Last Updated on May 3, 2024 by Laila Oliveira
Have you ever considered living in Seville, Spain, as an expat or a digital nomad? This city in Southern Spain is also known as the “Pearl of Andalusia.” It’s a dazzling place rich in culture that offers foreigners an ideal quality of life. What is it about this city that makes it so ideal?
Seville offers a delightful blend of history, modernity, and an unparalleled quality of life. As you walk through the charming streets lined with colorful buildings and lively bars, it’s hard not to look in awe.
In this article, we’ll explore what it’s like to live in Seville as an expat and provide you with all the information you need. Starting from what expat communities live there to the exciting nightlife highlights in Seville. Happy reading!
What is living in Seville like?
Living in Seville, the enchanting capital of Andalusia, is an experience that will captivate your heart and soul. As an expat in Seville, you’ll find yourself immersed in a vibrant culture that celebrates life, art, and passion.
From the moment you arrive, the city’s warm embrace will make you feel right at home.
The city’s stunning architecture, with its Moorish influences and grand palaces like the Alcázar of Seville, will take your breath away.
A factor that keeps expats interested in the city is being able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The cost of living in Seville is surprisingly affordable compared to other major European cities. Whether you rent a cozy apartment in the city center or explore delightful neighborhoods like Triana or Santa Cruz.
Seville’s warm and welcoming community will make you feel like you belong from day one. The locals are known for their friendliness and enthusiasm for life. You’ll quickly find yourself making new friends and embracing the Sevillian way of life.
Get ready to experience the city’s vibrant festivals, such as the Seville Fair and Semana Santa (Holy Week).
Neighborhoods in Seville
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to call home in Seville, you’ll have a lot to choose from.
Each area has its unique charm and character, catering to different lifestyles and preferences.
Whether you’re seeking the historical allure of Santa Cruz, the vibrant atmosphere of Triana, or the modern conveniences of Nervión, Seville has a neighborhood that will steal your heart.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a neighborhood that will transport you back in time. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with beautiful, whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers and wrought-iron balconies.
As you explore Santa Cruz, you’ll stumble upon hidden plazas, charming tapas bars, and iconic landmarks. The most common ones are the Alcázar of Seville and the Seville Cathedral.
Living in this enchanting neighborhood means being surrounded by history and romance at every turn:
- Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Jewish Quarter;
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the tapas bars and flamenco venues;
- Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Alcázar and the Cathedral.
Triana
Triana is the place for you if you’re looking for a neighborhood with a distinct personality and a strong sense of community. Located on the west bank of the Guadalquivir River, Triana is known for its vibrant flamenco scene, delicious tapas, and lively street life.
As an expat living in Triana, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Sevillian lifestyle.
Stroll along the riverbank, visit the famous Triana Market, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Nervión
Nervión offers a modern and convenient lifestyle for expats living in Seville.
Located just east of the city center, this neighborhood perfectly balances residential comfort and urban amenities. This makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a more contemporary living experience.
As a resident of Nervión, you’ll have easy access to a wide range of shopping centers, parks, and excellent public transportation.
The neighborhood is also home to the impressive Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, where you can immerse yourself in the passion and excitement of local football matches and cheer on Sevilla FC alongside devoted fans.
Who lives in Seville?
The city welcomes expats of all ages and backgrounds, including young professionals and digital nomads seeking new adventures to retirees looking to enjoy their golden years under the warm Sevillian sun.
You’ll encounter a mix of nationalities, including the British, Americans, Germans, and French. Most expats fall in love with Seville’s irresistible charm and laid-back lifestyle:
- Young professionals and digital nomads seeking new adventures;
- Retirees looking to enjoy their golden years under the warm Sevillian sun;
- International students studying in local universities.
As mentioned above, Seville is also home to a thriving student population. All thanks to the prestigious University of Seville and Pablo de Olavide University, this academic institution is one of the universities eyed by foreign exchange students.
These institutions attract international students from around the world, adding to the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and youthful energy.
