9 Key Considerations Before Moving to Spain with Family
Moving to Spain with your family is an exciting journey.Whether you're drawn to Spain's sunny weather, rich history, or renowned healthcare system, relocating with a family comes with unique considerations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential aspects of moving to Spain with your loved ones, offering tips to help make your transition as smooth as possible.
9 Key Considerations Before Moving to Spain with Family
1. Understanding the Different Visa Options
Before moving to Spain with your family, it’s crucial to understand the different visa options available to non-EU citizens. Spain offers a variety of visas depending on your situation, and choosing the right one will ensure you have the legal status to live and work in the country.
Here are some of the most common visa options for expat families:
The Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal for those who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any professional activity. This visa is popular among retirees and individuals who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves without needing to work. It's also a great option for families who want to move to Spain and enjoy the lifestyle without the pressure of securing employment immediately.
Requirements: Proof of financial means, private health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Duration: Initially valid for one year, with the option to renew for two-year periods.
2. Work Visa
If you plan to work in Spain, you’ll need to obtain a Work Visa. This visa is typically tied to a specific job offer from a Spanish employer. The employer must sponsor your visa and provide documentation that justifies your employment as necessary to the business.
Requirements: A formal job offer, proof of qualifications, and a work contract.
Duration: Typically valid for the duration of your employment contract, with renewal options.
3. Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers who want to live in Spain while continuing to work for a company or clients outside the country, the Digital Nomad Visa offers a pathway to residency. This visa is designed for individuals who can work remotely and contribute to the Spanish economy through their income.
Requirements: Proof of employment or freelance work with non-Spanish companies, sufficient financial means to support yourself, and health insurance.
Duration: Initially valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
4. Student Visa
If you or a family member is planning to study in Spain, a Student Visa is required. This visa allows you to live in Spain for the duration of your studies and, in some cases, includes the possibility of working part-time.
Requirements: Proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution, sufficient financial means, and health insurance.
Duration: Valid for the duration of the study program, with the option to renew.
5. Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is an attractive option for high-net-worth individuals looking to invest in Spain. By making a significant investment in real estate, government bonds, or a business, you can obtain residency for yourself and your family.
Requirements: A minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate, €2 million in Spanish government bonds, or €1 million in shares of a Spanish company.
Duration: Initially valid for two years, with easy renewal options.
6. Family Reunification Visa
If one family member has already obtained legal residency in Spain, other family members can apply for a Family Reunification Visa. This visa allows spouses, children, and dependent parents to join their family member in Spain.
Requirements: Proof of the family relationship, sufficient financial means, and health insurance.
Duration: The visa duration typically matches the residency status of the family member who is already in Spain.
2. Choosing the Right Location for Your Family
Spain offers a diverse range of living environments, from bustling cities to peaceful coastal towns. When deciding where to live, consider factors such as the availability of international schools, access to healthcare, and the overall family-friendliness of the area.
- Cities like Madrid and Barcelona are vibrant and offer a wealth of cultural experiences, excellent schools, and modern amenities, but they can be busy and more expensive.
- Smaller cities and towns like Valencia, Málaga, or Alicante might offer a slower pace of life, lower costs, and a more intimate community feel, which can be ideal for families.
Additionally, when considering the best places to live in Spain for your expat family, it's crucial to spend time exploring the country before making a long-term commitment. Visiting Spain multiple times on short and long holidays allows you to "test the waters" and experience different regions, cities, and neighborhoods firsthand. This hands-on approach helps you determine the best fit for your family in terms of lifestyle, community, and amenities.
To make these exploratory trips more affordable, websites like Flatio and Trusted Housesitters offer excellent options for short-term rentals. Flatio provides fully furnished apartments with flexible rental periods, ideal for families needing a temporary home base while they explore.
Trusted Housesitters, on the other hand, allows you to stay in homes for free in exchange for taking care of the owner's pets, offering a cost-effective and homely experience.
Ultimately, doing some research to identify which area best suits your family’s lifestyle and needs is critical. If you don’t know where to start check out this article to discover the 7 best places to live in Spain for expats.
3. Navigating the Spanish Housing Market
Finding a suitable home is one of the first tasks on your relocation checklist. Spain’s housing market can be competitive, especially in popular areas. It's important to start your search early and consider both short-term and long-term rental options.
For tips on finding an apartment quickly, check out our post on the 7 Best Websites to Find an Apartment in Spain in Under a Week. These resources can help you secure a home that meets your family’s needs without unnecessary stress.
4. Healthcare Considerations for Families
Spain’s healthcare system is one of the best in Europe, offering high-quality care that is accessible to both residents and expats. It’s essential to understand how the system works, particularly if you’re moving with children or planning to expand your family.
- Public Healthcare: Available to residents, but waiting times can vary.
- Private Healthcare: Provides faster access to specialists and is often preferred by expats.
For non-EU expats, securing private health insurance is non-negotiable and should cover your entire family. For more information on choosing the right plan, visit our guide on the Best Health Insurance for Expats in Spain, here is an overview of the pricing you could expect.
*Some plans may require payment for 12 months upfront.
5. Education and Childcare in Spain
Spain has a wide range of educational options for expat families, including public, private, and international schools. The education system is generally high-quality, but the choice between public and private can depend on your child’s needs and your family’s language proficiency.
- Public Schools: Free and follow the national curriculum, but instruction is typically in Spanish or the regional language.
- Private and International Schools:Offer bilingual or English-language education, following international curricula, which can be ideal for expat children.
For younger children, Spain offers numerous nursery and childcare options. Check out our article on Nursery and Childcare in Spain: Best Tips for Expat Families for practical advice on finding the right care for your little ones.
6. Legal and Bureaucratic Essentials
As a non-EU citizen, there are several legal steps you’ll need to take to ensure a smooth move to Spain. One of the most important is obtaining a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), which is crucial for everything from opening a bank account to enrolling your children in school.
7. Work-Life Balance and Family Time
One of the most appealing aspects of life in Spain is the emphasis on work-life balance. The Spanish lifestyle prioritizes family time, with long lunches, regular holidays, and a generally slower pace of life compared to many other countries. This cultural focus on family can make Spain a wonderful place to raise children and enjoy quality time together.
From weekend trips to the beach to exploring historic towns, there are endless opportunities for family adventures in Spain. Embrace the local customs and make the most of Spain’s family-friendly environment.
8. Maternity and Paternity Leave
Spain offers generous maternity and paternity leave, which can be a significant advantage for expat families. Understanding your rights and how to access these benefits is crucial if you’re planning to expand your family in Spain.
For a detailed overview of what to expect, see our article on Maternity Leave in Spain.
9. Embracing the Spanish Culture
Moving to Spain with a family isn’t just about logistics—it’s about embracing a new culture and lifestyle. Spain is known for its warm, welcoming communities, family-oriented culture, and a rich array of festivals and traditions that can provide a fulfilling experience for your entire family.
While it’s possible to live in Spain without speaking Spanish, learning the language can greatly enhance your experience and help you integrate into your new community.
Final thoughts
Relocating to Spain with your family is a life-changing experience that offers countless benefits, from an excellent education system to a welcoming culture. By understanding the key aspects of moving and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure a smooth transition and start enjoying your new life in Spain with confidence.
Whether you’re still in the planning stages or ready to make the move, Spain offers a vibrant, family-friendly environment that is sure to provide a wonderful home for you and your loved ones.