{"id":872,"date":"2025-11-21T09:32:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T07:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/?p=872"},"modified":"2025-11-21T10:00:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T08:00:15","slug":"warum-auswanderer-wieder-die-costa-del-sol-verlassen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/2025\/11\/21\/warum-auswanderer-wieder-die-costa-del-sol-verlassen\/","title":{"rendered":"Why expats are leaving the Costa del Sol"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Why expats are leaving the Costa del Sol<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Home<\/a> > Blog<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t

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A look behind the fa\u00e7ade of the sunny paradise<\/strong><\/p>

In dieser Woche hatte ich einen schwierigen Termin \u2013 ein Exit-Gespr\u00e4ch: Mandanten haben sich entschieden nach 3 Jahren an der Costa del Sol wieder nach Hause -in ihrem Fall in die Schweiz zur\u00fcckzukehren. Neben einem famili\u00e4ren Grund berichteten sie mir \u00fcber ihre Gr\u00fcnde, weshalb der Umzug hierher f\u00fcr sie -im R\u00fcckspiegel betrachtet- eine Fehlentscheidung war.<\/p>

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 \u2013 and the number of unreported cases is possibly even higher.<\/p>

The Costa del Sol \u2013 especially M\u00e1laga \u2013 M\u00e1laga<\/strong> 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 M\u00e1laga 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.<\/p>

But as tempting as a new start may sound, quite a few return after a year or two \u2013 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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1. The discrepancy between the holiday feeling and everyday life \u2013 particularly noticeable in M\u00e1laga<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMany people fall in love with the Costa del Sol or the old town of M\u00e1laga during their holidays. Everything here seems lively, relaxed and culturally exciting. But holidays and everyday life are two completely different worlds.\nOn holiday, you can enjoy the beach, gastronomy, museums and tapas bars \u2013 and there is more than enough of these in M\u00e1laga and the surrounding towns. But anyone who lives there permanently quickly realises that\n\u2022\tthe holiday feeling cannot be preserved.\n\u2022\tBureaucratic procedures don't lead to the Picasso Museum, but to government offices.\n\u2022\tLife isn't automatically easier just because the sun is shining.\nFor many, the dream shatters as soon as everyday life replaces the romantic holiday idea.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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2. High cost of living \u2013 M\u00e1laga is driving up prices<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Costa del Sol has grown enormously in recent years, and M\u00e1laga has become one of the most attractive and international cities in Spain. But this boom comes at a price.\n\nHousing situation<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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  • \u2022\tRents in M\u00e1laga<\/strong>M\u00e1laga, Marbella and Estepona, as well as Torremolinos and Benalm\u00e1dena, are now on a par with those in major Central European cities.<\/li>\n
  • \u2022\tMany expats are surprised to find that a modern flat in a popular neighbourhood of M\u00e1laga is often more expensive than a comparable flat in German cities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Everyday costs<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Food, restaurants and services have also become noticeably more expensive. Southern Spain is no longer a \u2018cheap country\u2019 \u2013 especially not in vibrant M\u00e1laga or on the Costa del Sol.\nThose who want to live here on a budget will find it difficult.<\/p>\n

    Wer hier g\u00fcnstig leben m\u00f6chte, hat es schwer.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    3. False expectations and unfulfilled dreams<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Many arrive with glorified ideas:
    Sun = happiness
    Sea = freedom
    Spain = ease<\/p>\n

    But the reality is different.<\/p>\n

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    • \u2022\tProblems do not disappear just because you live on the beach.<\/li>\n
    • \u2022\tLife requires adaptation \u2013 in M\u00e1laga as elsewhere.<\/li>\n
    • \u2022\tThose who flee instead of consciously starting afresh will sooner or later come face to face with themselves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The Costa del Sol is wonderful \u2013 but it's not a perfect new start for everyone.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      4. Language barriers and integration<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      Even though many Germans and British people live in places like Torremolinos, Benalm\u00e1dena and Marbella, the fact remains that without Spanish, you remain a visitor. M\u00e1laga<\/strong>Even in M\u00e1laga, where many international expats live, Spanish is essential.<\/p>\n

