I Moved Abroad: My Honest 1-Year Recap Living in Malaga, Spain
Moving abroad is a dream for many, but it comes with a mix of excitement, challenges, and unknowns. After spending a full year living in Malaga, Spain, I want to share my honest experience to give you a real sense of what life abroad can be like.
From navigating visas, culture, and language to building community and managing work remotely, this recap covers the highs and lows of my journey. Whether you’re thinking about making a similar move or just curious about life in Spain, here’s everything I learned during my year abroad.
Why I Decided to Move Abroad to Spain
As someone who has always dreamed of living abroad, I finally took the leap in 2023. Originally from Toronto, Canada, with Jamaican roots, I’d long been fascinated by other cultures and languages. Malaga, Spain, with its rich heritage and beautiful climate, was especially appealing. The timing aligned perfectly after I was laid off from my marketing job—an experience that, although difficult at first, opened the door to new possibilities.
My partner and I were both in a position to work remotely, which made the logistics easier. We found the Youth Mobility Visa (also known as the Working Holiday Visa) for Canadians between 18 and 35 years old, which allowed us to stay and work in Spain for a full year. This visa was flexible and suited our needs perfectly, letting us work for Canadian clients remotely or simply enjoy the experience without the pressure of finding local employment.
Why Malaga?
We initially considered Lisbon, Portugal, but after some safety concerns and a vibe that didn’t feel right, we shifted our focus to Malaga. It was a city neither of us had heard much about before but quickly fell in love with. Malaga offered:
Cost of living: Approximately 32% lower than Toronto, with groceries costing 37% less, which meant our money went much further without sacrificing quality of life.
Weather: Located on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun), Malaga enjoys mild winters and abundant sunshine year-round—perfect for someone like me who craves warmth and vitamin D.
Community and lifestyle: A laid-back atmosphere with beautiful beaches, fresh food, and a welcoming environment.
Navigating the Visa Process and Preparation
Getting the Youth Mobility Visa required some paperwork and upfront costs. Here’s a quick breakdown of what it involved:
Passport photos ($28)
Certified criminal record check with fingerprinting ($95)
Certified check to consulate ($150)
Travel insurance for 12 months prepaid (~$1,000)
Proof of accommodation for at least one week (~$1,500)
Bank statement showing at least $3,600 CAD
Medical certificate ($0–$40 depending on doctor)
Prepaid mailing envelopes (~$49)
Color copies of documents (~$25 each)
Altogether, the cost was about $3,000 to $3,200 per person, but this can vary. I recommend consulting your local Spanish consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.
Planning the Move
Packing for a year abroad was a learning curve. I initially overpacked, especially when it came to hair and skincare products, thinking I wouldn’t find what I needed in Spain. Thankfully, I discovered that Malaga has plenty of stores catering to Black hair and skincare, including dedicated salons and shops. The only real challenge was clothing sizes, as European sizes tend to run smaller, so I recommend bringing some favorite pieces if you wear larger sizes.
For health insurance, we went with a popular provider called ASISA, which cost around €1,000 for the year. The insurance prioritized English-speaking doctors, which made navigating healthcare much easier. Thankfully, we had minimal medical needs, but when I did visit a doctor, the process was smooth and hassle-free.
"If you can move abroad for a year, please please do it."
— Danica Nelson
Adjusting to Life in Malaga
Finding an Apartment
We started living right in the city center (El Centro), which was lively but also quite noisy and tourist-heavy. After five months, we moved to La Trinidad, which is a quieter neighborhood about a 15-20 minute walk from downtown. We found our apartment on Idealista, Spain’s most popular rental website.
Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment had a large kitchen and balcony, but it came with some challenges:
Thin walls and an old building (likely from the early 1900s), leading to noise issues.
An unreliable elevator, which has even trapped us inside a few times.
Mold problems, common in warmer climates and older buildings without good ventilation.
Limited air conditioning (only in the living room), which made summers warm in other rooms.
Despite these issues, the location and space suited our needs, especially since we both worked from home.
Community and Friendships
One of my proudest achievements during this move was creating a community for Black women in Malaga. I noticed there wasn’t already a dedicated group, so I started one about nine months into our stay. The group quickly grew to over 400 members from all over the world, and we organized meetups, dance classes, picnics, and more. Building this community helped me feel connected and supported.
Aside from that, I attended various local meetups, language exchanges, and networking events to meet like-minded people and avoid isolation. Staying socially active was key to my positive experience abroad.
Language and Communication
Spanish is the primary language in Malaga, and while about half of the locals speak English to some degree, knowing Spanish definitely enhances your experience. I started with a beginner level and progressed to an intermediate level after a year, taking classes at local schools and online. The language barrier was the most challenging part of living abroad, but it was also rewarding to see my progress.
Even though I sometimes felt nervous speaking Spanish, locals were patient and often switched to English to help me along. I also picked up some of the local Malaga accent and vocabulary differences, like using “zumo” for juice instead of “jugo.”
Work, Finances, and Lifestyle Abroad
While in Malaga, I continued working as a full-time content creator, focusing on personal finance, travel, and career breaks. I partnered with brands and created digital products like budget trackers. The cost of living savings allowed me to stretch my income further and focus on building my businesses.
A big advantage of living in Spain while working with clients in the Eastern Time Zone (Toronto/New York) was the time difference. Being six hours ahead meant I could enjoy slow, relaxing mornings and start work in the afternoon, matching the start of the workday in North America, which was a perfect fit for a non-morning person like me.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
Moving with a Partner
Doing this adventure with my partner was a blessing. Navigating a new country, language, and culture together strengthened our relationship. If I were alone, I still would have done it, but sharing the experience made it easier and more enjoyable.
Challenges and What I Would Do Differently
The biggest challenge was the language barrier, which I underestimated. I wish I had started taking Spanish classes earlier and created my community sooner. Overpacking was another mistake; many products I thought I needed were available locally.
What I Loved
Fresh orange juice: Malaga’s freshly squeezed orange juice is unmatched and something I will deeply miss.
Beaches: The warm, sunny beaches were a perfect escape from the cold Toronto winters.
Exposure to Spanish language: Immersion was key to improving my language skills.
Travel opportunities: Malaga’s location makes it easy to visit other parts of Europe, Turkey, Morocco, and more.
What I Didn’t Like
Malaga’s food scene is delicious but less diverse than what I’m used to in Toronto. While Spanish cuisine is excellent, options for international flavors and bold seasonings are limited. I also missed some beauty services tailored for Black women, though I did find a few good hair braiders and nail salons.
What’s Next?
Our one-year visa ended, so we’re moving on to new adventures in Asia for a few months, including stays in Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan. However, we plan to return to Malaga, hopefully with a digital nomad visa that allows a longer stay. Or, at least return to Malaga in January (following Christmas) to escape the cold Canadian winter. My dream is to split my time between Malaga and Canada, enjoying the best of both worlds. We’ll see how it goes!
Final Thoughts on Moving Abroad
Moving abroad can be life-changing, and while it’s not always easy, the rewards faaaaar outweigh the challenges. Malaga, Spain, offered me warmth, community, and new opportunities. If you’re considering a move abroad, especially to Spain, I encourage you to take the leap, prepare well, and embrace the adventure. It’s a journey of growth, learning, and freedom that I’m so grateful to have experienced. I’ll forever be grateful to Malaga, Spain for the impact it has made on my life when I desperately needed sunshine, rest, and a change of scenery.
