Relocation to Spain

                          Main page

   Moving House        

   Should I bring everything with me from the U.K.?
   It's not necessary.

It is a personal preference but often furniture and furnishings which looked fabulous in a home in the U.K. can look quite out of place in Spain.

For people deciding to start again from scratch, the choice is enormous now - from flat packs to traditional.

   Pets        

   Can I travel backwards and forwards between Spain and the U.K. with my pets?
   It's now possible.

With the introduction of Pet Passports, there is no longer a problem with bringing your pets in and out of the country as long as you follow laid down procedures.

Bear in mind that dogs living on the Mediterranean Coast run the risk of contracting a serious disease through being bitten by a sand fly.

   Wills        

   I've made a will in England, will this do for Spain as well?
   No.

It is vital to make a Spanish will if you own anything or have a bank account in Spain.

   Schools        

   Is free education available?
   Yes.

In most areas free schooling is available from the age of 3 or 4 years of age, although compulsory education is from 5 to 16.

As in the U.K. education is split into infant, primary and secondary, followed by university

There are many private foreign and international schools, throughout Spain.

   Health        

Good health services exist throughout the country, with many private health insurance companies also available offering a wide range of facilities.

Whilst not all doctors speak English, in areas with a high foreign population there are normally those who do.

   Dealing with Bureaucracy        

   How can I find out about my obligations in Spain?
   Quite easily - find yourself a good gestor.

In Spain there exist people called "Gestors" who will, for quite reasonable amounts, see to all your paperwork for you. Whatever questions you might have concerning, residency, importation of boats and vehicles, income tax, driving licences etc etc etc will all be solved by your gestor.

Go to a gestor rather than relying on well-meaning but often misinformed friends and acquaintances.

Things are changing all the time and the paperwork you need today might not be the paperwork you need tomorrow.

One thing that has become easier is the question of driving licences. Those now moving to Spain who hold one of the new type driving licences with a photograph, only have to have it registered rather than having to apply for a Spanish licence.