Moving to Marinaleda
Matthew’s article this week concentrates on moving to Marinaleda, Andalucia’s power of the people
Moving to Marinaleda: Andalucia’s socialist utopia
Ups
Imagine a Spain in which the Republicans rather than Franco’s Nationalists won the country’s Civil War. That’s pretty much what living in Marinaleda feels like. A town free from the commercialization of 21st century life, where Starbucks can’t open a branch let alone implement their clustering strategy which sees one of their coffee shops crowd corners of high streets elsewhere.
Downs
Marinaleda’s low on investment opportunity. If you live in Marinaleda for two years, they furnish you with materials to build your own house. That property can only be passed on to your relatives or friends, rather than sold for profit.
Ins and outs
Lying almost due east from Seville, the road trip from the Andalucian capital’s airport to Marinaleda is rather more circuitious. Allow just over an hour to reach it, travelling along the A-4.
Education
Although Marinaleda shares the philosophy subscribed to by the International Brigades, those freedom fighters who battled against fascism, the town’s two schools are resolutely Spanish. And very much state-run ones. For private schools following a British Curriculum, you need to commute to Andalucia’s coastline.
Shop until you drop…
Don’t expect to pick up plenty of bling in Marinaleda. For a start, it houses a mere 2,600 residents. And high-street brands are the antithesis of the cooperative set up by mayor Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo. Shops here are smaller scale, like San José’s Francisco Prada Martin bakery.
Property types
Marinaleda is one of Andalucia’s pueblos blancos. The new builds, which you’re also expected to help construct, are just as white and bright.
Market watch
Estate agents have discovered a loophole in Marinaleda’s free housing scheme. And so you can purchase townhouses from around €50,000.
Click to view…
In Praise Of
“I have lived in Marinaleda for 8 years and every day I realize why this place is special. With mass unemployment and people sleeping on the streets throughout the world, here we have none. Employment is provided in El Humoso, a large canning factory and in the countryside cultivating vegetables.” Vicky Shovelton
- Vicky’s thoughts on Marinaleda
- Are you an expat living in Marinaleda? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Photo courtesy of Vicky Shovelton
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
April 20, 2016 @ 6:50 am
Hi, how can I move to Marinaleda, what are need me to imigration?
April 20, 2016 @ 11:00 am
Without knowing what country you asre from, we can’t advise. You may wish the speak to the Spanish consulate in your coountry if you’re not from the EU. E x
August 18, 2016 @ 11:10 am
Hello I’m from Macedonia and we are two friends.
We want move together in spain marilaneda but we are not in eu
Can someone help what to do
Regard
August 18, 2016 @ 12:03 pm
Please speak to the Spanish Embassy for accurate information about Macedonia, as has been recommended in the comments above.
Good luck!
July 4, 2016 @ 8:02 pm
Hello. I was wandering what it would require become a part of Marinaleda, i am a EU citizen (denmark) but i have for long been dreamed of moving to some sort of eco village, or atleast something on those lines were i can show up with nothing but myself, and then work for some food and perhaps a a spot for a tent and by time hope to be granted permission to build a little shag/mudhouse something ^^
July 6, 2016 @ 12:12 pm
Hi, how can I move to Marinaleda? I am from Croatia. What I need? Thanks
July 6, 2016 @ 2:13 pm
Hello Marko. Because Croatia is part of the EU (since 2013), you benefit from the “right to reside” in any other EU country.
So all you will need are your passport, your possessions and some money.
Good luck!
August 18, 2016 @ 9:17 pm
fala Marko. Bas sam htio isto pitati
July 7, 2016 @ 11:48 am
Hi everybody at Spain Buddy,
I am thinking for a longer period of time ago, to proceed living and working out of the Republic of Macedonia (Former Yugoslav) and move somewhere in EU.
The Marinaleda and it’s socialist type of governning and living seams very atractive to me.
So, what are the conditions and easiest procedure/s for my movement there and start living in Marinaleda/Spain, legaly. I mean what should I do to start the procedure and to obtain legal stay, working licence and citizenship of Marinaleda/Spain.
Thank you in advance.
Nikola
July 8, 2016 @ 10:08 am
Hi Nikola.
Because Macedonia isn’t part of the EU, you will have some extra hoops to jump through. However, conditions can change at a moment’s notice. Our recommendation is to speak to the Spanish Embassy who will be able to advise on the specifics for Macedonia for you.
Good luck!
Elle x
July 8, 2016 @ 8:40 am
Thank you!
July 12, 2016 @ 4:23 am
How about US citizens? Is it possible to immigrate from US to Marnileda? What are the requirements?
July 12, 2016 @ 9:37 am
Hello. You need to spoeak to the Spanish Embassy in the United States as early as you can. They will be able to help you apply for a visa and any other paperwork you may need. But yes, of course it is possible.
Good luck!
E x
July 12, 2016 @ 6:34 pm
Thank you!
July 28, 2016 @ 8:37 pm
I’m from India and please tell me about the job opportunities and residing possibilities for me.
