From the city of Lugo in Galicia, TikTok user @walkys__ has shared a new video where she discusses three key insights she wishes she had before relocating to Spain. Her reflections add to a series of videos she's been posting since her arrival in Europe, capturing her experiences as a newcomer. "Here are three things I would have loved to know before moving," she begins in the video, posted just hours ago.
Having spent a little over a month in Spain, Walkys first points out the sluggishness of the bureaucracy: "Paperwork, permits, and registration processes require time and patience. It's not impossible, but you definitely need to brace yourself, especially in July and August." She explains that during these months, many offices operate on reduced hours and staffing due to vacations.
The second challenge she highlights is the cultural clash, particularly concerning language: "Even though we speak the same language, we don't use the same words." She elaborates, noting common differences like "patata" instead of "papa" and "autobús" for "guagua," but also mentions less obvious terms such as "pomo" and "jaba," which are "botella" and "bolsa" in Spain.
Lastly, Walkys emphasizes the importance of having a solid savings before emigrating: "The initial months are the most expensive. Money quickly goes towards rent, transportation, paperwork, and everything you need upon arrival because, of course, you're starting from scratch."
In the video comments, others shared their experiences. "Emigrating is the hardest thing," one user wrote, while another noted, "The first year is truly exhausting." There were also welcoming messages from residents in Lugo and numerous expressions of support, to which Walkys responded with gratitude.
This latest content builds on two previous videos that also caught attention online. In one posted on August 8, Walkys discussed seven surprises she encountered upon arriving in Spain, such as window shutters, organized recycling bins, scented trash bags, and sunlight lasting until 10 p.m.
In a more recent video, she recounted how she emigrated with her husband and daughter thanks to the Democratic Memory Law, which enabled her husband to acquire Spanish citizenship and her to receive a family community visa. "Thanks to that law [...] we were able to travel together to Spain," she said at the time.
On her TikTok profile, @walkys__ continues to document her adaptation journey with a warm and thoughtful tone. "Tell me, if you've already emigrated, what do you wish you had known beforehand? I'm reading your comments," she concludes in her latest video.
Insights on Emigrating to Spain
What is the main challenge of bureaucracy in Spain for newcomers?
One of the primary challenges is the slow pace of processing paperwork, permits, and registrations, which requires patience, especially during the summer months when offices may have reduced hours.
How does language pose a cultural barrier in Spain?
Although Spanish is spoken, there are differences in vocabulary that can cause confusion, such as the use of different words for common items, which may require some adjustment.
Why is having savings important for those moving to Spain?
Having a financial cushion is crucial because the first few months are expensive due to costs related to rent, transportation, and settling in, as newcomers are starting from scratch.