The number of foreigners increased by 49,612 people during 2021, to a total of 5,417,883 on 1 January 2022, according to the latest statistics from the National Statistics Institute. The average age of the foreign population is close to 40 years old. Spain has become an entrepreneurial paradise for young people and a place to rest for retired people. Nowadays there are many ways to take up residence in another country and both young and old can take advantage of this.

Many young people used to come to Spain directly with a student visa. Now, things are changing. It will no longer be necessary to have a job in Spain for them to be able to reside. The new nomad visa for Spain allows you to work remotely while enjoying the Mediterranean climate.

But what are the reasons why the number of foreign residents in Spain is growing every year?

The Mediterranean climate

It is undeniable that one of the main reasons why foreigners decide to start a second life in Spain is its climate, mainly the Mediterranean.

Retired people, after years of working, decide to apply for the non-lucrative visa to reside in Spain.

Spain is a sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Temperatures are mild but there are still differences between the seasons and the different areas of the country. However, in many places, the temperatures allow you to enjoy the outdoors almost all day long, such as the Costa Blanca.

For young people from colder climates it is a good opportunity to work for the same company in their home country but remotely in Spain. Here they can enjoy beaches and mountains all year round.

However, some people prefer a colder climate – no problem! One of the main advantages of the Spanish territory is its diversity of landscapes. If you prefer to enjoy a more humid and rainy climate, the north will be the perfect place for you.

Cultural richness

Wherever you go, Spain has history. In every corner of a town or city, there is something that needs to be told.

Spain offers a wealth of traditions and monuments, making it an attraction for tourists and residents alike.

It is a country rich in languages and cultures with 5 other languages coexisting alongside Spanish: Catalan, Valencian, Galician, Basque and Aranese.

Volvanes, natural parks, mosques, cathedrals and mountains. Spain has the most beautiful of all monuments.
Spain is a nation that, since its origins, has been built on many different groups, all of them with their peculiarities and differences.

A gastronomy known all over the world

Another of the fundamental elements that Spain has for foreigners is the exquisite gastronomy that can be found in every part of the country.

In each city or town there are various gastronomic specialities which, although different, use local ingredients to give a modern touch to traditional recipes and turn them into authentic international dishes.

Thus, dishes such as Extremaduran ham, paella, potato omelette or Galician seafood should not be forgotten.

One of the best countries for entrepreneurship

GEM considers Spain to be one of the best developed countries in Europe for entrepreneurship. It has become the destination for foreigners coming from countries whose markets are saturated. Thus, startups are the main generators of employment in the country.

In addition to generating employment, according to the OECD study, Spaniards work 36.4 hours, which places them in twelfth place in the ranking.

As you have just read, there are many reasons why Spain has become a paradise for young entrepreneurs and retirees. Are you going to miss the great opportunity to get to know this country?