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How to Immigrate Responsibly (So You Don’t Piss Off the Locals) 🇪🇸

Let’s be real—moving to another country is a privilege, and the last thing you want to do is show up and make life harder for the people who already live there. We’ve seen it happen, and trust us—you don’t want to be “that expat.”

And actually… are you an expat or an immigrant? Because there’s a difference.
• Expat – A foreigner living abroad, often temporarily, usually from a wealthier country.
• Immigrant – Someone who moves to a new country with the intention of settling long-term and integrating into society.

If you’re moving to Spain for a better life and planning to stay, you’re an immigrant. And that’s a good thing—because real immigration means respecting the country you now call home.

So how do you move abroad without pissing off the locals? Here’s how to do immigration the right way:

✅ 1. Learn the Language (At Least the Basics!)
You don’t need to be fluent overnight, but making an effort goes a long way. Even just greeting people in Spanish and knowing basic phrases shows respect for the culture.

✅ 2. Integrate, Don’t Isolate
It’s tempting to only hang out with other expats, but if you want to be truly welcomed, get to know your neighbors, support local businesses, and actually engage with the community.

✅ 3. Don’t Expect Special Treatment
You’re in a new country—things will be different. Maybe bureaucracy is slower, customer service isn’t what you’re used to, or dinner starts at 10 PM. Go with the flow instead of constantly comparing everything to where you came from.

✅ 4. Contribute Instead of Complaining
Locals hate when newcomers move in, raise housing prices, and don’t give back. If you’re benefiting from a country’s lower cost of living, spend locally, respect the culture, and don’t just treat it as a playground for your expat life.

✅ 5. Follow the Laws (Yes, Even the Annoying Ones)
Whether it’s registering your residency, paying taxes, or following visa rules, don’t assume you can just bend the rules because you’re foreign. That’s how expats get a bad reputation—and even deported.

✅ 6. Don’t Just Complain About Bureaucracy—Adapt to It
Yes, Spanish paperwork can be a nightmare. But guess what? It’s a nightmare for locals too. Instead of getting frustrated, be patient, do your research, and ask for help when needed.

✅ 7. Remember—You’re a Guest, Not the Main Character
At the end of the day, Spain doesn’t exist for expats—it exists for the people who have lived here for generations. If you’re lucky enough to call it home, treat it with the respect it deserves.

🚀 Want to move to Spain the right way? Follow us for more tips, and check out our full videos on YouTube (@everythingisboffo)!