Moving abroad with children can be nerve wracking, there is a lot to prepare to make sure your children settle in well. However, children are often able to settle into a new routine must faster than adults and can pick up new languages extremely quickly at a young age.
Spain is a friendly country and they welcome children and adults from abroad. Although you may be concerned about how the move will affect your children, there are ways to help make the transition easier for the whole family when moving to Spain with kids.
Do your research
Before your move, make sure to research the area you are moving to and check for local amenities and events. Find out important information about
immigrating to Spain before planning your move.
Researching in advance is especially important with older children who will be feeling that they are leaving their life behind. Discover what there is to do that matches their interests, so they will have something exciting to enjoy when they arrive.
You will also want to find out about the schools for your children in your new area. If you can communicate in Spanish, talking to the local parents is an excellent way to find out about the possible schools you could send your children to.
Alternatively, researching online for the best schools in the area you want to move to can help you find a good fit.
Our top tips for
how to move abroad with your children offers advice to help make the transition to a new home abroad easier for you and your family.
Moving to Spain with young children
The best time to move to Spain with children is when they are still at a young age. If you move to Spain while your child is still acquiring their language skills, they will be learning the language with other Spanish toddlers, so it won’t seem as foreign to them.
School structure in Spain
In Spain, school starts the calendar year your child turns 3. They attend nursery classes until they are 6 and then transfer to the junior school. Junior classes cover similar subjects as British schools, such as maths, science, history, and geography.
If you are moving to Spain after your children have started junior school they might need additional Spanish lessons. Depending on their age, they may be put into a class with children a year younger, to enable them to catch up. They will soon adapt to the language, and you can practice your Spanish together.
Moving to Spain with teenagers
Once your child has started higher education, it will be much more difficult for them to pick up their studies if you don’t intend to send them to an international or an English school. They will make new friends, but learning Spanish and keeping up with their schoolwork might be overwhelming.
Secondary school structure in Spain
Children start secondary school at age 12 and study for a school certificate. They can then go on to college at 16 to study the Spanish Baccalaureate, which is comparable to A Levels in the UK. Alternatively, they can choose to do vocational training to help prepare them for the skilled-job market.
If you intend for them to carry on their education in an international or English school, they should be able to adapt to education in Spain, however, it may be a good idea to enrol them in Spanish language lessons.
When your children are in their teenage years, they are likely to have made their own friends, social life and plans for the future, so it is important to discuss with them the implications of the move abroad to Spain, and allow them to voice their concerns about moving to a new country.
Finding a school in Spain
The education system in Spain offers three options of schooling:
- State School
- Private School
- International School
Spanish state schools
You can get a list of the state schools in your Spanish town from the Town Hall or Local Education Centre or can research online. Be sure to ask about the requirements and process of enrolling your child, as this can differ between regions. Enrolment usually occurs in May, so it is advised to visit the school early in the academic year.
If your move to Spain is permanent, then a state school will help to ensure that your children become Spanish speakers and integrate into the community. Popular expat areas such as the
Costa del Sol will have a high number of British kids, and often offer extra Spanish lessons for English speaking pupils.
It is important to note that, if you are
moving to Barcelona or another Catalonian town, the teaching in the state schools will be in Catalan. Castellano is taught as a language subject.
Spanish private schools
In private schools in Spain, you have the option of either Spanish speaking schools or bilingual schools which have an emphasis on English. Prices for private schools differ between schools, but you should find the fees lower than those of British private schools.
Spanish international schools
International schools in Spain generally have smaller class sizes and will work to the English curriculum, helping your child settle back into their studies.
Your child will also learn Spanish as a foreign language. You may find an international school more appropriate for your older children.
As international schools are usually based in large towns, you may need to consider the costs and convenience of travel to and from the school.
For more information about finding a school for your children when moving overseas, view our
guide to choosing schools when moving abroad.
When is the best time to move to Spain?
If you are moving to Spain with a young family try to aim before the next school year begins, so they can begin school in Spain at the start of the semester.
Moving during the holidays allows you to spend time with your child, exploring the new area and visiting the local park or children’s recreation centre. It’s a really great way to meet the local parents, and your children will get to know other children before starting school.
If you live in a village, let them off the leash and don’t be afraid to let them out and about on their own once you have got your bearings in the local area. Spanish children live outdoors, so encourage your children to do the same and they will make friends much more quickly.
Whatever their age, they will manage to pick up the language and when you start to appreciate the Spanish way of life, you won’t regret bring your children to Spain.
Moving to Spain with Children FAQs
Can I move to Spain as a UK citizen?
Yes, British citizens can move to Spain if they can obtain a Spanish residency permit and visa. Make sure you do your research thoroughly and apply for residency well in advance if you want to move to Spain.
Is Spain a good place to raise kids?
Spain is a child-friendly country with a high-quality education system. It is affordable and has great weather to raise a family. Look into which area best suits your needs and where you can see yourself bringing up your children.
Is it cheaper to live in Spain compared to UK?
In general, the cost of living is less expensive than it is in the UK. This covers food shopping to purchasing properties. You will still want to ensure that you have efficient funds to get yourself set up in Spain. Compare
international removal companies to make sure you get the best deal for your move.