Being an expat in Seville: a guide to housing, work, and culture in Spain
Being an expat in Seville can be an amazing experience, but finding a job and adjusting to the unique Spanish lifestyle takes time. Read our tips to help you adapt in record time.
14 min read
Spain is one of the liveliest and most exciting countries in Europe, and Seville is an ideal place for expats to experience the country's charms. People who choose to live in Seville are often attracted by the simple, relaxed lifestyle — although living in a large Spanish city still has its share of stress.The good news: In general, the cost of living in Seville is more affordable than in other European cities such as London, Paris, or Amsterdam. The earning potential may not be as high in Seville, but many people find the warm climate and cultural richness more than make up for it. Expats who thrive in Seville tend to focus less on the potential drawbacks and more on the positives, such as:
The leisurely pace of life — people take their time to do things and enjoy themselves, such as lingering over a long meal.
The lower cost of living, especially in comparison to other large European cities.
The good transportation network and Seville’s great connection with other Andalusian cities.
Ready to learn more? The following guide covers what you need to know about being an expat in Seville so that you can adapt to your new life in record time.
The expat community in Seville
Thanks to its rich history, picturesque streets, and relaxed lifestyle, Seville is a very popular city among expats. The relatively low cost of living in Spain and the growing number of companies will likely make Seville even more attractive for expats in the coming years.So, how many expats actually live in Seville? According to figures from the Junta de Andalucía, 43,164 of Seville’s residents are expats or foreign-born. That all adds up to a robust community of people to meet and interact with, and you should have no trouble finding bars and events that cater to the expat crowd. Most social media platforms have groups created specifically for expats living in Seville, which you can easily join to meet people.
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Because you may be interested in either renting or buying, let’s look at some key facts about how both housing options work in Seville.
Basics of renting in Seville
If you’re planning to rent an apartment or a house in Seville, you can expect to pay an average of €9.90 per square meter per month, according to estimates from the Idealista portal. To give you an idea, that’s about €495/month for a 50-square-meter apartment. But that’s not all.Seville is a popular destination, and the rental market reflects this. Even so, it’s not impossible to find an apartment at a good price — you just have to search a little harder. Most rental contracts in Spain are valid for 6-12 months, although it’s generally possible to renew them for the same period.When calculating a budget for rent and moving costs, be sure to factor in a security deposit equivalent to two months' rent, plus a one-time fee of a few hundred euros if you use a real estate agency to find your home. If you want to be closer to the city center, opt for a smaller apartment. Also keep in mind that a furnished rental usually costs more than an unfurnished one — although if you choose an unfurnished place, you’ll have to budget for the furniture yourself.
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Seville may be a popular destination for expats and Spaniards alike, but don’t worry — the real estate market isn’t out of control (at least, not yet). There are good reasons to invest in a house in Seville. If you’ve decided to buy a property, the average price of housing in Seville as of 2023 is €1,523 per square meter, according to the Idealista portal.As with renting, the price to buy a house can vary dramatically depending on the area. The most expensive houses and apartments tend to be located in affluent neighborhoods, such as Centro and Nervión.You could limit your property search to less expensive areas such as Macarena, Cerro-Amate, or other districts further away from the center.Buying a house in Seville can make a lot of sense for those who are in love with the local culture and know they want to live here for many years. But you have to go into the decision with your eyes open. When comparing prices, think beyond just the purchase price of the house. You should also take into account the financing costs and other expenses that you may have to pay when purchasing property, such as hiring a real estate agent to help you find a home, a surveyor to inspect the building, and a lawyer to make sure the paperwork is in order.
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The most popular and in-demand neighborhoods in Seville are:
Triana: Recently revitalized, this neighborhood has a high number of new houses, but also is more popular with tourists.
Los Remedios: The major draw here are the luxury stores — and the water sports, thanks to the nearby Guadalquivir River.
Nervión: The most commercial district of Seville, it’s located in the eastern part of the city.
The Prado de San Sebastián area: The neighborhood around the Prado de San Sebastián bus station is known for its tree-lined promenades, open-air bars, and great atmosphere.
La Macarena: This area is famous for its alternative style and retro clothing and book stores.
Have you picked your new neighborhood yet? Use our moving calculator to know exactly how much you need for everything to go smoothly.
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Seville is home to a growing network of companies, so job opportunities are much easier to find than ever before. Booming sectors such as commerce and agriculture make Seville a particularly attractive place to look for work. In fact, companies like Bida Farma and Heineken are always on the lookout for local talent.
Getting a residence permit for Seville for non-European expats
One major difficulty for some people wanting to live in Spain: residency status. If you’re not an EU citizen and you want to move to Seville for work, you’ll most likely have to find a job and a company to sponsor your residence permit or visa. Expats have to complete a number of formalities when they arrive in Spain. Before moving to Seville, it’s best to familiarize yourself with what you need to do.
Getting a residence permit for Seville for expats from the EU
If you come from an EU member country, you’ll have no problem settling in Seville, although you’ll still have to complete some formalities.
Expat salary expectations in Seville
If you’re imagining getting a job in Spain with a large salary, you may need to rethink your expectations. Compared to other major European economies, such as France and Germany, the average base salary in Spain is not very high.According to the Spanish Statistical Office, the average base salary in Seville is €23,154 per year, which is equivalent to an average hourly rate of €10.96. This is lower than the average base salary across the rest of Spain, which is €25,896 per year.If you’re looking for a job in Seville, keep in mind that a place can seem more or less expensive depending on how much money you earn. If you can, negotiate a salary that equals or exceeds the average salary in Seville.
Cost of living in Seville
Living in a city like Seville doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically save more money. People who live in Seville tend to earn higher salaries than their suburban or rural counterparts — but they also tend to pay more for essentials such as rent and food. Seville in particular is known for its high prices for attractions and activities, especially anything that’s connected to the tourism industry. It can also be pricey in terms of housing. Although it’s cheaper than other cities in Spain, Seville continues to be one of the more expensive areas.Keep in mind that the cost of living in Seville includes not only essentials, but also activities that allow you to really explore the local scene. If you’re looking for a quick way to balance your main expenses, check out our 50/30/20 calculator, designed to help you divide your income among three major categories: basic needs, disposable income and savings/debts. Or, input your specific expenses into our monthly budget calculator to get a clearer idea of your monthly spending.
Healthcare in Seville
Healthcare in Spain is free and generally high quality, but you’ll have to register with the Social Security system in order to access it. There are different ways to do this, depending on where you live and what your situation is. Check out our complete guide on how to register for Social Security in Spain, which includes everything an expat living in Seville needs to know.
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If you plan to study in Seville as an expat and you already speak Spanish, you probably won’t have any difficulties. In Seville, you can also choose to study other languages such as English, French, or German. Looking for a study program in Seville in Spanish? We recommend exploring the programs of the best universities in Seville, including:
University of Seville: The oldest university institution in the city, it’s the third largest in Spain in terms of number of students.
Universidad Pablo de Olavide: Founded in 1997, this is the second public university in the city and has almost 12,000 students.
Universidad Internacional de Andalucía: This university only offers postgraduate, master’s, doctoral, and specialized training programs.