Is It Good to Return to India After Living Abroad for 20 Years? My Story + Tips

Returning to India after living abroad for 20 years is one of the biggest decisions of my life — and also one of the most emotional. I lived in Spain for two decades, built a career, made friends, and adapted to a completely different way of life. But the pull of home, family expectations, and new opportunities eventually made me reconsider where I truly belonged.

In this article, I share my personal experience, the challenges I faced, and practical insights that might help you decide if returning to India after many years abroad is right for you.
(This is a long‑term relocation story, not just a vacation memoir.)

📍 1. Why I Lived Abroad (My Background)

I came to Spain in 2003 for research work and gradually stayed longer for employment, friendships, and life opportunities in European cities. But life abroad also brought:

• Language barriers and cultural differences
• Occasional misunderstandings and uncomfortable incidents
• A sense of being “foreign” no matter how long I stayed

This made me reflect on where I truly wanted to build my future.

I know very well that it’s tough to find friends in a new place where social culture, thinking, communication, language, traditions, and even skin color are different. India is completely different from Spain. There is no fair comparison between India and Spain.

I remember when I first arrived in Granada, a city in southern Spain—it felt like I was living in a jail. People were speaking Spanish, which I could not understand. They looked at me strangely, and sometimes I was afraid. Even now, some people still look at me differently, but I have no problem with them. Perhaps they had never met an Indian person before, though I meet many people from different countries daily and converse with them in the three languages I know.

Twice or thrice, I have faced attacks, and one time I was followed by people considering that I was an illegal immigrant. They even offered me a job and housing, which seemed suspicious.

Despite these challenges, I have now become accustomed to life in Spain. The happy part for me is that I managed to make a few close friends and integrate into Spanish society. Many may assume I succeeded because I married a Spanish woman—but that is not the case. I am naturally social, but I am also a strong-willed person. I am kind if you are kind to me, otherwise, I tend to ignore negativity. I have never intentionally harmed anyone, though I may unknowingly offend someone at times. Regular comments causing unnecessary stress are something I endure, but I have learned to maintain tolerance. Surviving in a place where you have no family requires adaptability and resilience.

In summary, I am fully adjusted to life in Spain after 20 years.

🤔 2. The Core Question: Return or Stay?

Before you decide to move back to India after years abroad, ask yourself:

⭐ What’s your WHY?

• Family connections?
• Career opportunities?
• Quality of life?
• Cultural belonging?

Millions of NRIs (Non‑Resident Indians) face similar questions — and the right answer is deeply personal.

🧠 3. The Emotional Reality of Returning Home

Coming back to India is not just a physical move — it’s emotional. Even if it feels like “going home,” reality may be different because:

• You’ve changed after years abroad
• India has changed too
• Everyday life feels familiar but also very different

Reverse culture shock is real — and most people don’t talk about it until they experience it.

🇮🇳 4. What Really Changes When You Return

🏙 Cultural adjustments

• Fast-changing lifestyle and digital transformation
• More crowds, noise, and chaos than many expats remember
• Health systems and bureaucracy requiring patience

💻 Daily life

Digital payments, delivery apps, and online government services are now common in major cities, making life significantly easier than before.

🧪 5. Practical Lessons from Others Who Returned

Here are real experiences shared by people returning after long periods abroad:

From Reddit NRI forums:

• Some found life in India more “real” and family-centered after years abroad.
• Others faced unexpected challenges but adapted over time.
• Many advise trying a temporary period first before fully relocating.

💡 6. My Personal Takeaways

✔ What was hard?

• Adapting to social personalities and culture
• Changing expectations from relatives
• Navigating daily life logistics

✔ What was beautiful?

• Being close to family
• Understanding Indian traditions at a deeper level
• Feeling grounded in your own heritage

✍️ 7. Tips If You’re Considering Moving Back

Here’s a realistic guide if you’re thinking about returning to India:

📌 Before You Go

• Think about your career and professional goals
• Check whether you want to visit first or move permanently
• Prepare emotionally and financially for a transition period

📌 After You Return

• Give yourself at least 6–12 months to adjust
• Connect with local communities, friends, and professionals

This kind of planning makes the transition smoother and far more rewarding.

🎯 Conclusion: Is It “Good” to Return?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but if you:

• Reflect honestly on your reasons
• Prepare for both good and challenging days
• Keep an open mind

Then returning to India can be one of the most rewarding chapters of your life.

🧲 Call to Action

👉 If you’re also thinking about returning to India after living abroad, share your story in the comments below — or ask me any questions you have about relocating, culture, or job opportunities after returning!