Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the Galicia region in northwest Spain, known for its rich history and as the final stop of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 99,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banking services for expats include Santander and BBVA, along with online options like N26 and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels and guesthouses to apartments available through Airbnb and Spotahome. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rentals are popular. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Albergue and Casa de Afonso offer budget-friendly options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center, particularly around Avenida de la Libertad and the locations near coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Espacio COWORKING offers a vibrant environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Tertulia is popular for its relaxed vibe and good WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups through platforms like Meetup.com and local tech events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Santiago Expat Community group on Facebook regularly organizes social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify and MyTaxi are popular options for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Santiago offers bike rental through BiciSantiago for exploring the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Samil Beach in Vigo, about a 1.5-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Nostrum operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iberia and Vueling provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | AP-9 connects Santiago to major cities like A Coruña and Pontevedra. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Estación de tren de Santiago serves as the main terminus for train travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes for the urban network can be purchased and loaded at kiosks. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities operated by Monbus and Alsa. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Santiago offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Dir Santiago and Anytime Fitness have good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | LavaRapido offers convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Just Eat are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Pulpo a la Gallega, a traditional Galician octopus dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | A Taberna do Café and O Camiño Verde cater to plant-based diets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería Tartería offers a variety of local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de Abastos is the local food market with great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Spain operates for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercados Dia offers delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rúa do Franco is famous for nightlife and tapas bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The local brewery, Estrella Galicia, offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Pazo de Galegas specializes in local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food markets are often held on weekends at the city center. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The city has Italian, Chinese, and Mexican restaurants, with places like Pizzería Da Vinci and La Casa de las Empanadas. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Santiago Cathedral and the Plaza del Obradoiro are essential. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo do Pobo Galego showcases Galician culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historical area of the Old Town for its cobbled streets. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is a focal point of pilgrimage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of Santiago in July celebrates the city's patron saint. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town is a cultural district known for its architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Principal offers diverse performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Abastos features local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Venues like Sala Capitol host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the artistic murals in neighborhoods like Ensanche. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Santiago Cooking School offers local culinary classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Rúa do Vilar has several independent galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa del Cabildo is a notable historic structure. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is recognized for its cultural heritage as a pilgrimage site. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Fragas do Eume Natural Park offers beautiful landscapes for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cabo de Cruz National Park is accessible within an hour. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Camino de Santiago routes offer scenic trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Monte Pedroso provides panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around Lago de San Roque are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at beaches like Razo are bonfire-friendly. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos operate parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Servicios Informáticos Santiago offers electronics repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports clubs often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Galicia Language School offers Spanish and Galician classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública de Santiago is ideal for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Espazo TIC is a community center for tech enthusiasts. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Arcade Café offers a fun gaming experience. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Santiago provides gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €152,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47% for income over €60,000 |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules are applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the cadastral value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% standard rate. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Non-residents can benefit from favorable tax treatment on foreign income. |