About Expat Marbella
We moved to Marbella and learned the hard way. Now we're sharing what we wish we'd known.
Our Story
We're Rob and Louise. We moved to Marbella in 2022 after years of talking about it and months of planning. Like most expats, we quickly discovered that the reality of moving to Spain is more complicated than the dream.
The visa process was confusing. Finding somewhere to live was stressful. Understanding what a gestoria does, how to get an NIE, where to find an English-speaking doctor, which areas are actually nice to live in (versus just nice to visit) — all of this took time, research, and plenty of mistakes.
We created Expat Marbella to share what we learned. Not the glossy brochure version of life on the Costa del Sol, but the practical, honest information that actually helps when you're trying to make a move like this work.
What We Believe
Honest opinions matter. There's no shortage of content about Marbella online, but most of it is either trying to sell you something or so generic it's useless. We tell you what we actually think, even when it's not what you want to hear.
Practical beats pretty. We'd rather give you a step-by-step process for getting your NIE than write another article about sunsets over Puerto Banus. This guide is for people who are serious about moving here, not just dreaming about it.
Independence is important. We don't accept paid placements or sponsored content. When we recommend a gestoria or an estate agent, it's because we or people we trust have used them and had a good experience. Not because they paid us.
How This Site Works
Expat Marbella is free to use. We make money through ads (nothing intrusive) and may add affiliate links or premium services in the future. But the core information — the guides, the area profiles, the practical advice — will always be free.
We update content regularly as things change. Spanish bureaucracy never stays still for long, and neither does the Marbella property market. If you spot something outdated, let us know.
Get in Touch
We love hearing from fellow expats and people planning their move. Questions, corrections, tips we should know about — all welcome.
Email us at hello@expatmarbella.com
A Note on Our Recommendations
When we recommend businesses (gestorias, lawyers, estate agents, etc.), we're sharing our genuine opinions based on personal experience or feedback from people we trust. We don't accept payment for recommendations. Businesses can't pay to be featured or to improve their listing. This keeps us independent and keeps your trust intact.