      Problems without Spanish<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      • \u2022\tVisits to government offices<\/li>\n
      • \u2022\tDoctor's appointments<\/li>\n
      • \u2022\tContract negotiations<\/li>\n
      • \u2022\tEveryday work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        If you want to stay permanently, you need basic language skills. Many people underestimate this hurdle \u2013 and feel isolated.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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        5. Climatic and health problems \u2013 heat is also an issue in M\u00e1laga<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        Summers on the Costa del Sol \u2013 including M\u00e1laga M\u00e1laga<\/strong>, where the heat is often particularly intense due to the \u2018terral\u2019 wind \u2013 can be extremely stressful. Temperatures between 38 and 45 degrees are not uncommon.<\/p>\n

        Consequences<\/strong><\/p>\n

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        • \u2022\tOlder people have difficulty coping with the heat.<\/li>\n
        • \u2022\tHigh costs for air conditioning<\/li>\n
        • \u2022\tRestrictions in everyday life during the hottest weeks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Many expats underestimate how much these climatic conditions affect their daily lives.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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          6. Homesickness, family and social ties<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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          Perhaps the most common reason for returning: the people back home. Even though M\u00e1laga is a cosmopolitan place, the distance from family remains.<\/p>\n

          Many report:<\/p>\n

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          • \u2022\tThey miss their children and grandchildren.<\/li>\n
          • \u2022\tThey only find superficial friendships<\/li>\n
          • \u2022\tThey feel alone in difficult situations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Emigrants feel particularly far away when health problems arise or family obligations call.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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            7. Bureaucracy \u2013 M\u00e1laga is no exception<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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            Spanish bureaucracy has a special reputation, and M\u00e1laga is no different. Many expats are overwhelmed by:<\/p>\n

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            • \u2022\tNIE numbers, empadronamiento and other registrations<\/li>\n
            • \u2022\ttax obligations for residents<\/li>\n
            • \u2022\tcomplicated rules for the self-employed<\/li>\n
            • \u2022\thealth insurance and pension issues<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              M\u00e1laga is a modern, international city \u2013 but the bureaucracy remains typically Spanish: slow, complex and involving a lot of paperwork.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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              8. Labour market and income level \u2013 the downside of the M\u00e1laga hype<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              M\u00e1laga has developed into a tech and start-up hub in recent years. Nevertheless, the average salary level remains low compared to Central Europe<\/p>\n

              Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

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              • \u2022\tSpanish salaries are significantly lower than those in Central Europe<\/li>\n
              • \u2022\tMany jobs \u2013 especially in M\u00e1laga and the surrounding area \u2013 depend on tourism and are often seasonal.<\/li>\n
              • \u2022\tWell-paid jobs in an international environment do exist, but they are rare and highly competitive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Those who move to M\u00e1laga from a secure position in Cental Europe often experience an income shock.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                9. Life stages change \u2013 and so does the desire to stay<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                Some return because they are simply entering a new phase of life.<\/p>\n

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                • \u2022\tYoung people find better career opportunities in other countries<\/li>\n
                • \u2022\tFamilies look for better earning opportunities<\/li>\n
                • \u2022\tOlder people seek proximity to doctors and family<\/li>\n
                • \u2022\tSome love M\u00e1laga, but realise that home is something that cannot be replaced<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  The decision rarely has just one reason \u2013 it is often a combination of many factors.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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                  Conclusion: M\u00e1laga and the Costa del Sol \u2013 a dream, but not for everyone<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                  M\u00e1laga 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.<\/p>\n

                  To be happy in the long term, you need:<\/p>\n

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                  • \u2022realistic expectations<\/li>\n
                  • \u2022\tfinancial stability<\/li>\n
                  • \u2022\ta willingness to embrace a new culture<\/li>\n
                  • \u2022\tlanguage skills<\/li>\n
                  • Patience for bureaucracy (or someone to help you navigate this jungle)<\/li>\n
                  • \u2022\tAnd a stable social network<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    I am happy to support you from the very beginning so that you arrive here well prepared in every way<\/p>\n

                    And: Those who return are not \u2018failed emigrants\u2019. Returning is often a courageous step \u2013 one chapter ends so that a new one can begin.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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                    <\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                    Home > Blog Ein Blick hinter die Fassade des Sonnenparadieses In dieser Woche hatte ich einen schwierigen Termin \u2013 ein Exit-Gespr\u00e4ch: Mandanten haben sich entschieden nach 3 Jahren an der Costa del Sol wieder nach Hause -in ihrem Fall in die Schweiz zur\u00fcckzukehren. Neben einem famili\u00e4ren Grund berichteten sie mir \u00fcber ihre Gr\u00fcnde, weshalb der […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":614,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-872","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-auswandern"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=872"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":880,"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872\/revisions\/880"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/614"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=872"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hbk-beratung.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}