Published: August 2025

Moving to Spain isn’t just about enjoying the sun and culture – it’s also about becoming part of the local community. Volunteering is one of the best ways to build networks, learn the language, and make a real difference while integrating. Spain offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from social projects to environmental protection and animal welfare. Here’s a guide to how expats can easily get involved – and why it’s so rewarding.

Why volunteering is valuable for expats

Volunteering opens doors to new friendships, improves your language skills, and gives you insight into Spanish culture and daily life. Many expats find that getting involved as a volunteer makes the transition to life in Spain much easier and more meaningful.

Popular volunteering areas in Spain

• Social projects: Help vulnerable groups, the elderly, children or refugees through local NGOs or church organizations.
• Environment and nature: Join beach clean-ups, reforestation, or environmental education – see for example Ecologistas en Acción.
• Animal welfare: Work with animal shelters or rescue groups. See Protectora Málaga.
• Food banks and social aid: Help with distributing food and supplies. Banco de Alimentos has branches across the country.
• Culture and events: Volunteer at local festivals, sports events, or international events like Feria de los Países.

How to find volunteering opportunities

• Search local Facebook groups for expats and volunteers.
• Contact your town hall (“ayuntamiento”) for lists of local projects.
• Use networks like voluntariado.net or hacesfalta.org.
• Ask at language schools, libraries, or cultural centers – there are often noticeboards with opportunities.

Tips for expat volunteers

• Be open to new experiences and cultures.
• Use volunteering as a way to learn Spanish in practice.
• Start with short-term projects if you’re unsure – it’s easy to get more involved later.
• Be patient with paperwork – some roles require background checks or references.

Useful links

• voluntariado.net – nationwide volunteering portal
• hacesfalta.org – volunteer jobs and social projects
• Ecologistas en Acción – environmental volunteering
• Banco de Alimentos – food banks
• Protectora Málaga – animal welfare

FAQ: volunteering in Spain as an expat

Do I need to speak Spanish to volunteer? No, many organizations welcome English speakers, but learning some Spanish will help you get more involved. Is volunteering paid in Spain? No, volunteering is unpaid, but you may get meals or transport covered. Can I volunteer as a tourist or do I need residency? Short-term volunteering is possible as a tourist, but longer-term roles may require residency or NIE. How do I find animal shelters to volunteer at? Search for “protectora de animales” + your city, or use the links above. Are there age restrictions for volunteering? Most roles are for adults (18+), but some accept younger volunteers with parental consent. Can I get a reference for my volunteering? Yes, most organizations are happy to provide a reference or certificate of participation. Is volunteering a good way to meet people? Absolutely – it’s one of the best ways to build a local network and make friends. Are there volunteering opportunities in rural areas? Yes, especially in environmental projects and animal rescue. Do I need special skills to volunteer? Most roles require only enthusiasm and commitment, but some projects may ask for specific experience. How can I combine volunteering with learning Spanish? Choose projects where you interact with locals – it’s the fastest way to improve your language skills.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with the organization for up-to-date requirements and opportunities.

Published: August 2025

Moving to Spain offers a new adventure, but also a chance to rethink your lifestyle and live more sustainably. Spain is making strides in renewable energy, recycling, and green living, and expats can easily join the movement. Here are practical tips for living eco-friendly in Spain, saving money, and reducing your carbon footprint.

Why sustainable living matters in Spain

Spain is one of Europe’s leaders in solar and wind energy. Many regions have strong recycling programs and incentives for using public transport or electric vehicles. As an expat, you can help protect Spain’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities by making small changes in your daily life.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

• Sort your waste: Most towns have colored bins—yellow for plastics, blue for paper, green for glass, brown/grey for general waste.
• Compost: Community composting is available in some cities. Ask your local town hall.
• Donate or sell unwanted items instead of throwing them away. Try Wallapop or local Facebook groups.

Save energy at home

• Switch to LED lighting and unplug devices when not in use.
• Consider a green energy provider—many regions offer 100% renewable plans. See Holaluz or Som Energia.
• Install fans or awnings instead of air conditioning to save energy in summer.

Choose sustainable transport

• Use public transport—Spain’s trains and buses are reliable and widespread. See Renfe for trains and ALSA for buses.
• Cycle or walk whenever possible. Many cities have bike-sharing systems.
• Consider an electric scooter or car—charging stations are growing fast.