July 29, 2016 @ 9:44 am
Hello Rajesh. You will need to speak to your Embassy about the residential aspects – they will be able to advise what paperwork you need.
With regard to job opportunities, we can’t advise with complete accuracy becase theese things change so quickly – just as they do anywhere else in the world. You would need to approach the town directly. You do speak fluent Spanish yes?
August 4, 2016 @ 12:06 pm
How does a US citizen moves to Marinaleda?
August 4, 2016 @ 1:55 pm
You need to first speak to the Spanish Embassy closest to where you live – they will tell you what visas you need. Then pack your bags and jump on a plane.
Good luck!
September 1, 2016 @ 10:34 pm
How is life there for someone who speaks only english (until to learn some spanish there). Do they all speak any english at all?
September 2, 2016 @ 10:00 am
Not in Marinaleda no. This is a rural town in Spain and as such, Spanish is the spoken language. You would need to speak it well before moving there.
September 22, 2016 @ 4:21 pm
Hello- I’m an English student looking to visit Marinaleda for one night next weekend- I was wondering if there are any places to stay that you can recommend? I am doing a research project related to alternative politics in Spain. If you are around at all next weekend it would be great to meet you in person.
September 23, 2016 @ 10:50 am
Hi Hannah.
We don’t have personal experience of temporary accommodation in Marinaleda, so can’t make any specific recommendations I’m afraid. However, a Google search should bring up a few options for you. Perhaps Booking.com or AirBnB
Yes it would have been lovely to meet up – but we live quite a few hours drive away unfortunately.
Enjoy your visit!
E xxx
October 2, 2016 @ 8:02 am
Hello,i am from Bulgaria And looking for a job in Spain. I speak good english and basic Spanish and continua study from online program. Is there any possibilityto get a job offer and accomodation in Marinaleda?
October 2, 2016 @ 11:08 am
Hello Snezhana.
You would need to look at specific Marinaleda websites – we don’t offer accommodation or employemnt via this website. Also – your Spanish would need to be better than basic.
Good luck!
March 8, 2017 @ 11:08 pm
Hi Elle, we are Dutch and live now for 5years in Spain near Barcelona, we did try to contact the marinaleda office 5 years ago but never got a response from them, can you send me on email a working phone number and email from them, we are a familie with 5 children between 5 and 18, thank you for your time and effort!
Love, Peter Daisy and kids!
March 15, 2017 @ 10:19 am
Hiya!
Sorry but we don’t have an email address for them but this form should get through – remember to email them in Spanish:
Telephone number is +34 669 30 02 91
Good luck!
E x
March 13, 2017 @ 12:58 am
I am interested to live and retire in Marinaleda, Spain. Is there a big chance to achieve it? I am an American citizen.
March 15, 2017 @ 10:14 am
Yes – as long as your personal visa allows you to live in Spain.
E x
March 22, 2017 @ 10:30 pm
Hello. I am from Albania.
I would love to apply for job and to settle down in Marinaleda.
I only speak English.
Is it possible? And where can I check?
March 23, 2017 @ 10:05 am
Hello Kristi.
Currently Albania is not part of the EU, so you are not automatically entitled to live in Spain. You would need to speak to your Embassy for the criteria and apllication information. With regards to only speaking English – I would urge you to learn Spanish as soon as possible because it will be vital in order to live there and be able to communicate.
Good luck!
April 18, 2017 @ 1:20 pm
Hello, I’m Milan from Serbia. How are you Elle?
My girlfriend and me saw on local Serbia newspaper article about this wonderful place. She is an English teacher and my job is Environmental Safety. We are looking and we want to move to Marinaleda, so what we need to do first? Serbia is not in EU (you know that for sure). Is there on the web some link that we can sign in..
Thank you
April 18, 2017 @ 5:52 pm
Hello Milan.
You will need to speak to the Spanish Embassy in Serbia or the Serbian Embassy in Spain – they will be able to give you up to date information and tell you what paperwork you need. Once you have all the paperwork that enables you to live and work in Spain, you’ll be able to find somewhere to live in Marinaleda.
Good luck!
E xx
PS: I don’t suppose you have a link to the Serbian article I could look at, do you? Thanks in advance.
April 18, 2017 @ 8:27 pm
Yes I do, but it is on serbian
http://www.kurir.rs/spanski-grad-plata-1200-evra-kirija-15-evra-nema-kriminala-clanak-921769
It says about how good life in Marinaleda is, month salary and costs, culture, that kind of stuff..
I will send e-mail to Spanish embassy in Belgrade
Thanks
April 19, 2017 @ 5:08 pm
Brilliant thank you! I’ve run it through Google Translate. The article implies it’s quite easy to get the cheaper rent… but of course it’s not that easy (nothing is).
Good luck with the Belgrade Embassy.
E xx
April 23, 2017 @ 8:37 pm
Hello Elle!
We are from Romania and we think about relocate in Marinaleda. Me and my wife we wish that for our two children’s future. I have 48 years old and I’m an engineer and my wife is 37 and she’s an legal advisor.
