Relocating to Spain with your children

Starting afresh overseas will always be a massive undertaking for anyone. You’ll need lots of courage and persistence to make it all happen. And if you have children it will be even more of a challenge.

Since the 1980s, many people from the UK have moved to Spain. In most cases, the relocation has been a marvellous new beginning, with a new lifestlye, warm sunny weather, a less stressful working environment, shorter working hours and a safer society, free of the violence we see more and more of in the UK.

Of course, it doesn’t always work out for everyone and some people find that the move is not to their liking and have to go back to the UK.

The good news is that, as many families with children have relocated to Spain, there is an established set of do’s and don’ts that everyone can learn from.

School-wise, it is very easy for citizens of the European Union can get their children into a state-run school in Spain. There is no requirement to apply for a resident’s permit, and there are no fees to pay. Local authorities in Spain will help you find a school if your first choice has a waiting list. And if you’re moving to an area of Spain with lots of ex-pats, you’ll often find that the schools lay on special tuition classes for new children.

As for the children themselves, those up to the age of ten years old tend to adapt to new surroundings better that their older counterparts. As long as they have the support they need, youngsters tend to settle very quickly in a new place. It can be amazing how quickly they find companions, start speaking the new language, and adapt to the new climate and conditions.

The over-tens tend to be more self-conscious and set in their ways, and so it can be harder for them to adapt to a new routine and lifestyle. It can be difficult for them to become accepted and make friends. Also they can find it more difficult to learn the language. All of this can make it hard for them to enjoy being in a Spanish school. One option could be private education in an international educational institution, but there will be fees to pay.

Learning Spanish is a good idea if you’re going to relocate to Spain. Not everyone speaks English, and if you have children and need to speak to their teachers about their progress, Spanish language skills will be a great help.

There will always be difficult times in a new country, particularly with children, but these pointers will help make the move as trouble-free as possible.

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