. See healthcare in Spain and the cost of living.

Embassy, consulates and institutions

  • The Italian Embassy in Madrid.
  • The Consulates General in Madrid and Barcelona, with honorary consulates and consular agencies in many other cities, including the Canaries, the Balearics, Valencia, Málaga and Seville.
  • The Italian Cultural Institutes in Madrid and Barcelona, with courses, exhibitions and cinema.
  • The Italian state schools in Madrid and Barcelona, from nursery to upper secondary, and Società Dante Alighieri committees.
  • The Italian Chamber of Commerce for Spain, useful for business; see starting a business.

Practical tips

Spanish is easy for Italians, but beware of false friends; in Catalonia, the Valencian Community, the Balearics, Galicia and the Basque Country knowing the local language also helps a lot at work. Rents in big cities are high: take your time house-hunting and be wary of anyone asking for money before a viewing. Many Italian associations and online groups offer advice and meet-ups. See also working in Spain and Italy and Spain compared.