Please tell me what I have to do, as soon as possible.
Thank you very much!
April 24, 2017 @ 12:56 pm
Hi Calin. You need to speak to your Embassy as soon as possible. They will be able to give you the paperwork you need to fill out.
Good luck! xx
August 11, 2017 @ 9:29 am
Hi Elle,
I’m Croatian girl ( and we are in EU) at the moment I’m living in Ireland,but I would like to move to live and work in Marinaleda. What do I have to do? And can I know how is the industry of beauty there? As I’m a spa manager (beautician as profesion)…
Thank You for your help!
August 16, 2017 @ 11:39 am
As you are an EU citizen then you have an automatic right to live and work wherever you like withint the other EU member states.
So, make sure you are learning Spanish… and save money so that you can live while you sweek work. With regard to the beauty industry – Marinaleda isn’t very big… so although it almost definitely exists, I would be surprised if it were really thriving.
Good luck! x
August 22, 2017 @ 2:22 pm
HELLO,MY NAME IS IOANNA AND I AM FROM GREECE.I AM INTERSTING MOVING AND WORKING IN MARINALEDA WITH MY BOYFRIEND.IS THAT POSSIBLE??AND WHAT SKILLS WE MUST HAVE SO THAT WE CAN LIVE AND WORK THERE??
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
August 24, 2017 @ 12:19 pm
Hi Ioanna. As Greece is part of the EU, yes you can move there (as long as both you and your boyfriend are Greek citizens).
You will need to speak to the Ayuntamiento (town hall) in Marinaleda to see what skills they are seeking at the moment.
Good luck! x
September 3, 2017 @ 10:28 pm
Hola
Yo soy española y mi marido es de Kosovo
Hemos estado viviendo en Inglaterra
Pero yo me quiero volver a España
Yo soy profesora de inglés y de español
Mi marido se dedica a la construcción
Y también ha trabajado en talleres
Mi pregunta básicamente como estaría para encontrar trabajo
Él no habla nada de español puesto que nos conocimos en Inglaterra y siempre hemos hablado en inglés
Gracias
September 4, 2017 @ 11:35 am
Hola Carmen. Puedes contactar el Ayuntamiento de Marinaleda. Ellos sabrán si hay trabajos para tu esposo.
¡Suerte!
October 29, 2017 @ 1:05 am
I have been looking to rent or buy property in Marinaleda but there is never much available, I am wondering if it’s possible to buy a repossession but don’t know where to start looking for this type of property could you advise on this.
Thanks
November 3, 2017 @ 11:37 am
You’re unlikely to find repossessions in Marinaleda because very few (if any) of the properties have mortgages on them.
Yes – you’re right that there isn’t much available. We’ve only got half a dozen Marinaleda houses in our own property section. Have you seen this one? It’s currently owned by our friend Vicky – 4 bed townhouse for sale in Marinaleda
Elle x
November 18, 2017 @ 12:26 am
Hi, how we are can move to Marinaleda?
I’m Lithuanian woman ( and we are in EU) at the moment I’m living in England and working a dental nurse. My boyfriend (Lithuanian) live in spain and he is resident of Spain ( he is open water diver and sport instructor). I and him would like to move to live and work in Marinaleda. What do we have to do? Can you send me on email a working phone number and email from them.
Gineta
Thanks
December 9, 2017 @ 5:32 pm
Hello I’m from Macedonia(Former Yugoslav) and I want to move to Marinaleda how should I get in touch with the Spanish Embassy to legally live there happily and peacefully.
Mirjana
Thank you.
December 10, 2017 @ 7:11 pm
Speak to the Spanish Embassy in your own country first – they should be able to help. E xx
December 22, 2017 @ 8:46 pm
Hello,
We are a couple from Romania 35 and 31 years old. We live in Greece but we will like to move in Marinaleda.
Can you give some advises please how we can realise that?
March 8, 2018 @ 8:58 pm
Hi, I am living in an EU country and would like to move to Marinaleda because of the anti-capitalistic form of living but I don’t know much about the working situation there. I am a coach and therapist. Are there needs for such professions or what kind of work can I do there for a living? Thanks in advance for your reply.
November 14, 2018 @ 3:01 pm
hello
i am from macedonia how can i move to
Marinaleda and if i move where can i stay sleep first days
November 14, 2018 @ 3:27 pm
You need to speak to your Embassy to check what paperwork you need.
For sleeping arrangements – search in Spanish on Google or look at some of the Spanish rental websites.
June 7, 2019 @ 7:48 pm
Hello… Im from Macedonia,and I living 4 years in Malta. How can I move to Spain? Thanks
June 10, 2019 @ 12:48 pm
Please liaise with your Embassy. They’ll be able to advise of any paperwork.
November 27, 2019 @ 9:17 pm
Hello! My name is Giannis. I am from Greece and I am a theater director, video artist and writer. I would like to live in Marinaleda and if the community wants, I could organize a theater for classical and modern plays, direct them and teach drama lessons to the people of Marinaleda. It is up to you to ask me more information about me and my art work.
Thank you.