Moving to Spain. Pros & cons?

Question

My partner and I are seriously considering moving to Spain by spring 2010 (basically in 2 years time).

What pros & cons would you take into consideration? We are looking at the Alicante region as his parents also live there.

Any feedback from anyone who has moved, is thinking about it, or is about to do it, would be great. Thanks.

Answer 1

From where?  

And what are your expectations regarding work?

Spain is moving into a recession right now, and hiring foreigners might start slowing down.  

if you are NOT from an EU country, work permits are difficult to get.

If you are independently wealthy or have your income coming from some source OTHER than working, you could be okay.

*edit*  If you have some sort of income to start, and you have EU work status, can sit on the getting a job part if you must, then go for it!!!  I am jealous!  I wish I could just pick up and go.  I didn't go back when I was young enough, though I could still go retire there someday....Enjoy!

Answer 2

My parents moved there four years ago and on the face of it are loving every minute... All I would say is be careful if you need to work in order to make it viable financially, make sure you have concrete job offers lined up first, at least for one of you for certain...

If money is not so much of an issue, then I have only one question. Why are you not there already? lol

Answer 3

It would be a bonus to  make sure your Spanish is quite good. Start taking lessons if you can. I know that Alicante has a large Ex Pat community but having Spanish will stand to you in the long term. It may be a good idea to check the Common European framework to see if they have set a recommended Spanish level for your area of expertise.

If you are thinking about  working as a teacher it is much harder to get a job as many schools & language academies now require you to show / prove your qualifications. If necessary you may be asked to convailidate them within the spanish system.

Also it is a good idea to find out what benefits you may have gained in Ireland and U.K. ie. social welfare entitlements.

You may be able to transfer your stamps with an E311 and draw social welfare benefits if you don't find sufficient work in the beginning. This is based upon what you earned in Ireland or the U.K. so do check it out and see.

Make sure you get your E111 as this will entitle you to medical care whilst in Spain for one year.

Depending on what field you want to work in it would be a good idea to check out the job situation or try to  find out about your own  area of expertise.Try and get in contact with others in your field to see if there is work etc.... in Alicante. You will pick up work but it may be more difficult to find a permenant or full time position and contracts( within teaching for example) are sometimes not worth the paper they are written on. Added to this the salary is much lower to what you would be use to in Ireland. You will notice this if / when you visit Ireland or the U.K. as the wage difference really comes into play then.

Also it's not really a great time to buy a house or flat at the moment as prices are still quite high, and you need to check out very carefully that what you are buying is legal or you will run into all sort of problems later on.

These websites may be off some help :

www.spanish-living.com

www.idealspain.com

www.andalucia.com/spain/working/home.h...

www.spainexpat.com

www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Working-Spain-...

www.thinkspain.com/services/joboffers

www.andalucia.com/law/tax.htm

Make sure you check out the tax system as it is can be complicated and the individual is liable to fines if you do not comply with tax laws. It is possible to go down to your local tax office where the staff are usually quite helpful with simple queries. There is a freephone number for Agencia Tributaria 900 333 555 or try 901 200 345.

I hope this is of some use to you but remember it's not all sun, sea and party in Spain. The system is very differant to the U.K. and Ireland and at times very frustrating so be prepared for a change. As an Irish national living here for the last twelve years I still find the "laid back attitude" very frustrating.

It's best to know all the pros & cons before you make the move so take the time to inform yourself well. It will save you a lot of time queuing up in local offices. Good luck!!!

Answer 4

Ask the expats directly.

http://www.expatica.com

Answer 5

I moved to Spain 5 years ago and haven't looked back since.

My best bit of advice would be not to think too much about it and just do it.

I think that I would have reverse-engineered myself out of the idea if I'd thought about it too much but I didn't and I've ended up loving it.

I spoke no Spanish when I came here but am now fluent.

If you want to pick up the language, don't move somewhere where there are lots of expats because you'll not have to force yourself.

Around the Alicante area, there are bank staff, bars, shops, restaurants etc. where they have English speaking staff so you shouldn't feel too lost.

You have to initially work at building up a social network by joining things etc. because it's not easy in a new country.

Oh, and you should definitely go to the San Javier jazz festival if you like live concerts on warm evenings.

Answer 6

Been here 26 years on the 24th April, have never regretted for one minute coming here.................take your time thinking about it, then ORGANISE!!  yourself, work, paperwork, housing, get your brain to get ready for a complete change of lifestyle................then you will have no problems whatsoever!

Answer 7

Just to make a point that someone else mentioned. That is your E111. You can use your E111 whilst living in Spain provided you have an address in the UK. If you move to Spain and intend on living here then you will need to make your own arrangements through private medical insurance. The E111 is only valid to people with a UK address.

I live in Spain. As this is my home I can not visit the UK and see a doctor even though I've paid my NI contributions there. I have the right to emergency medical care. That is a right afforded through the EU. If you are over 65 you will be able to use the Spanish NHS and it will be free.

Answer 8

My wife and i bought a house there, bout 30 Min's from Alicante, 2 years ago fantastic part of Spain both renting an buying houses really cheap the government even give you money to rent a place  best thing we ever did was to leave England !!!!!!!!