Moving to Spain - General moving abroad advice please.

[charlottelouise1234]

Hello all,

Just wanted to see if anyone has relocated to Spain? I am looking at relocating with my partner and daughter aged 4. I have a lot of experience in the travel industry and have seen quite a few English speaking job roles which are decently paid. I have so many questions and just wondered even if you haven't moved to Spain if you could please offer some advice... I am currently trying to get my driving sorted, have never really needed this in the UK but as there are so many options all over mainland Spain I thought this would be good to have, partner would prefer to do an intensive course in Spain which seems much cheaper although harder to pass test over there, he isn't the fastest learner so thinks he would get on better learning there where he would drive?

My daughter is due to stat school in September so I would like to have moved before then so its an easier transition for her. However I am concerned it could take a few months to find a job and depending on where the job is depends on where we would live, Spanish schools etc. Would it be a good idea to start contacting companies to let them know of the move and tell them we are looking at moving June/July time, or would I sound ridiculous?

We shall be relying on my income to pay bills etc to start with, my partner is a builder in the UK and although he will be applying for jobs and looking for work I need my income to support us in the meantime, what would you say is the minimum amount I should be looking for per year? The tax seems to be 24% which will take a good chunk of wages.

Also any other tips etc would be extremely useful.

Have tried to look up on internet but a lot of varying answers!!

Thank you for your help.

Charlotte xx

Sorry to point out the obvious, but have you at all thought about Brexit will affect all this? The right to live, work and travel anywhere in the EU is only for EU citizens. As of 31 March 2019, you most likely won't have that right any more as a UK citizen. As you'd have only been in Spain a few months you also wouldn't have full rights to residency (need 5 years residency before you get permanent residency). Among other things, Brexit will also affect your rights to healthcare in Spain as a non-EU citizen, your right to schooling for your child, your right to work, your right to have your UK driving licence recognised (or to have a Spanish licence recognised in the UK if you do it that way around)....

Hi there,
Children start school in Spain the year they turn 3, so your daughter being 4 would already be in school here. The official time to apply is round about April, but it can vary
depending on region. If you apply out of that time then you have to be prepared to be allocated a school place where there is
space, as opposed to being able to choose
a school/s you like.

I think that without doubt you need to find a job first, or a least have a place in mimd where you would like to live. It's a very big country with many differences between provinces.

Good luck!