Why are expats moving to Seville?
Seville has become an increasingly popular destination for expats, and it’s not hard to see why.
With its affordable cost of living, relaxed pace of life, and thriving digital nomad scene, the city offers a unique and attractive lifestyle for those looking to start a new chapter abroad.
Let’s explore the top 3 reasons why Seville is one of the best cities in Spain!
Low Cost of Living
One of the main draws of living in Seville is its affordable living cost compared to other major European cities.
You can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank, whether renting a charming apartment in the city center or indulging in the city’s delicious cuisine.
From affordable housing and groceries to budget-friendly leisure activities, Seville allows you to stretch your money further.
You’ll find that dining out, exploring the city’s attractions, and even enjoying a night out on the town are all within reach, even on a modest budget.
Below is an overview of how much an average person could spend living in Seville:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rental Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | €880 |
| Rental Apartment (1 bedroom) outside City Centre | €633 |
| Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | €146 |
| Monthly Transport Card | €35 |
| Internet | €33 |
| Average Restaurant Meal | €12 |
Data is from Numbeo (as of May 2024).
Relaxed Pace of Life
Seville has a laid-back atmosphere and relaxed pace of life, which is a refreshing change for many expats and digital nomads from fast-paced cities.
The city embraces the concept of “siesta,” where shops and businesses close for a few hours in the afternoon, allowing you to take a break and recharge.
This slower pace encourages you to savor the moments. Whether it’s lingering over a delicious meal with friends, strolling through the city’s picturesque streets, or simply soaking up the warm Andalusian sun in a park.
Living in Seville teaches you to appreciate the little things and find joy in the present moment.
Working as a Digital Nomad in Seville
Seville has become a hub for digital nomads, offering a perfect blend of work and play.
The city provides an ideal environment for remote workers with its reliable internet connectivity, affordable living costs, and vibrant café culture.
You’ll find plenty of cozy cafes and co-working spaces where you can set up your laptop and get to work while enjoying the city’s inspiring atmosphere.
When it’s time to take a break, you can easily step outside and immerse yourself in Seville’s rich history, stunning architecture, and lively tapas scene.
The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa
We’ve talked a lot about why digital nomads love Seville, but how do they make it possible for themselves to live there?
This is where the real fun begins. The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa offers adventurous remote workers to live in Spain for up to 1 year. After which there’s an option to renew it every year for five years.
The Digital Nomad Visa was introduced in 2023 to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign investment. And any non-EU and EEA national can apply for it.
It’s important to note that you must meet the criteria to be able to live and work in Spain. The minimum income requirement for this type of Visa is €2,140 per month, which you can prove through payslips, work contracts, or bank statements.
You must also compile and present a valid Passport, the DN Visa application form, criminal record certificate, and other documentation as required.
To learn more information and start your process, get in touch with experts from Viv Europe! Our team has years of experience to turn your digital nomad dream into a reality.
- Check out our article on the Spain Digital Nomad Visa for some more basic details.
Expat communities and social life in Seville
Seville boasts a thriving expat community, making connecting with like-minded individuals worldwide easy.
Whether you want to make new friends or network, you’ll find many opportunities to build relationships in Seville. From language exchanges and expat meetups to cultural events and festivals, Seville offers various activities that unite people.
You can join clubs and organizations that align with your interests, volunteer for local causes, or simply converse with friendly locals in a tapas bar.
As an expat in Seville, you’ll never feel alone, as the city’s warm and welcoming atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community.
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Buying a property in Seville
If you wish to settle for good, you might consider buying a property in Seville.
In Andalucia, the province where Seville is located, the price per square meter ranges from €2090 /m2 with a quarterly variation of + 1.5%. In comparison to other provinces in Spain, such as Madrid Comunidad and Cataluna, it is cheaper to buy a property in Andalucia.
Here’s the best part: buying a property in Seville can actually help you qualify for a Spanish Golden Visa. Spain is one of the last few European countries to offer real estate investments for the Golden Visa.
