Have you permanently moved from England to Spain?

Question

What were the main problems you faced before, during, and after the move? What advise would you give (apart from learning the language)?

Answer 1

We retired to Spain 5 years ago.  We bought a resale villa and had very few problems.  But understand that people can have many problems if they buy a new build.  If you need to earn to live then be aware that wages here are much lower than in the UK.  It is also difficult to find a job.

I strongly recommend that you come over for a period and rent, this will give you chance to look around to see where you would like to live and also look for a suitable job.

Answer 2

I've lived here for almost ten years now and just had my first daughter here. All of the points mentioned by the other people are true and to be taken into account. If you're planning on working out here teaching English is always a nice earner, but make sure you do a course first as speaking the language is not the same as teaching it.

I wouldn't move back to Britain and think that one of the most important things is to integrate yourself into the life here. So many Brits come over and want to live in their own little ex-pat village. I would recommend coming over first for a holiday in the place you're thinking about living and checking the place out for houses and jobs etc. Remember that living here in winter is totally different from the summer, especially if you're going to Andalucia.

Answer 3

I moved here with my family 17 years ago now and don´t regret a minute of it.

If you are interested you can read my thoughts and feelings on it here:-

http://www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.c...

Answer 4

I lived there for 2 years with my wife and 2 v young children.

it is brilliant, but you must be prepared for things to move much slower than in UK - especially things like utility companies and banks etc.

Also, a lot more high-profile policing, but you will find the cops much more friendly and sensible ( they wont give you tickets for minor stuff, just a chat).

there are also far more "holiday days" and regional holiday days which can turn into long weekends, so just be ready to chill a little.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

You have to get your NIE number (register with the police) You can't do anything without that. Also sorting out social secrity stuff was a pain but your employer will give you details of where to do this. Offices close at 2pm so you have to sort all official stuff out in the morning. Make sure once you have all your papers to get registered with a doctor (your local surgery will tell you which papers you need)

Good luck!!

Answer 6

Depends what part of Spain you are talking about,

simple thoughts

1 make sure you have a job to go to

2 if no job then enough money to live for at least 6 months, but hopefully longer

3 if you are living there don't get in the holiday mode you live there now and too many Brits just drink because that's what they do on holiday.

4 some sort of health insurance form from post office isn't enough.

5 with jobs make sure you have a contract, many placed say you will get one after a few months, every place should give you a contract, maybe only 3 months at first and then another, but then you will get a proper one. find out what your nomina is that is the amount they pay for your health and sickness pay.

6 don't bother starting up a  bar quickest way to loose all your money and be on the first plane home.

7 Be careful working as a PR can be good money but no contract, no security, nothing.

8 if you have children make sure you find a school they like, try local schools even if they don't speak Spanish they soon will.

think that's enough to be going on with good luck

is it Mainland or the Canaries big difference

Answer 7

We   moved here almost 6 years ago and would not wish to live anywhere else. Please take on board all the points that have been given, they are all valid.  I love this country, the  people, the food and its climate.  However, it is not the land of milk and honey and you have to work hard for your money like everywhere else if you do not have sufficient funds to support you.  We live well on a small pension (even though I am in my very late 40´s...umm almost 50 actually but it sounds better!), but we always make sure our first priority is our private medical insurance which costs about 1300€ a year for the two of us.  Do not, as they say, "leave your brains on the tarmac" and make sure you know exactly what you are taking on and the possible consequences.  The language is the most important barrier to conquer and not is it essential if you want to work, it also allows you to become involved with  the spanish community which is the whole point of coming here isn´t it?

Answer 8

On the 24th April I will have been here for 26 years, I would NOT return to the UK for anything.....as with other writers, it is most important to get the correct paperwork, as with one writer buying a resale property is well advised unless the contractor/builder has an excellent reputation, ir you know someone who has already bought new property.

Wages are a bit lower, but the news prime minister says he will make the minimum wage now 800 euros per month, this is basically for workers, in catering, etc., but like the uK workers who do have skills naturally get more.

Your grocery bill might be much cheaper, BUT it does depend on how you live, here you can live how you wish, champers every night or tea.

Hope this helps.................