A 26-year-old Cuban living in Galicia has taken to TikTok to deliver an unexpected piece of advice for those considering a move to Spain: the most crucial item you can bring doesn't fit in a suitcase or a bank account. In a video posted Thursday, content creator known as Estibito insists that having a trustworthy person to truly welcome you is vital for surviving the initial months in the country.
"The first thing you need to have secured here is a reliable person, someone who won't toss you out onto the street tomorrow, someone who will genuinely help you get back on your feet," Estibito declares in the video.
Challenges of Starting Anew in Spain
Estibito explains that the first few months in Spain are particularly challenging due to the lengthy bureaucratic processes—such as registering for residency, enrolling in Social Security, and obtaining a foreigner's ID—before one can legally work.
Adding to these hurdles, securing your own rental is nearly impossible for newcomers. Landlords typically demand a year of work history or at least two paystubs as proof, conditions that are unattainable for someone fresh off the boat.
"Everyone promises when you're coming here, saying they'll take you in, but then the next month they're kicking you out," warns Estibito, speaking from personal experience.
Real Struggles from Fellow Cubans
The content creator acknowledges that his toughest times in Spain didn't stem from bureaucracy or the job market, but from interactions with other Cubans. "Most of my worst experiences have been due to Cubans... who tried to harm me despite me doing nothing to them... they even wanted me to end up on the street, without a home or anything," he recounts, although he clarifies that not all encounters were negative, as some compatriots genuinely helped him.
Estibito arrived in Spain with a clear goal: never to return to Cuba. "When you come to this country, you do so to move forward for both yourself and your family, and when I decided to come here, going back to Cuba was not an option," he emphasizes.
Experiences and Warnings
This account is part of a series of experiences the young man shares on his profile. In June, he described how he landed his first job in modular construction in under ten days thanks to his honesty during the interview. Earlier this month, he warned about a scam involving fake messages that drained his bank account completely.
The broader context for these stories is significant. According to the Spanish National Statistics Institute data published in February 2026, at least 35,200 Cubans emigrated to Spain during 2025, bringing the total Cuban community to approximately 287,490 registered individuals. Spain is the second most popular destination for Cuban emigrants, following the United States.
New arrivals also face a 17.23% unemployment rate among immigrants and a rental market with prices in major cities ranging from 900 to 1,638 euros per month, against a Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI) of 1,424.50 euros gross per month, if paid in 12 installments.
Estibito concludes his message with a phrase that sums up his view on migration: "Emigrating is not an easy task, but it's not impossible either."
Key Insights for Cuban Emigrants to Spain
What is the most important thing to consider before emigrating to Spain?
Having a trustworthy person to support you during the initial months is crucial for a successful transition.
What are the main challenges faced by new immigrants in Spain?
Navigating bureaucratic processes, obtaining employment, and securing housing are significant challenges.
How does the rental market affect newcomers in Spain?
Newcomers often find it difficult to meet landlords' requirements, such as having a year of job history or multiple paystubs.