Moving home can be one of the most stressful things you will do. When you move your home to Spain it should be, and can be, an exciting and enjoyable time. Take a few moments here to find out the basics on successfully preparing for your journey.

How to reach Spain
BA flies from most international airports in the UK to Seville or Malaga. Other carriers fly from regional airports such as Manchester and Southampton while Irish travelers are best served by Ryanair to Jerez. Some Non-European travelers find that Spain is far more accessible from the UK and connections to BA flights can be obtained through the One World airline alliance. Both these airports are ideal to reach the Andalucia region. You can also drive via the ferry or the channel tunnel. It is worth noting that we do not recommend sailing to Bilbao especially in winter or if you do not sail very well. It is certainly not recommended if you have young children. Finally, if traveling by road, check that you have adequate insurances for your vehicle, its contents, your family and your pets.

When you have looked at our properties in Spain and you decide to come to meet us, it is often easier to meet either at a well-know landmark or at the properties you have chosen to view.

Removals to Spain
This can be very expensive and you may find quotes vary greatly. You will probably have a budget but such things as insurance and secondary insurance for unusual or valuable items can be very expensive and bump up the costs. Some companies will not move any items without insurance and others will be glad to; obviously there are great risks in not having any insurance. Some items such as pianos with ivory keys may need a customs license so we recommend you check first. Packing can usually be done by you but most companies are able to help at an additional cost.

Accommodation Requirements
When you come to look at properties in Spain it is a good idea to stay locally over night just so that you can see what its like to live in the area before you commit yourselves. We can help you with any accommodation arrangements, but please do let us know well in advance. For a small selection of currently available self catering rental properties as well as bed and breakfast accommodation, please click here.

Health Care and Medical Insurance
Spanish healthcare provision is very good and Spain is among the best in Europe in terms of quality of care. EU nationals can normally receive free or subsidized healthcare in Spain although the relevant documentation will be required to prove that you are eligible for treatment (e.g. E111 form in the case of UK citizens). For all travelers, but in particular non-Europeans, travel insurance is a must as well as a comprehensive Medical Insurance to provide healthcare in the event that it is needed. Medical bills can be very expensive if you are not adequately covered. If you intend to live in Spain permanently, whether or not you become a resident, it is advisable to have some sort of Private Medical Insurance (try Sanitas, a subsidiary of UK based BUPA). Spanish nations and Residents from outside Spain pay into the system via their Social Security Contributions and prove their eligibility to services with a Social Security Card which is required at the time of treatment. Eligibility to Non-Spanish user will depend on your legal status, employment status and any contributions that you are making to state. Check in advance and don't assume that you will get anything more that basic treatment.

Retired EU citizens over the age of 65 that have made regular contributions to the system in there home country will be eligible for limited free treatment. UK citizens can check their entitlement at the Department of Social Security, Overseas Branch, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE98 1YX. Non UK residents should check at the appropriate department in their country or at their embassy.

Chemists in Spain and denoted by a large green cross and local newspapers will advise which 'farmacias' are working at any one time. Most drugs are commonly available but many are available over the counter in Spain where they may not be in your home country. If you are on medication, make sure that you know the generic name of the drug and not just the name used by the manufacturer so that you can communicate your requirements if you need a top up whilst away. Finally, dentists can be found in local papers or phone directories and are usually paid for privately by users. Again, the level of care is generally very good.

Most importantly, be aware of your health needs if you intend to be away for any length of time, and prepare your trip provisions accordingly. Always consult your doctor in advance if you have any specific conditions and be aware of how to obtain help abroad if you require it. Doctors in Spain (located in the Centro de Salud or hospitals if it's an emergency) are always willing to see you if you need immediate assistance, but remember that you need to prove your eligibility to healthcare before you will be treated.

Education and Employment
Compulsory education in Spain begins at the age of 6 but normally children attend nursery or pre-school from the age of 4. State school education is free, although subsidized by parents with (expensive) compulsory books and extra curricular activities. At 16, children leave school with a certificate, which normally determines the career a child will follow. State schooling is advisable for children who will be living in Spain for the majority of their school life as it helps them to integrate into the society. Private schooling can make it nearly impossible for children to integrate and harder still when they come to leaving age and can't find a job. Many children who attend International schools leave with little ability in the language of their resident country, and they can feel totally alienated. Often, they then have no alternative other than to return to their original country for employment.

Special educational requirements for children with difficulties are well provided for in Spain and can often be provided at a state school without the need for a child to be moved.

Additional private education can be sourced in any major town, and many retired teachers provide lessons after school hours to assist children in any area where they may have difficulties. Likewise, similar sources can help adults who want to brush up on a subject, or to learn the language. Many towns have a teaching provision for non-Spanish speakers to help them integrate and to learn the language, and its worth asking at the town hall to find out if you are eligible to subsidized language courses.

Employment legislation in Spain is complex, and employers have hefty obligations to fulfill for their staff. Most employees looking for skilled work will need a decent understanding of Spanish and be able to communicate to a reasonable degree. If you have qualifications in a particular field but don't have Spanish communication skills, it is advisable to move to an area where you are more likely to find the type of work you are looking for. If you have transferable skills that can be used in other areas, the language will not be such an issue and finding work shouldn't be too difficult. Many people find that being self employed is the easiest way to find work in Spain and market their services towards others who have moved from their home country.

Pets
Pet transportation to Spain can prove to be costly. Points to think about are:

The age of the animals any medication they may be taking any vaccinations they may need.

To travel through France some pets must be chipped, whilst through Spain they will need to be vaccinated against Rabies.

Contact DEFRA in the UK (or your countries equivalent) for current legislation and requirements.

Discuss your plans with your vet, as they often import and export animals on a regular basis and will help you with the arrangements. Consider how your pet normally travels and what way has suited them in the past, e.g. in a certain carrier. If you want your pet to fly, airlines often stipulate what type of container they have to be carried in and you will have to pay for one to be tailor made. If you are taking your pet with you in the car, most ferry companies are happy for them to travel in normal pet carriers which you can purchase from your vet or pet shop. The carrier should be tied securely down in your vehicle and of course your pet will need plenty to drink. We strongly recommend you contact the company you choose to travel with early and prepare a list of questions and queries before you call them. You may like to consider traveling via the channel tunnel although it can be more expensive than the ferry, but at least you can stay with your pet throughout the 40 minute journey.

Through France there are many pet friendly hotels and motels, however in Spain such places are less common. You may therefore want to start your journey across Spain early in the morning so you do not need to sleep over-night during the journey. Pets are not permitted on long ferry crossings.

Once in Spain, avoid contact with stray animals as some infections from an ill animal can be dangerous. Animals roam freely in Spain and owners often let them out in the morning and don't let them back in until bed time. The best advise is to avoid them and not feed them unless you are happy to take them on and look after them long term.

For more information about relocating to spain please call +34 954 829 231 or click here to complete our online enquiry form.