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Spain Offers An Attractive Lifestyle, With Shorter Working Hours And Safety In The Streets. Discover What It Is Like To Live In One Of The Most Desired European Destinations.
Have you thought about leaving everything behind and moving to a country that values both leisure and work?
Indeed, Spain has increasingly attracted Brazilians seeking a better quality of life and different work conditions.
However, there is much more behind this move than just beautiful beaches and pleasant weather.
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The shorter workweek, with 40 hours compared to Brazil’s 44 hours, is just the beginning.
Moreover, during the summer, workers enjoy even more flexible hours, allowing them to leave earlier and enjoy the sun.
But does this scenario really outweigh the challenges of adaptation and the high costs of housing?
Brazilians In Spain: Balance Between Work And Leisure
According to Brazilians living in Spain, the country has been a promising destination.
Felipe Ormiga, who works in tourism in Madrid, highlights that life in the country has brought more balance between work and leisure.
However, he and his wife, Renata Pinaffi, also faced initial obstacles.
Although Spain is welcoming to legalized foreigners, the job market is strict with those who try to work without documents.
The fine for companies that hire illegal employees can reach 20,000 euros, equivalent to over 120,000 reais, as Ormiga informed to Estadão newspaper.
Dynamic Job Market And High Opportunities
However, the Spanish job market is dynamic, especially in sectors like tourism and technology, where demand is constant.
For legal immigrants, the job offers, mainly in general services and technology, are wide, as the couple states.
Tourism, in particular, has been a way out for many Brazilians seeking to enter the Spanish job market.
Challenges For Those Seeking A Better Life In Spain
Peterson Bruno, 26, shares a slightly different experience.
He left Goiânia and now works as a welder in Burgos, Spain, but resides in Portugal.
Every 15 days, he crosses the border to avoid documentation issues.
Peterson pays 351 euros for a rented room, a high price compared to the cost of living in Portugal, but he offsets it with low prices for other items, such as food.
Spain And Brazil: A Population And Market Comparison
Spain has a population of 47.6 million inhabitants, which represents 23.4% of Brazil’s population.
This population discrepancy is also reflected in the job market, which is leaner, but with attractive opportunities for those with specific skills, such as welders, boilermakers, and locksmiths, who are in high demand.
Despite this, salaries may not be as high as in other Western European countries.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the minimum wage in Spain is around 1,080 euros per month, equivalent to 6,548 reais.
Quality Of Life In Spain: Safety And Education In The Spotlight
Another factor that makes Spain a standout destination is the quality of life.
Bruno mentions that he feels safe walking the streets with his cell phone visible, a peace of mind that is hard to find in Brazil.
Additionally, public schools in the country have an excellent reputation, often scoring higher than private institutions, which attracts parents concerned about their children’s education.
Stories Of Overcoming And Adapting To The Spanish Lifestyle
Rosemary Moraes, 58, also saw her life change after moving to Spain in 2009.
She decided to stay in the country even after a troubled relationship with a Spaniard.
She started as a caregiver for the elderly and, over time, regularized her situation.
Today, she works as a commercial manager at an immigration agency, España Fácil, where she has been for eight years.
But not everything is rosy.
Adapting to Spanish traditions, such as the famous siesta, can be challenging for Brazilians.
“From two to five in the afternoon, everything closes,” jokes Moraes.
This extended break is a hallmark of local lifestyle, allowing workers to rest in the middle of the day.
Another deeply ingrained tradition is the month of August, when many businesses close for vacation.
Housing Challenges And Prejudice Faced By Brazilians
The challenges with housing and prejudice are also a reality.
Moraes comments that the stigma against Brazilians still exists.
“Unfortunately, they think that every Brazilian woman is a prostitute and every man is a football player”, she revealed to the Estadão newspaper.
However, efficient public transport and robust infrastructure compensate for these issues, making mobility in the country much more accessible.
Cost Of Living: Is It Worth It?
When considering a move to Spain, the cost of living is a decisive factor.
Although salaries are not among the highest in Europe, purchasing power is relatively good, especially for items like food and transportation.
The major villain, according to Brazilians, is rent, which tends to be expensive throughout Europe.
However, those who can balance this cost with the available salaries can live comfortably, as Pinaffi highlights.
Is It Worth Leaving Brazil And Trying Life In Spain?
The question that remains is: with so many advantages and challenges, is it worth it for Brazilians to leave Brazil and try life in Spain?
Does the dream of a shorter workday, greater quality of life, and a more flexible work environment compensate for the obstacles encountered along the way? Leave your opinion in the comments! See you next time!
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