Moving to spain

Hi All 

we have now set a date to move to Spain so we have a plan to work too, only trouble is where do we start?

we're between 40-50 and will be bringing our children. (School ages).

we have a few years grace with money so no pressure to work. But will be looking ASAP. 

However it's not that were worried about its where do we start? I'v been told to contact the Spanish embassy first but wanted to hear any information from people that has actually gone through the procedure. 

Would love to hear how you did it any information is a bonus 

many thanks 

Jackie x

You may need to be more specific. By "where do we start", is it fair to presume you don't mean literally, geographically where in Spain? But have you even decided on where yet? Do you mean how do we start planning the move? I find it strange that you've set an actual date, but haven't got beyond someone's suggestion of contacting the Spanish embassy - for what, exactly, I can't imagine. 

"School age" covers quite a range, but personally I would start by learning more about the implications of such an upheaval for your kids (unless we're talking 5 or 6 years old). State school or private international school? 

If you really do not have any information yet on what a move to Spain entails, I suggest you start Googling furiously! As a starter, have a look at the foreign office website's guide to living in Spain, which is more likely to help you than the Spanish embassy, and then come back here with more specific questions.

I'd wait until we know the result of the EU referendum, residence in Spain for future expats could be a totaly different ball game after next Thursday!

If you are serious about moving to Spain make sure you learn to speak the language before you  make the move ,you should also consider a area   with a large expat community l have had a place in Spain for the past 10 years and  from. my experience the majority that live in Spain full time are retired and don't need to work the small amount of expats that do work tend to work self-employed or work for other expats .

Thank you all for your responses, however I think I'v been pretty vague. 

My parents currently live out there as my mum has in effect gone home. We know where we want to live and have done for some time.  I'm a self employed hairdresser and have always made my own money, we are financially secure and under no pressure to work for the next few years. 

My point about "where do we start" I'v done so much research on the Internet and with  family in Spain and friends that have moved its all a but mind blowing. So just want to see if anyone could help on simple terms??

will also wait till Thursday 

thanks again 

Start with the basics

Tax - you will have to register your income and in order to get residency you will need to prove you have income and health care provision 

Education - what ages are your children.if they are over 9 to 10 then a private international school is the best option unless they are fluent in Spanish  or they will struggle and fall behind.  Most schools require residency before you get a place

Health care - you will need private health care until you start paying in to the system. 

If I was you I would stay well away from Spain we moved back not because we did not like Spain we loved it but the Risks now are too great with BREXIT 

We have no money and we left so anyone who has money or property in Spain will be well and truly shafted if I was you I would stay in Blighty as I really think it has a very bright future the next two years will be tough but after that it will be the land of Milk and Honey a place your parents would want to return too 

Keep your Money in the UK because as soon as Spain gets a whiff of it then thats it

Love Hugh xx

Ps think the post is Bogus as I know a few hairdressers and they are always skint

Your posts always make me smile, Hugh! 

Yes, I must admit I'm a bit skeptical too. With parents (even Spanish?) & friends already having moved to Spain, what exactly are you looking for from strangers here - "on simple terms"? Be more specific, otherwise you're going to get "simple" answers. 

We did the move a while ago and have never looked back. 

We rented first....now know where we want to be. Don't underestimate the value of ex pats around you

We got our NIE

We got to know people in business, learnt about self employment and Spanish requirements

we learnt Spanish ( still learning, duolingo and 1:1 lessons)

We got our padrons

We are still learning everyday. 

Facebook has some amazing sites that really help you with advice and tips depending where your moving. 

Good of luck and enjoy. The whole brexit thing is not going to change stuff overnight so don't live your life worrying or future proofing too much.......life is sort live it and love it 🤗🤗🤗

Jackie 

Each Region in Spain sets it's own rates of tax (providing that does not mean a greater tax burden on its population than the rules set by Madrid)  including those on income, property taxes,  capital gains,  inheritance tax etc.   That results in very large variations.

So you should look very carefully at the tax rules for any area which you may consider.

Jackie said "We know where we want to live and have done for some time" so I don't think regional tax rules are going to be a factor. She also never mentioned tax as something she wants to know about. She specifically asked about "where to start" on "simple terms", and taxation is anything but simple. I think she's after some far more basic info, but until she replies with what exactly, the answers, if any, are going to be a bit random and vague.

I may be wrong, but I just guessed that Jackie would not know that taxes in the various regions vary considerably.

I believe most Brits  would assume, if they were not told,  that income tax, IHT, capital gains tax, 'road tax'  etc are exactly the same throughout Spain as they are in UK.

However, as we know,  people (mainly Spaniards) move, even if just on paper,  to another region so that they will not be hit by the IHT which applies to the Region  where  they live.

You're probably not wrong, John, I was merely pointing out that she already has decided on the "where", since she has family already in Spain. You're almost certainly correct, also, in assuming most Brits don't know the first thing about taxation in Spain and regional variations. Let's face it, most don't even know that they speak different languages and dialects in different parts, and most also don't give a fig. I just think Jackie is looking for much more basic info, such as whether to fly or get the ferry!

Anyhoo, not wishing to argue with you, but always willing to engage in (provoke?!) interesting discussion on an otherwise boring and pointless thread! Spaniards may well move "on paper" as you say, although until this (or a subsequent) governemt wakes up to the realisation that a bouyant (or just normally functioning) property market is fundamental to people's ability to move to where the work is, Spaniards are not exactly (physically) moving anywhere (other than abroad), and in my experience they also don't emotionally move much further than the village of their birth. Whether they live in Malaga or Bilbao, if they're from (e.g.) Extremadura, they're Extremadurans, and will always tell you it's the best - although they almost certainly support Real Madrid!

Discuss!

My questions is care about how much the the fees for children addimitaed to school?