Thinking of moving 2 spain cant afford 2 live here anymore is life really any better over there?

Question

i have 2 small children so would need schools and probley child care

Answer 1

I lived in Spain for two years (but had no dependents) and never found stable employment.  I was in Andalucia which has terrible unemployment so no surprise really.  I missed having a decent job and I ran out of money so came back to the UK but never regret my time in Spain as i had a blast.

Fluent Spanish (or Catalan) is essential and do your research before you go.  Could you work for a company over here and get transferred to Spain? Do you have a skill which would be marketable there?  

It's a great place to live but nowhere's much fun when you're living hand to mouth.  The kids will soon adapt and it's great to give them the chance to be bilingual.  

If you do decide to go - enjoy it!

Answer 2

How are you going to pay for child care? Do you speak the language ? if not how are you going to get a job?.... rethink your priorities please... the children !!!

Answer 3

It depends where and what you want to do.

I spend 6 yrs living near Benidorm and unless you are fluent in Spanish its nearly impossible to find a decent job. You are likely to end up working in a bar / timeshare / cl;cleaning etc. Ex-pat bosses are notoriously c**p at giving time off and hardly anyone gives the required (by law) contracts that entailed you to health benefits etc. The rent can be cheap but if you are wanting to live near the popular places the rent and buying a house is extortionate. Smaller kids will be welcomed into school and pick up the language quickly,

All in all its a hard slog and really not for everyone.

Answer 4

A BRIEF COMMENT, IT'S HARD WORK, BUT WELL WORTH IT!

Answer 5

Life in Spain isn't as cheap as it was before the euro, and even then, rent and house prices in popular places such as Barcelona where I live were out of proportion to the salaries. You may pay less for basics but will earn less as well. As for child care, at least in Barcelona daycare spaces in public centres are scarce, and going private can be expensive. The same goes for public schools, kids often have to travel to school because there isn't necessarily space for them in the public school closest home. Do some serious research and speak to your embassy before you go. If you are not European you will find finding work and getting residency difficult.

Answer 6

Go for it!

I live near Barcelona and have done for the last eight years. The kids will pick up the language within a couple of months and will fit in no problem.

Job wise, in the cities there are many international companies, best to check that out before you leave. Spanish is a necessity for any job, so if you don't know it do a course.

The house prices out here are crazy as well, my flat is more expensive than my parents house in Britain!! If you have a car you can always live further a field as it's cheaper that way.

I wouldn't recommend going to live near Benidorm, it's like Brits abroad (the Spanish call it 'El pueblo ingles'!)

Answer 7

i lived in Spain 4 2 years and it was great. i moved there to study Spanish. however there are some things to note:

everything gets done slowly

prices in English-speaking areas such as the Costa Del sol are high

you will need to get residency permits or equivalent if you wish to work there (you can check this out before you go, see citizen's advice bureau or foreign office website i imagine)

Cost of living is much cheaper but your wage will also be much less

weather is gorgeous

your kids will pick up the language in no time. there are plenty of schools which will accept children of English families. In the Costa Del sol and places there are even schools in English which follow our education system.

good luck hope it all goes alright for you.

Answer 8

I have lived in Spain now for over 2 years. It is great, but it is very hard work. I worked in a hot sweaty kitchen for a year and throughout the summer when its baking hot the temp. in the kitchen was touching nearly 50degrees.

I now have a much better job, but I am lucky and have a skill that I can apply in Spain.

You should start learning Spanish now. The more the better.

You do not need a residency card (or residencia) any more to work in Spain as you are an EU national. You just have to register at your local Police station when you start work to get your N.I. number.

If you want your kids to go to an English school you will have to pay private tuition which is very expesive. At a Spanish school on the Costa Blanca they will need to learn Spanish and Valenciano. Learning 2 languages at once can be tough, but most kids pick it up pretty quick.

Make sure you have plenty of money in your account before you move. If you rent a place you will need 1 month deposit 1month up front and 1 month for the fee.

I can answer more questions about moving to Spain on my website: www.centrictravel.com , please have a look and join the community.

But to answer your question: Life is life where-ever you live, I would suggest people with problems at home not to try to run away from them as things don't just get better like that.

If you are prepared for a reality and not a dream you will do well in Spain, a lot of people do. It can be fun, but be prepared for hard work.