Moving to Marbella: A Practical Guide On What To Expect And Prepare For
The literal meaning of Marbella is beautiful.
Marbella is a dream holiday destination in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. Nestled on the sunny Costa del Sol, this luxurious coastal city is framed by golden beaches and the stunning Sierra Blanca mountains. Its breathtaking views, vibrant culture, world-class resorts, thriving economy and laid-back atmosphere make it a popular choice for many UK citizens looking for a new place to call home.
If you are planning a move to Marbella, either for work, study, or retirement, this comprehensive guide will help you discover everything this charming city has to offer.
Let’s dive into what makes Marbella an ideal fit for your expat lifestyle.
Post-Brexit Requirements
Post-Brexit, UK citizens now need a Spanish visa to remain in Spain beyond the 90-day visa-free limit. You also need a residency and employment work visa to live and work legally in Spain.
Other Requirements
In addition, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with Spanish customs procedures to understand what belongings you can bring. You can seek guidance from Gentlevan Removals for this in order to ensure a smooth, hassle-free transition.
You will also need:
- Proof of permanent address in Spain, such as a lease contract or certification of accommodation by a relative, friend, or colleague
- NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) or a Foreigner Identification Number
- TIE (Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) or a foreigner ID card
- Private health insurance
- Proof of employment, such as a certified Contract of Employment
- Empadronamiento or registration with the local municipality, which you need to apply for within three months of your arrival
- Spanish bank account to make local payments easy and convenient
Economy and Job Market
The local economy in Marbella is primarily driven by the service, real estate, tourism and hospitality sectors, supported by the high disposable income of their markets. Together, these sectors account for nearly 60% of local jobs.
Other fields like trade, construction and agriculture are also active employers. However, short-term or seasonal employment opportunities typically come from the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Wage and Benefits
The average base salary in Marbella is €34,000 annually (around €16 per hour). As a legal employee in Spain, you will be eligible for the Social Security System. Your payroll deductions will contribute to benefits such as healthcare, pensions, accident insurance, disability coverage and unemployment benefits.
Work Hours and Culture
Spain’s standard working hours is 40 hours per week (maximum of 48 work hours or 9 hours per day). Compared to big cities like London or Madrid, Marbella has a more laid-back approach to work (longer lunch breaks!). As for a work-life balance, it’s not just a buzzword— it’s a lifestyle!
English is also widely understood in touristy areas. However, knowing key Spanish phrases would be an advantage when looking to get hired or providing good customer service.
You can find job listings online via RecruitSpain and ThinkSpain or in local newspapers that are available in Spanish and English.
Education
Marbella has several excellent schools for local and expat students, including international schools, private schools, bilingual daycare and kindergarten schools.
Some expats also choose to send their children to Spanish state schools for easier local integration and culture and language learning.
There is no shortage of first-rate educational institutions in Marbella, some of which operate under the British National curriculum.
Climate and Environment
Marbella has a Mediterranean climate with an average temperature of 17.3 degrees Celsius. Spring is from April to June, summer is from July to August, autumn is from September to November and winter is from December to March.
The warmest month is August, with an average temperature of 24.7 degrees, while the coldest month is January — with an average temperature of 11.2 degrees. January is also the rainiest month and July is the driest.
Marbella is also blessed with natural beauty. Its diverse wildlife and lush vegetation create the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Whether you're watching migratory birds, hiking through scenic trails, or surfing its pristine shores, Marbella offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore.
Housing
Rental costs in central Marbella are more expensive than in other towns or coastal cities in Spain. For cost-effectiveness, we recommend you opt for a home away from the centre or the coast. If cost is not a concern and you want proximity to shops, restaurants and the beach, you can live in the town centre, where prices can range from €800 to over €1,000 per month.
If you prefer a more exclusive and upscale setting, The Golden Mile is where luxurious beachfront properties can be found. You can expect to pay €1,200 for small apartments and over €3,000 per month for villas.
For more laid-back neighbourhoods, you can check out the areas of Nueva Andalucia and San Pedro de Alcantara. However, rental prices will vary based on location, size and home features. Rental costs for studio or one-bedroom units can range from €600-1,200. There are also some rural areas on the outskirts of the city where prices are cheaper — such as Coin, Monda and Benahavis.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Marbella is relatively low. Especially when compared to London, you will find rent, groceries, utilities and transport costs less.
Here’s a recent price guide:
- A cup of cappuccino for €2
- 1-way ticket for local transport for €2
- A McDonalds meal for €9
- A kilo of chicken fillet for €7.60
- A dozen eggs for €2.01
- A loaf of bread for €1.10
- A bottle of red wine for €5.93
Healthcare
Spain has a robust healthcare system that offers both public and private services. Foreign workers with social security eligibility can avail themselves of free healthcare services. For this, you will need to present your passport, residency visa, work permits and a health insurance certificate or a document from the UK government that declares your eligibility during your stay in Spain.
Crime Rate
Marbella has a moderate crime rate, with a crime index of 50.06. Common offences in the area include drug-related crimes, vandalism and theft. While crime has seen a recent uptick, the overall risk in Marbella is comparable to that of larger cities like London. It is generally safe to walk alone at night, with daytime safety being particularly high.
Disadvantages of Moving to Marbella
No city is perfect, even if it has oodles of charm and many days of pleasant weather. The common struggle for expats in Marbella and Spain, in general, is navigating its bureaucracy and the difficulty of integrating into society.
The language barrier, especially where English is not widely spoken, could make it hard to engage and transact. We are talking about things like opening bank accounts, buying items, or hiring services. It is recommended that you learn some basic Spanish for smoother local integration.
Hassle-Free Relocation to Spain
Let Gentlevan Removals help with your smooth transition as you make your home in lovely Marbella. We offer reliable full or partial packing, overseas shipping and safe storage solutions — so you won’t have to feel overwhelmed by the logistics of your move.
With over 13 years of professional service and expertise in local and EU removals, you can rest assured that all your possessions are taken care of and safely shipped door to door. You can rely on us to provide excellent, cost-efficient service.
Contact us today or request a free online quote so we can help you prepare for your big move!