Shop and eat green

• Buy local and seasonal produce at markets—support farmers and reduce food miles.
• Try vegetarian or vegan options, which are becoming more popular in Spain.
• Bring your own bags and containers—plastic bags are being phased out.

Useful links

• Ecologistas en Acción – Spain’s leading environmental NGO
• Holaluz – renewable energy provider
• Som Energia – green energy cooperative
• Wallapop – secondhand marketplace

FAQ: sustainable living in Spain

How do I recycle in Spain? Use the colored bins provided in your area—check your town hall’s website for details. Are there eco-friendly energy providers? Yes, companies like Holaluz and Som Energia offer 100% renewable electricity. Is public transport reliable in Spain? Yes, especially in cities and along the coast. Trains and buses are affordable and frequent. Can I compost in my apartment? Some cities have community composting—ask your building manager or town hall. Where can I buy local organic food? Visit farmers’ markets or look for “eco” sections in supermarkets. How can I reduce energy use in summer? Use fans, close shutters during the day, and ventilate at night. Are there bike-sharing schemes? Yes, most big cities have them—check your city’s transport website. How can I donate or sell unwanted items? Use Wallapop, Facebook Marketplace, or local charity shops. Is vegan food easy to find in Spain? Yes, especially in big cities and tourist areas. How do I find eco-groups or events? Search Facebook, Meetup, or ask at your local town hall.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always check local regulations and resources for the latest updates.

Published: August 2025

Moving to Spain or already settled as an expat? One of the first things you’ll need is a reliable internet connection and a good mobile plan. The Spanish telecom market is highly competitive, with several providers offering fast fiber broadband, flexible mobile deals, and packages tailored for international customers. In this 2025 guide, we compare the best internet and mobile providers for expats, explain what to look for, and share practical tips for getting connected quickly and hassle-free.

Top internet providers in Spain (2025)

• Movistar: Spain’s largest provider, known for excellent fiber coverage (up to 1Gbps), reliable service, and nationwide reach. Good for both urban and rural areas.
• Orange: Great value bundles for internet, TV, and mobile. Fast fiber options and strong customer support in English in larger cities.
• Vodafone: Popular among expats for flexible contracts and English-speaking support. Good 5G coverage and competitive pricing.
• MásMóvil & Yoigo: Budget-friendly alternatives with solid fiber and mobile options. Good for short-term rentals or students.
• Lowi, Pepephone, Digi: Virtual operators offering simple, cheap plans, often with no long-term contracts. Ideal for digital nomads or those on a budget.

Best mobile providers for expats

• Movistar, Orange, Vodafone: All three offer extensive 5G coverage, prepaid and contract SIM cards, and international roaming options.
• Lowi, Simyo, Digi: Excellent for pay-as-you-go and flexible monthly plans. Easy online signup and cancellation.
• Lycamobile: Focuses on international calls and data, great for expats staying in touch with family abroad.

What to consider when choosing a provider

• Coverage: Check fiber and mobile coverage in your area using provider websites or coverage maps.
• Contract length: Some plans require 12–24 month contracts; others are month-to-month or prepaid.
• Installation time: Fiber installation can take from 2 days to 2 weeks. Some providers offer same-day SIM activation for mobile.
• Language support: Look for providers with English-speaking customer service if your Spanish isn’t strong.
• Bundling: You can often save by bundling internet, TV, and mobile in one package.
• Documentation: Most providers require your passport/NIE and proof of address to set up a contract.

How to get connected as an expat

1. Compare providers and check availability at your address.
2. Gather your documents: passport/NIE and address proof (rental contract or utility bill).
3. Sign up online, by phone, or in a provider’s store. Many offer English-language support in major cities.
4. Schedule installation for fiber internet (if needed). For mobile, you can often get a SIM card on the spot.
5. Download your provider’s app to manage bills, usage, and support easily.

Tips for expats and digital nomads

• Short-term stays? Choose prepaid or no-contract plans for flexibility.
• Moving between addresses? Ask about portable Wi-Fi or mobile broadband options.
• Need English support? Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar are best for customer service in English.
• For rural areas, check if fiber is available or consider 4G/5G home internet as an alternative.
• Keep your old SIM active for banking or two-factor authentication until you’ve updated all accounts.

Useful Resources

• Movistar Spain
• Orange Spain
• Vodafone Spain
• MásMóvil

FAQ

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute commercial advice. Always check provider websites for the latest offers and coverage in your area.