Expat, immigrant or resident: what the labels mean in Spain

Terms used

• Extranjero — The extranjero is the neutral, legal word for a foreigner in Spain.
• Inmigrante — The inmigrante is an immigrant; in everyday use it often implies someone from a poorer country who came to work.
• Guiri — The guiri is an everyday Spanish word for a foreigner, usually mild or teasing, sometimes mildly negative.
• Nuevo vecino — The nuevo vecino is a "new neighbour", a friendly way to describe a newcomer who lives locally.

Key rules

• Your label: You choose how to describe yourself; no label is assigned to you.
• Inmigrante vs expat: The same person may be called either one depending on origin and income, and both words carry class connotations.
• Guiri: Guiri is usually mild or teasing and is not generally a slur, but tone and context decide.
• Neutral choice: "Resident" or "foreign resident" is a neutral way to describe yourself.

You can choose your own label

No label is officially yours. Words like "expat" and "immigrant" carry ideas about money and origin, and you decide which one, if any, fits you. Nobody can assign you one.

What the main words mean

Extranjero is the neutral, legal word for a foreigner. It is the word used in official settings, and it carries no judgement.

Inmigrante usually suggests someone from a poorer country who came to work. In everyday use it carries class and origin connotations, and these are sometimes negative.

Expat (or expatriado) suggests a wealthier person, often from northern Europe or North America, who is staying temporarily or is on a privileged footing. In Spain, foreigners use this word far more than Spaniards do.

The same person can be called an "inmigrante" or an "expat" depending on where they come from and how much money they have. The difference is often about origin and income, not about what the person is actually doing.

What "guiri" means

Guiri is the everyday Spanish word for a foreigner, especially a pale-skinned northern European or American tourist or resident. Most of the time it is mild, teasing or even affectionate, and many foreigners use it about themselves.

It can turn mildly negative. People may say it of loud tourists, or of foreigners who do not try to fit in. In some touristy areas it is said with irritation. Tone, speaker and context decide what it means. It is not generally a slur.

It is not normally used for people from Latin America or Africa, who tend to get other labels. The quick answers below cover more on this.

How people describe themselves

Long-term residents use many descriptions:

• resident
• immigrant
• new Spaniard
• nuevo vecino (new neighbour)
• a mix of nationality and Spanish, such as "British-Spanish"
• international
• foreign resident

Many avoid "expat" because it can suggest you are not joining local life.

Choosing yours

• Pick the word that matches how you see your life in Spain, not the one others use first.
• If a label bothers you, you can say so calmly. Most people mean no harm.
• If you hear "guiri", read the tone before you react.
• "Resident" or "foreign resident" works almost anywhere and is neutral.

Quick answers on identity and belonging in Spain

Is the word guiri an insult?

No, guiri is usually a mild, often teasing word for a foreigner, and many foreigners use it of themselves. It can turn condescending when aimed at loud tourists or at foreigners who do not integrate.

How long until I stop feeling like a newcomer in Spain?

Many people feel less like newcomers after about 3 to 5 years, once they have the language and a social network. Being seen as local in a small town can take a decade or more. A low patch in the first or second year is normal.

Can I join local fiestas if I am not Catholic?

Yes, many peñas and fiesta associations are secular and open to anyone, but religious cofradías and hermandades normally require baptism. You can also watch processions, volunteer or ask the town hall how to join.

Does a foreign accent keep me marked as an outsider?

No, a foreign accent does not by itself keep a fluent speaker marked as an outsider. Accents are common and effort is valued. You may still be described as foreign in small places, so greeting neighbours and showing up year-round matters more.