The decision to emigrate to Spain with children is a very important one that involves special planning. From education to cultural adaptation, every detail counts in ensuring a smooth transition for the whole family. In this article, we show you five tips for emigrating to Spain with children.
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5 tips for emigrating to Spain with children
Finding a school for your children
One of the most important decisions you’ll make during your move is which school to register little with.
From a range of subsidized (concertado), private or international schools, you can feel spoiled for choice, but the final decision will come down to your children’s ages, interests and individual needs.
Whatever you decide, you’ll need to make the call well ahead of moving day.
Younger children can find it fairly easy to fit in at a state-run school, picking up additional languages more easily than older siblings and are often quicker at making new friends.
But with a wealth of international schools to choose from, it may be preferable to register your family somewhere they can follow on with the same curriculum, as well as where you know they can meet other children who are also settling into a new life overseas.
Expat networks online can be a great place to connect with other parents in the region you’re planning on moving to, especially if you don’t know anyone in the area already. Join conversations about the schools they would – or wouldn’t – recommend, to establish what’s right for you.
Learn new ways of communicating
If you come from a country where Spanish is not spoken you may find it difficult to understand people. We know how complex it is to learn a new language but you can start by listening to videos or talking to your family in Spanish and you will see that little by little you will progress and improve your level. Another option would be to download free language video games or join a language academy.
Choose a good health care option
As you know, you and your family must be registered with the Spanish social security system, so you will have access to the Spanish public health system.
There are families who choose to take out health insurance to avoid long waiting times so our recommendation is that you take your time to decide what to choose and look at the pros and cons.
Financial planning
Financial planning is key when migrating with children. You need to consider not only initial expenses, such as moving and housing, but also ongoing costs such as school fees, health insurance and extracurricular activities. A good, detailed budget will help to avoid surprises.
Social and cultural integration
Encouraging social and cultural integration is key to your children’s successful adjustment. Research local activities, participate in community events and foster friendships with your neighbours. This will not only facilitate your children’s adjustment, but will also help the family integrate with other neighbours.
