UK to Spain

[KJ9]

26 & 31 considering move from UK to Spain. Some family there already. No kids. 2 dogs.
Would need jobs but don't speak Spanish so aware this will be a barrier.

Would really appreciate any insight into others experiences and any pros and cons please.

Thank you!

What are you asking exactly OP? I’ve spent a lot of time in Spain and have family there, also considering a move.

@Coffeeandbourbons thanks for replying!

I think I'm just a worrier and am keen to go for various reasons but have no idea what obstacles we could be faced with and because the family we have out there are elderly, I don't think they'd have much of an idea how difficult it would be for non Spanish speakers to get work out there.

So I guess I'm just curious to know how others have managed moving out there and the logistics of everything 😊

If you don't have EU passports you can't, Brexit put an end to that.

I’m in the process of preparing this move, OP. I’m an EU citizen which makes my life mildly easier but not much. Spain is one of the harder places to move to simply because of the bureaucracy. But lots of people do it successfully and don’t regret it!
Are you on FB? This is an invaluable group: expats retired or living and working in Spain.

Of course you can move there! You will need a visa! You need to apply for the appropriate visa through the Spanish embassy here in the UK. Join that group on FB, OP. It’s been so helpful for me.
At present I believe UK citizens can stay for 90 days as a tourist or on business.

Also, join the FB group for expats moving to the area you are planning on living in. For example I’m on an expat Valencia group (lots of information regarding rentals/buying properties, cars, taxes, pet transfer to Spain, moving companies, lawyers, etc).

The first object is you will now need a work visa which unless you are in a specialised role e.g a qualified teacher to work in an international school it's unlikely

The other routes are a non lucrative visa but you need to have around 30k saved for the first year and something similar for the second. bUT you aren't allowed to work during that time

They have announced a digital nomas visa but the details haven't been formalised yet

Brexit has really fucked over everyone's dreams.

I live in Spain and if it's what you really want you will find a way

There is a great Facebook group. Citizens advice Spain which may help you

Wow, thank you all so much for your replies!

@TheVanguardSix it's so frustrating that Brexit has interfered so much with things like this!! Thank you! I will have a look at the FB groups and also look into the visa. FB groups you've mentioned sound really helpful so I will take a look at those!

@maddy68 this is one of my concerns as I have been in managerial roles the last few years so it does worry me. The savings part wouldn't be too much of an issue as we would have that after the sale of our home in the UK but I don't think we could afford to be out of work for 2 years either!
Thank you for your help and advice!

@maddy68 do you like living in Spain?

@TheVanguardSix P.S. good luck with the move!

We are in our 40s with kids, so different situation to you obviously. However, we love living in Spain and if you do plan to have a family in the future then it's amazing for small children. Gorgeous weather, playing out 10 months of the year, everyone loves kids, they can go anywhere with you (no silly licensing laws forbidding kids in bars etc).

We both have jobs here and depending on your career/ work experience it can be a challenge finding a job without Spanish. English teaching is a popular option but rarely well paid. If you are serious about the move, I would invest time learning the language. You need B2 level at least for most professional jobs ime.

@lifesnotaspectatorsport thank you for your reply!
Sounds really lovely and I do wonder what it would be like if we did (hopefully) have children whilst living there (if we decide to and it's possible, of course!).

Learning a little spanish beforehand sounds wise in that case!

Thanks again!

You’re so kind, OP! Thank you! I hope we can be there in the next 6 months. 🤞Lots of American families move there. It’s a hassle with visas but even as an EU citizen, it’s not that much easier so don’t feel discouraged by Brexit (it’s really hard not to feel discouraged about it though). You can certainly make it happen.
Lots of people from everywhere make Spain their home.

Check out the family reunification visa for Spain. You have family there! This might be a pathway for you.

@TheVanguardSix fingers crossed for you! So exciting!!
Thank you. I'm just really researching things at the moment.
How long does the process generally take? I'm aware this will differ but what was your experience (if you don't mind me asking)?
AMAZING!! Thank you so much. I will definitely look into this visa!! X

If you are even considering it, learning Spanish now before you start the process will be so helpful, getting a half decent job will depend on you having at least a working knowledge of Spanish - why would they even want to give visas to people who don't speak the language, think about it!

@gogohmm thank you. Yes, my partner and I have thought of this and have agreed this is wise!

I absolutely love it. Once you get past the beaurocracy it's amazing.

We are outdoors most of the time. It's such a healthier safer place to live

If you don't hold an EU passport it's difficult but not impossible.
www.immigrationspain.es/en/visas-and-residence-permits-in-spain/