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A look behind the façade of the sunny paradise
In dieser Woche hatte ich einen schwierigen Termin – ein Exit-Gespräch: Mandanten haben sich entschieden nach 3 Jahren an der Costa del Sol wieder nach Hause -in ihrem Fall in die Schweiz zurückzukehren. Neben einem familiären Grund berichteten sie mir über ihre Gründe, weshalb der Umzug hierher für sie -im Rückspiegel betrachtet- eine Fehlentscheidung war.
This prompted me to take a closer look in this blog, because if you believe the statistics, more than 70% of expats move back or on within the first three years – and the number of unreported cases is possibly even higher.
The Costa del Sol – especially Málaga – Málaga has been considered a dream destination for expats from all over Europe for decades. More than 300 days of sunshine a year, a relaxed lifestyle, Mediterranean cuisine, beaches straight out of a travel brochure and a lively cultural scene around Málaga attract thousands of people every year who want to start a new life here. Germans, Swiss, British, Scandinavians and Dutch in particular see Andalusia's coastal region as the perfect combination of quality of life, Mediterranean flair and career opportunities.
But as tempting as a new start may sound, quite a few return after a year or two – some only after a decade. Why do emigrants decide to give up their sunny dream? A look behind the scenes reveals that the reasons are varied and often surprising.
Many people fall in love with the Costa del Sol or the old town of Málaga during their holidays. Everything here seems lively, relaxed and culturally exciting. But holidays and everyday life are two completely different worlds. On holiday, you can enjoy the beach, gastronomy, museums and tapas bars – and there is more than enough of these in Málaga and the surrounding towns. But anyone who lives there permanently quickly realises that • the holiday feeling cannot be preserved. • Bureaucratic procedures don't lead to the Picasso Museum, but to government offices. • Life isn't automatically easier just because the sun is shining. For many, the dream shatters as soon as everyday life replaces the romantic holiday idea.
Food, restaurants and services have also become noticeably more expensive. Southern Spain is no longer a ‘cheap country’ – especially not in vibrant Málaga or on the Costa del Sol. Those who want to live here on a budget will find it difficult.
Wer hier günstig leben möchte, hat es schwer.
Many arrive with glorified ideas:
Sun = happiness
Sea = freedom
Spain = ease
But the reality is different.
The Costa del Sol is wonderful – but it's not a perfect new start for everyone.
Even though many Germans and British people live in places like Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Marbella, the fact remains that without Spanish, you remain a visitor. MálagaEven in Málaga, where many international expats live, Spanish is essential.
Problems without Spanish
If you want to stay permanently, you need basic language skills. Many people underestimate this hurdle – and feel isolated.
Summers on the Costa del Sol – including Málaga Málaga, where the heat is often particularly intense due to the ‘terral’ wind – can be extremely stressful. Temperatures between 38 and 45 degrees are not uncommon.
Consequences
Many expats underestimate how much these climatic conditions affect their daily lives.
Perhaps the most common reason for returning: the people back home. Even though Málaga is a cosmopolitan place, the distance from family remains.
Many report:
Emigrants feel particularly far away when health problems arise or family obligations call.
Spanish bureaucracy has a special reputation, and Málaga is no different. Many expats are overwhelmed by:
Málaga is a modern, international city – but the bureaucracy remains typically Spanish: slow, complex and involving a lot of paperwork.
Málaga has developed into a tech and start-up hub in recent years. Nevertheless, the average salary level remains low compared to Central Europe
Challenges
Those who move to Málaga from a secure position in Cental Europe often experience an income shock.
Some return because they are simply entering a new phase of life.
The decision rarely has just one reason – it is often a combination of many factors.
Málaga is one of the most charming cities in Europe. Living here can be the best decision of your life. The Costa del Sol offers sun, culture, joie de vivre and an excellent quality of life. But emigrating means more than just beautiful views.
To be happy in the long term, you need:
I am happy to support you from the very beginning so that you arrive here well prepared in every way
And: Those who return are not ‘failed emigrants’. Returning is often a courageous step – one chapter ends so that a new one can begin.