To qualify for this Visa, investors must invest a minimum of €500,000 in any form of real estate. This can be residential, commercial, or a mix of both properties.
| Province | Price per m2 |
|---|---|
| Andalucia | €2090 /m2 |
| Cataluña (Barcelona, etc.) | €2,352 /m2 |
| Madrid Comunidad (Madrid, etc.) | €3,331 /m2 |
- Explore your Golden Visa options further; check out our article Spain Golden Visa: Complete Guide To Investing In 2024.
Renting a flat in Seville
When renting a flat in Seville, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your budget and preferences. From charming apartments in the historic city center to modern flats in trendy neighborhoods like Triana or Nervión, there’s something for everyone.
As you search for your perfect rental, keep in mind that the cost of living in Seville is relatively affordable compared to other major European cities.
You can expect to find reasonable rental prices, especially if you’re willing to live a bit further from the city center.
A decent one-bedroom flat in Seville costs around €650 to €700 monthly. Depending on your budget, you can live close to the city center or away from it.
Is it better to live in Seville or Madrid?
Whether you choose to live in Seville or Madrid ultimately depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
Both cities offer unique experiences and have their own distinct charms, but Seville tends to be more appealing for expats seeking a laid-back atmosphere and a lower cost of living.
Let’s compare Seville and Madrid for you; take a look:
- Cost of living: Seville is generally more affordable than Madrid, especially regarding housing, food, and entertainment;
- Job opportunities: Madrid offers a broader range of job prospects, particularly in finance, technology, and international business;
- Lifestyle: Seville is known for its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, while Madrid is more fast-paced and energetic;
- Weather: Seville has a warmer climate, with mild winters and hot summers, while Madrid experiences more extreme temperatures and occasional snow in winter.
Is living in Seville better than living in Barcelona?
Similar to Madrid, living in Seville or Barcelona is a matter of personal preference and what you value most in a city.
Seville is a little less known in the expat community – which is one reason why digital nomads love it so much. The city is famous for its history, tapas, and friendly locals, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that many expats find irresistible.
On the other hand, Barcelona is a larger, more cosmopolitan city with a thriving expat community. It offers a wider range of job opportunities, particularly in the tech and startup sectors, and boasts world-class attractions like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Here’s another similar comparison for Seville and Barcelona:
- Cost of living: Seville is generally more affordable than Barcelona, particularly regarding housing and daily expenses;
- Job opportunities: Barcelona has a more robust job market, especially in the tech and startup sectors, while Seville offers more opportunities in tourism and education;
- Lifestyle: Seville is known for its laid-back, relaxed lifestyle, while Barcelona is more fast-paced and energetic.
Safety living in Seville
You’ll be pleased to know that Seville is generally a very safe city, with low crime rates compared to other major European destinations. As an expat living in Seville, you can feel secure walking around the city, even at night, thanks to the well-lit streets and friendly local community.
Of course, as with any city, it is always a good idea to take basic precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Below is a brief comparison of European cities and Seville in terms of crime and peace index, according to Numbeo:
| City | Crime Index | Peace Index |
|---|---|---|
| Paris, France | 57.9 | 42.1 |
| London, United Kingdom | 54.5 | 45.5 |
| Seville, Spain | 33.2 | 66.8 |
| Rome, Italy | 50.5 | 49.5 |
| Berlin, Germany | 44.2 | 55.8 |
Pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
Seville’s local authorities work hard to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
The city has a visible police presence, particularly in popular areas, and emergency services are readily available should you need assistance.
The healthcare system in Seville
As an expat living in Seville, you’ll have access to a high-quality healthcare system that ensures your well-being is taken care of.
Spain’s public healthcare system, known as the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS), provides comprehensive medical coverage to all residents. This includes expats who are registered and contributing to social security.
To access the public healthcare system, you’ll need to obtain your social security number and health card (tarjeta sanitaria) from your local health center.
