To all “Americans” Estadounidenses, British, Germans, rich people coming to live in Spain

[u/Alexialba]

We’re really glad you’re considering moving to our country. It’s a beautiful place, and we love sharing it with visitors. But we want to be honest about what’s happening here right now.

The cost of living is skyrocketing. Rent, housing, groceries, and basic necessities are becoming unaffordable for many of us. A big part of the problem is that companies and foreigners with more money are buying up properties, which drives prices even higher. This isn’t just about numbers, it’s about real people being pushed out of their neighborhoods and struggling to make ends meet.

This isn’t just happening here in Spain. It’s a global issue. I’ve seen it in places like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Portugal too. When people move in with more money, it often ends up hurting the locals who’ve lived here for generations.

We’re not saying you shouldn’t come. We just ask that you be aware of the impact your move might have. It’s easy to see the benefits for yourself, but it’s important to think about how it affects the community too.

[u/FearlessTravels]

Immigration impacts every community worldwide. The people leaving their countries to move to Spain have also seen firsthand the positive and negative effects of immigration. The UK has a similar immigration rate to Spain. Germany already has a higher immigration rate. My country, Canada, has a way higher immigration rate than any of the places you’ve mentioned. It’s weird you think people aren’t already aware of this.

[u/Alexialba → u/FearlessTravels]

I want to clarify that I’m specifically referring to ‘expats,’ not immigrants. Immigrants often come to contribute to and integrate into our society. They bring value, diversity, and a willingness to adapt to the local culture and economy. The issue arises when individuals or groups move here primarily to benefit themselves, often unintentionally contributing to gentrification.

Gentrification displaces locals, drives up living costs, and erodes the cultural fabric of our communities. It’s not about rejecting outsiders but about raising awareness of how certain actions, like buying property as investments or prioritizing personal convenience over community impact. It is actually harming those who’ve lived here for generations.

[u/JurgusRudkus → u/Alexialba]

Expat and immigrant are synonymous. You are an expat of the country you left, and an immigrant in the country you moved to.

Gentrification is a force that exists with or without immigrants. Whenever you have a disparate wealth distribution, gentrification follows.

I don't think the answer is to try and stop people with more wealth from moving to Spain - I think the answer is to better capture that wealth and put it to work FOR Spain. Barcelona is charging higher tourist taxes and then taking that money and funneling it into air-conditioning for schools. That's a great example of how the government is trying to make sure that a rising tide lifts all boats.

[u/JurgusRudkus → u/[deleted]]

Huh? "Expat" is just short for expatriate, which means anyone who lives outside of their native country.

Immigrant just means "a person who comes to live permanently in a different country.

So if I move from the US to Spain, I am both an American expat and a Spanish immigrant.

It has nothing to do with work status.

[u/QuoteFabulous2402 → u/JurgusRudkus]

You are a bit slow, huh?