There are so many factors to consider when Moving to Spain with Children. As parents, we can often spend too much time worrying and thinking “What if?” …
Don’t waste time worrying. Start researching now. Ask Questions. Find answers. It’s all part of the incredible journey of Moving to Spain with Children.
Here are our 6 Top Tips for Moving to Spain with Children to get your journey started …
Get the TIMING right:
- Timing: as in the right time in your child’s life
- Timing: as in the time of year
- Timing: in relation to your own life
Is you child too young or maybe too old to move to Spain? Are you certain they will cope with a huge change in their life?
Research weather patterns, local holidays and school term times before planning flights and removal dates.
Why are you thinking about moving? Is this the best time, not only for your children, but also for you?
Really research your LOCATION:
Whether you are looking to invest money in a property or a simply looking for a rental property, choosing the correct location is fundamental to, not only the success of your move, but also your future happiness in your new home. This is also why I encourage you to rent before buying when first starting a new life in Spain. Yes, I agree that rent can be dead money. However, until you are certain you have the correct location for you, the dead rental paid will probably be a lot less that the expense incurred by the purchase of the wrong property.
If, however, you have visited a place many times, at different times of the year then buying a property may be a suitable option. Just don’t rush into it.
Make an effort to learn the LANGUAGE
In my opinion, too many people move to Spain without learning to speak Spanish. I’m not saying you need to be fluent, but I am suggesting that it should be a personal goal to at least make a really big effort. Being able to at least start a conversation with a Spaniard, in their own language, will truly enhance your chances of integration and open so many more exciting doors for you.
Invest in some dual language Cd’s to watch with your children. Play online language-learning games. Use flashcards … There are so many great methods for language-learning these days.
Watch out for our free Spanish language-learning articles, coming very soon.
Research EDUCATION options:
One of the first decisions about education is usually whether to enrol your children in a Spanish state school or a private international school. The availability of state schools and international schools in Spain varies by region. It is really important to carefully research the schools in the area you plan to make your new home before you plan your move to Spain.
In some areas of Spain, it can be difficult to secure places in a school, before having an address in Spain. Speak to the schools you are considering before making any definite decisions about your property.
Be prepared to learn new CUSTOMS and PROCEDURES
Spain is very different to many other European countries. Too many people move over here with the “But, back home they …” attitude. Do yourself a huge favour and leave that attitude (if you ever had it) behind.Be prepared to slow down. Get ready for a more relaxed pace of life. If it doesn’t get done today, it will get done tomorrow or maybe the day after! Stressing about it will not get it done any faster.
Be prepared to slow down. Get ready for a more relaxed pace of life. If it doesn’t get done today, it will get done tomorrow or maybe the day after! Stressing about it will not get it done any faster. You have a lot to learn. Prepare yourselves for the onslaught of the Spanish donkey-style bureaucratic system
Note: Burro is Spanish for donkey. Burrocracia is Spanish for bureaucracy 😉
Get a Copy of OUR BOOK and let us do a lot of the work for you!
The above tips are a quick summary of only a few of the many issues we cover in our guide Moving to Spain with Children.
To read some of the lovely reviews people have sent in, and to have a look inside at what essential topics are covered, pop over to Amazon (click here) and have a look.