Once you have these, you can visit doctors, specialists, and hospitals within the public system for free or at a minimal cost.
What is nightlife like in Seville?
The vibrant, diverse, and energetic nightlife in Seville, Spain, offers something for every taste and preference.
As the sun sets, the city comes alive with many bars, clubs, and live music venues, each contributing to the lively atmosphere that makes Seville’s nights unforgettable.
One of Seville’s most popular nightlife activities is the famous tapas crawl. Locals and expats enjoy hopping from one tapas bar to another, sampling delicious small plates, and sipping on cold cañas (draft beers) or glasses of Rioja wine.
The narrow streets of the Santa Cruz and Triana neighborhoods are lined with countless tapas bars, each with its own unique charm and specialties. Seville has no shortage of clubs and music venues for those seeking a more upbeat and danceable nightlife experience.
From the trendy bars in the Alameda de Hércules area to the lively clubs near La Cartuja, you’ll find various music styles, from electronic and house to Latin rhythms and local Sevillana music.
Working in Seville
As an expat working in Seville, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build a successful career while enjoying the city’s laid-back lifestyle. Seville’s economy is diverse, with a strong focus on tourism, services, and technology.
If you’re fluent in English, you may find opportunities in the thriving language education sector. There is a high demand for English teachers in schools and language academies throughout the city.
Additionally, the tourism industry offers a wide range of jobs, from hotel management to tour guiding.
For those with skills in technology and digital marketing, Seville has a growing startup scene and is home to several innovative companies. The city also attracts remote workers and digital nomads who appreciate the excellent quality of life and affordable cost of living.
Education in Seville
The city’s education system is known for its high-quality standards and a strong emphasis on language learning, particularly English.
If you have school-age children, you can choose between public schools, free for residents, and private schools, which often offer bilingual or trilingual education.
International schools, such as the British School of Seville and the American School of Seville, provide curricula based on their respective countries’ education systems and are popular among expat families.
For higher education, Seville is home to several renowned universities, including the University of Seville and Pablo de Olavide University.
These institutions offer various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, many of which are taught in English, attracting international students worldwide.
How can a foreigner move to Seville?
Moving to Seville as a foreigner is an exciting adventure but requires some planning and preparation. The first step is to determine your visa requirements based on your nationality. Then, your purpose of stay and intended length of stay in Spain.
If you’re an EU citizen, you can live and work in Spain without a visa. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you must take an additional step: register with the local authorities and obtain a residence certificate.
Non-EU citizens will need to apply for the appropriate Visa depending on their situation. Some options are the student visa, work visa, or non-lucrative Visa. The application process can be complex, so it’s essential to research the requirements and gather all the necessary documents before applying:
- Check the visa requirements based on your nationality and purpose of stay;
- Gather all required documents, such as proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation;
- Submit your visa application at the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.
Once your Visa is sorted out, you can start planning your move to Seville.
Is it worth living in Seville?
Now, you might ask, is it worth living in Seville?
Living in Seville is an experience that will capture your heart and enrich your soul. Its warm embrace will make you feel right at home, especially when you finally get along with the local communities.
Furthermore, living in Seville means you do not have to worry about the rush and stress brought upon by the metropolitan lifestyle in big cities and urban centers. Seville allows you to switch to a relaxing yet fulfilling lifestyle.
Also, the city’s affordability and exceptional quality of life make it an attractive destination for expats. You’ll find that your money goes further here, allowing you to enjoy the city’s delicious cuisine, lively social scene, and cultural attractions without breaking the bank.
Do you need help moving to Seville?
Are you starting to consider making the move to Seville? You’ll be happy to know that numerous resources and services are available to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Viv Europe is here to provide all the assistance you need to fulfill your dream of living in Seville. Whether you want to apply for a Digital Nomad or Spanish Golden Visa, our team of specialists is here to assist you with your journey towards moving to the Pearl of Andalusia.
Book a consultation with our relocation experts to learn more info and get started on your dream relocation journey now!
