Spain or UK

[CoverYourselfInChocolateGlory]

If you could choose to live in the UK or Spain, all else being equal, which would you choose?

8yo DD. Let's assume the language isn't a problem for her. Parents can work from either country so affording a home and a reasonable lifestyle is possible in either country. Visas also no issue.

Based on lifestyle, cost of living, safety, culture - which would you choose?

Yes, I'm struggling with this question right now and just wanted some general perspectives on both countries. Of course there are personal factors but a broader point of view would be helpful.

So, which would you choose and why?

Spain. But I'm biased cos I live in Spain. Education system is a bit shit tho.

Where in each country? Rural or city? Schooling would be a big consideration for me. You've got to take into account opportunities for your child. Ex colleagues moved to Portugal, very rural and their teenagers are really suffering, with friends, schools and future career opportunities.

If I was retired and financially independent then yes to Spain.
If needing to work and not financially independent, then no to moving to Spain.

It's a lovely country, fabulous history and culture, great weather.
But I would not wish to base my financial security on it.
However, it would be my No. 1 choice were I to move from the UK.

There may be tax implications earning money in UK but being resident elsewhere.

Spain, but we moved here 4 years ago. My children absolutely love it, all prefer school here - local Spanish school, enjoy learning the language, lots of friends of different nationalities. Lots of friends to play with outside of school.

We couldn't imagine moving back to the uk now. It's a great lifestyle for them, and we enjoy more beach time, more hiking in the mountains and forests etc, ease of parking too!

I lived in Barcelona for 12 years but struggled with catalan so lots of opportunities were closed to me...they are really weird like that....a lot of things much more expensive over there...car repairs and parts...electric, water....permits for lots of things....paperwork etc....but cheap council tax and food items mostly....i will return one day....

I lived in Barcelona for 12 years but struggled with catalan so lots of opportunities were closed to me...they are really weird like that...

Why on earth is it weird that they speak their own language, and Spanish is not the first choice for some? Do you also think Welsh people are ‘weird like that’? French Canadians, or people speaking Italian in Switzerland? Honestly…

As an adult I much prefer the UK, for a variety of reasons. I’m Spanish and grew up there, and without a doubt I would much prefer to raise my children there, if I had the option financially. So I vote for Spain, and I’m not someone who wants to move back there anytime soon!

UK

I lived in Catalonia for two years and never had an issue with Catalan.

With regards to your question, for me it would depend where family are but if you had family in both countries I would probably move to Spain.

@EileenGC

I lived in Barcelona for 12 years but struggled with catalan so lots of opportunities were closed to me...they are really weird like that...

Why on earth is it weird that they speak their own language, and Spanish is not the first choice for some? Do you also think Welsh people are ‘weird like that’? French Canadians, or people speaking Italian in Switzerland? Honestly…

As an adult I much prefer the UK, for a variety of reasons. I’m Spanish and grew up there, and without a doubt I would much prefer to raise my children there, if I had the option financially. So I vote for Spain, and I’m not someone who wants to move back there anytime soon!

well i should have stated job opportunities....need the catalan diploma etc....very hard to pass....i failed it several times so gave up....also some catalans are fiercely nationalistic and will ignore you if you speak spanish to them....encountered this a few times.

Well, the Catalan diploma is compulsory in public / civil jobs as you'll know, and I don't find it a weird requirement, because those are the jobs that bring you into contact with the general public. The general public of a bilingual region in Spain has, by law, the right to be spoken to in either of its native languages, and this is strictly adhered to, because of how tragically the Franco dictatorship tried to eliminate 'minority' languages. These people were banned for decades from speaking their own language. It's not something to be taken lightly and yes, everybody in a public job, paid for by the Catalan government, is expected to speak Catalan at a very high level.

I'm not even Catalan or in favour of independence, but I can completely see and understand their point. Fierce nationalistics won't take away any social opportunities if you don't let them, though.

That said, I completely agree that it's much more difficult as an immigrant to culturally fit in, in Spain's bilingual regions. These are parts of the country with a very sad history of being silenced and punished for being who they are.

I think the OP would be working remotely though, so perhaps this is not that much of a concern to her.

Thank you all for the perspectives. Work is not an issue, although being in Spain may limit my long term options, it's true. I'm trying to get my head around what it would mean for DD. In Spain we could afford to send her to a well thought of private international school where she'd learn 5 languages, have access to amazing sports facilities and be bilingual (she is already, but may lose her Spanish if we stay in the UK). In the UK it would be state schools all the way. I have no issue with state schools, but UK wouldn't necessarily be better for her education, at least at this age.

We do have family in the UK, which is the major consideration, tbh. In Spain we have friends and a community ready to welcome us with open arms. Not the same, I know.

