From Manchester to Benalmadena with 3 under 4yrs old.... anyone else?

[JeGory37]

Hi guys, We have decided to move to Spain next year. We have booked ourselves some accommodation for the first 6 weeks - we plan to rent our house out before we go so there is no returning to the UK... firstly, am I correct in thinking we cant apply for school places in the state system until we have residency? We plan to use the first 6 weeks to find where we want to live - but then I understand the home has to be in the catchment area of the school we have chosen... I'm struggling to see how this all comes together smoothly? Or am I just hoping for too much here?! haha. Does anyone know if the Peter Pan Bilingual Nursery is state run or private? I cant find any fees or haven't had a response to my email? I'd really appreciate any guidance or advice or experiences anyone could share please? Thank you kindly.

This might be useful:

www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain

Do you have nationality from an EU country or can you obtain nationality from an EU country? If not more requirements will need to be met.

You will need a visa. Since Brexit, you can't just go and live where you want in the EU. You can read a bit more in simple terms here.
www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/2021/04/21/moving-to-spain-from-the-uk-2021/

Can't advice on the visa/schools etc, but do check the details of flights carefully. A friend had 3 under 3. Her and DH booked their flights to Spain, but at the airport, found out that for their kids age, each child needed 1 adult. I can't recall the details, but might be to do with only 3 oxygen masks between 2 seats. They had to get a relative to go along to hold the 3rd child/sit next to. Might be fine in your case, but do check.

Check if you will need a visa. If so, you have to apply from the U.K. before moving. You can't apply for residency without a visa.

Since Brexit it's really hard for U.K. citizens to move to an EU country.

Re schools and nursery's - generally you apply to those in your postcode area. Some you apply direct to the school, others to the town hall it depends on your region / municipality. If they have space in those outside of your area then they can offer you the space. It's based on a points system (if state run) points for where you live, if you work close by, siblings etc.