Spain placed 9th in the Expat Insider 2025 survey. Discover why Malaga remains one of the best expat destinations, balancing lifestyle, housing and bureaucracy.
The newly published Expat Insider 2025 survey, recently highlighted by Euronews, paints a revealing picture of expat life in Europe. While many countries on the continent are slipping down the rankings due to heavy bureaucracy, limited career prospects and rising housing costs, Spain has managed to hold its ground. It ranks ninth overall worldwide, making it one of the few European countries to remain in the global Top 10.
For expats considering Malaga, this offers both reassurance and a reality check. The survey confirms what many already know: Spain can be an exceptional place to live, but the practical challenges of settling in should not be underestimated.
Spain’s strengths and weaknesses in the 2025 ranking
According to the survey, Spain performs strongly in categories linked to lifestyle. The climate, culture, cuisine and healthcare system all receive glowing reviews. Expats consistently praise the friendliness of locals and the ease of making social connections.
At the same time, Spain scores poorly in professional opportunities (34th globally) and administrative matters (26th). Dealing with paperwork, permits and residency formalities is often described as frustratingly slow. Housing availability is another concern, with Spain again landing in 26th place. These findings show that while daily life is enjoyable, the road to settling in is not always smooth.
Malaga’s appeal for international residents
Malaga illustrates this paradox perfectly. On one side, the city embodies the best of the Spanish lifestyle. With more than 300 days of sunshine, a vibrant cultural scene, sandy beaches and easy access to the mountains, it offers a quality of life few European cities can match. Costs remain more affordable than in Barcelona or Madrid, and the city’s size makes it both lively and manageable.
On the other side, Malaga faces the same pressures highlighted in the survey. The housing market is under intense strain, with prices climbing due to high demand and the dominance of short-term rentals. Local authorities even restricted new tourist rental permits in 43 neighbourhoods in 2024 to protect residents. Bureaucratic hurdles also affect daily life, from registering for healthcare to securing long-term rental contracts. For those seeking work locally, opportunities are often limited to tourism, hospitality and seasonal jobs, while higher-skilled positions remain scarcer than in larger Spanish cities.
Expat life in practice
For expats, the reality of Malaga is shaped by how prepared they are. Those who move with a remote job or stable income stream often find it easier to enjoy the lifestyle without worrying about the local labour market. Those who make an effort to learn Spanish find the transition much smoother, not only for navigating bureaucracy but also for engaging with the community.
Finding housing requires flexibility, with the best value often located outside the historic centre or seafront. Areas like Teatinos or Ciudad Jardín, as well as smaller towns along the Costa del Sol with good transport links, are increasingly popular among expats seeking affordable long-term options.
Networking also plays a crucial role. Malaga has an active international community, from language exchanges to coworking hubs, making it easier for newcomers to connect socially and professionally.
Lessons from the survey for Malaga expats
The Expat Insider 2025 survey ultimately shows that Spain’s appeal is not just about climate or food, but about a balance of lifestyle and challenges. Malaga embodies this reality more clearly than most Spanish cities. It is a place where quality of life is among the best in Europe, but where housing and administration demand patience and realistic expectations.
For those willing to adapt, the rewards are significant: a vibrant community, outstanding healthcare, a welcoming culture and a lifestyle defined by sunshine and sea. With the right preparation, Malaga offers expats the chance not only to live in Spain but to truly enjoy everything it has to offer.
Sources: Euronews, Reuters, Idealista, Expat.com, Homerun Marbella