@CoverYourselfInChocolateGlory

Thank you all for the perspectives. Work is not an issue, although being in Spain may limit my long term options, it's true. I'm trying to get my head around what it would mean for DD. In Spain we could afford to send her to a well thought of private international school where she'd learn 5 languages, have access to amazing sports facilities and be bilingual (she is already, but may lose her Spanish if we stay in the UK). In the UK it would be state schools all the way. I have no issue with state schools, but UK wouldn't necessarily be better for her education, at least at this age.

We do have family in the UK, which is the major consideration, tbh. In Spain we have friends and a community ready to welcome us with open arms. Not the same, I know.

Where in Spain, though? That would definitely influence my choice.

I’d live in Barcelona in a heartbeat. Safe, beautiful, proper city.

From what you say, I would definitely give it a chance for a few years. I don’t think you could ever regret it.

Spain 100%

@CoverYourselfInChocolateGlory

Thank you all for the perspectives. Work is not an issue, although being in Spain may limit my long term options, it's true. I'm trying to get my head around what it would mean for DD. In Spain we could afford to send her to a well thought of private international school where she'd learn 5 languages, have access to amazing sports facilities and be bilingual (she is already, but may lose her Spanish if we stay in the UK). In the UK it would be state schools all the way. I have no issue with state schools, but UK wouldn't necessarily be better for her education, at least at this age.

We do have family in the UK, which is the major consideration, tbh. In Spain we have friends and a community ready to welcome us with open arms. Not the same, I know.

Under those circumstances Spain 100 %

I would choose Spain for the food, the culture and everything else. But isn't there something like 90% unemployment amongst the youngest adults? That might give me pause.

Don’t forget to factor in University fees if you plan for her to go to University in UK. A child of her age, even if a British citizen, will need to pay foreign student fees if she has been living outside UK in the three years before she starts her course.

I know there are other options in the EU but the experience can be very different.

We're a British family, 3 kids, moved to Spain two years ago. I think Spain is a vastly more family friendly place to live. Lots of reasons we would prefer to stay here:

• Growing up bilingual
• Much better weather equals much more playing outside, less time indoors
• Kids welcome in just about every cafe, bar, restaurant, no snide looks or complaints about noise (plus you can generally eat outside anyway if you've got younger ones)
• Cities are well geared up for kids, playgrounds everywhere
• Good schools in my experience so far - ours are at a concertado
• Cheaper cost of living especially food and eating out, family activities (not to mention good weather makes parks and playgrounds more enjoyable!)
• Food quality is fantastic. I will never consider those tiny square red things from Tesco to be 'peppers' again!
• Great holiday options accessible by train (coasts, historic cities etc)
• Close to the U.K. for family and friends to visit and vice versa

No contest in my opinion if job/ money isn't an issue for you.

Spain, I lived there for 9 years.

It's Spain from me (username giveaway :)
16 years in Spain both daughters born here now 4 and 8. School is good so far but most importantly children are still children here; they are much more innocent than in the UK we find. We have no regrets and will never go back. Spanish social security system is very good when you contribute; we stand to get much better pensions than we would ever reiceve back home. We lead a life outside with beach, parks and outdoor activities. The rest of the time we enjoy our villa with our own pool and garden where the children can have friends over to play. What is not to love?

Spain. I'd move tomorrow if I could!

We lived in Spain for 8 years from when DS was 10 until he went to uni in the UK, probably not a reasonable option post Brexit ( that wasn't the main reason for our return to the UK).
We loved the lifestyle and the weather. We lived rurally so had to speak Spanish. It was a great place for our son to grow up, incredible freedom, became fluent in another language etc but it does have its drawbacks depending where you live. Unemployment amongst young people is still high and schools can be very hit and miss and are very different to British schools. Very few extra curricular activities. Private schools are the choice of many but can be a barrier to learning the language to fluency rather than exam standard. DS did very well in their school system and went onto University and is now Head of Languages at a UK secondary school. However, we know a many British youngsters, particularly those who hadn't learnt the language, who found getting employment very difficult.
We go back twice a year for a couple of months at a time as we still love it.

Spain every time.

The salaries are lower but the quality of life is just wonderful and its cheaper to live anyway. The Spanish love children and it is just so easy to parent here. We go back to England for a whole month (we get a 3 month summer holiday) and also at Christmas and Easter. DC are 8 and 4 and trilingual. One has mental health issues and reading what MN says about CAHMS, I'm really pleased I'm not in the UK because they're being taken seriously and helped very quickly (state healthcare). Education is pretty good in my area (but it is a very wealthy "naice" part of Spain).

But the lifestyle where you can pop to the beach after school and get an ice cream, spend weekends on mountain tops is priceless! We can ski at weekends in winter and beach at weekends in summer. After school, its the norm to stay and play in the playground with all their peers until dusk. Food and drink is cheap in cafes so you have a proper cafe culture. It is just brilliant living here!