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Moving permanently to Spain

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2022 6:29pm
25 replies1036 views15 members subscribed
JenniferH2022

Posts: 14

3 helpful points

Location: Cortijo Grande

Joined: 17 Apr 2022

Myself and my fiancée are considering moving permanently to Spain . I have sale agreed on my home and I'm very nervous about taking the plunge. Are most people that take this Big step happy, or have they any regrets about selling up completely in Ireland or the U.K ?

My family are scattered accross Europe including Spain , so we wouid not be leaving family , just friends behind. 

DarioMartin

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2022 11:20pm

DarioMartin

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 5339

6308 helpful points

Location: Vera

Joined: 16 Aug 2017

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2022 11:20pm

That’s a very subjective question - ask 10 people that question, you’ll likely get 10 differing answers in varying degrees.

It all depends on your mindset and preparedness - and of course on whether you are a homebody or an adventurer.

Make no mistake, moving here *can* be an adventure, and not one necessarily full of wonderful things.  You *WILL* encounter obstacles and sheer, utter, mind-numbing bureaucracy that’ll make you weep; but as long as you come with an open mind and don’t expect England with sunshine, you’ll be fine.

A word about language … English is spoken in some places here, but English is not one if Spains official languages, so if someone does speak a bit of English, it’s because they’ve taken the trouble to learn it.  There are areas where you may find a greater preponderance of English spoken, both native and second language.  There are *other* areas though where “English” is knowing the odd word or occasional phrase - such as “good night”. 

What I’m trying to get to here is that it will be in your interests to start learning Spanish - even a few words or phrases will ease your transition.  As I said, make no mistake, this is not England with better weather - it is a foreign country, with different customs, laws, rules and language - but a very beautiful one and one where you really can find the perfect place to settle.

on a final note, I’m bound to ask - I take it you’re on Irish passports ir similar EU passports? I only ask this as you seem to be saying that moving here to live and maybe work is a done deal - and this is most certainly not the case for UK passport holders.

JenniferH2022

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2022 11:39pm

JenniferH2022

Original Poster

Posts: 14

3 helpful points

Location: Cortijo Grande

Joined: 17 Apr 2022

Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2022 11:39pm

DarioMartin wrote on Sun Jun 26, 2022 11:20pm:

That’s a very subjective question - ask 10 people that question, you’ll likely get 10 differing answers in varying degrees.

It all depends on your mindset and preparedness - and of course on whether you are a homebody or an adventurer.

Make no mistake, moving here *can* be an adventure, and not one necessarily full of wonderful things.  You *WILL* encounter obstacles and sheer, utter, mind-numbing bureaucracy that’ll make you weep; but as long as you come with an open mind and don’t expect England with sunshine, you’ll be fine.

A word about language … English is spoken in some places here, but English is not one if Spains official languages, so if someone does speak a bit of English, it’s because they’ve taken the trouble to learn it.  There are areas where you may find a greater preponderance of English spoken, both native and second language.  There are *other* areas though where “English” is knowing the odd word or occasional phrase - such as “good night”. 

What I’m trying to get to here is that it will be in your interests to start learning Spanish - even a few words or phrases will ease your transition.  As I said, make no mistake, this is not England with better weather - it is a foreign country, with different customs, laws, rules and language - but a very beautiful one and one where you really can find the perfect place to settle.

on a final note, I’m bound to ask - I take it you’re on Irish passports ir similar EU passports? I only ask this as you seem to be saying that moving here to live and maybe work is a done deal - and this is most certainly not the case for UK passport holders.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.  

I speak a bit of Spanish and understand quite a bit more. My partner is German so  Yes, both EU citizens. My brother is married to a Spaniard and living in Madrid for many years. My daughte just moved to Salou recently. I have cousins and friends there, so hopefully plenty of advisors and people to visit.

My parents, both deceased , lived half the year in Alicante half in Ireland for the later part of their lives. 

Yes, I'm aware that Spain have some completely frustrating laws and seemingly crazy ways of doing things, but I suppose that's just something we'll have to put up with.

My main concern is that we might regret cutting ties . It seems senseless on one hand to keep my property sitting here idle for most of the year. Prices are at a premium,  big supply defecit, so obviously a great time to sell. 

However, I'm wondering if such a Big move and upheaval is advisable or if people who did this had regrets. 

We intend renting in Spain for 6-12 months initially until we find exactly what we're looking for.  

Probably no clear answer to my predicament , as you say its an individual decision.  

hartcjhart

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2022 9:32am

hartcjhart

Very helpful member

Posts: 1071

924 helpful points

Location: Mojacar

Joined: 26 Oct 2017

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2022 9:32am

JenniferH2022 wrote on Sun Jun 26, 2022 11:39pm:

Thanks for taking the time to reply.  

I speak a bit of Spanish and understand quite a bit more. My partner is German so  Yes, both EU citizens. My brother is married to a Spaniard and living in Madrid for many years. My daughte just moved to Salou recently. I have cousins and friends there, so hopefully plenty of advisors and pe...

...ople to visit.

My parents, both deceased , lived half the year in Alicante half in Ireland for the later part of their lives. 

Yes, I'm aware that Spain have some completely frustrating laws and seemingly crazy ways of doing things, but I suppose that's just something we'll have to put up with.

My main concern is that we might regret cutting ties . It seems senseless on one hand to keep my property sitting here idle for most of the year. Prices are at a premium,  big supply defecit, so obviously a great time to sell. 

However, I'm wondering if such a Big move and upheaval is advisable or if people who did this had regrets. 

We intend renting in Spain for 6-12 months initially until we find exactly what we're looking for.  

Probably no clear answer to my predicament , as you say its an individual decision.  

Dario is right about the language/way of life,Spain is Spain and in some ways a peculiar country especially in the Almeria/Andalucia region where African influences abound.

Normally the first thing said here is do not sell your property in the UK/Ireland untill settled in Spain but I guess that is too late for you.

As you say sadly your parents are both deceased,BUT in a way that can make things easier for you,luckily with facetime etc it is easier to keep in touch with friends and dont forget they will all want to come over for a ;free; cheap holiday

You also do not mention if you will have to work when you move over? that could be a big problem

I first moved over in 2000 and had a great 7 years until the reccesion hit and crippled my business,sadly I made the decision to return to the UK for financial reasons BUT my mistake was to have sold my house in the UK so could not afford to buy again a lesson we now preach on here but sadly not at the time.

good luck with whatever you do

MaggieB

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:40am

MaggieB

Helpful member

Posts: 308

214 helpful points

Joined: 10 May 2020

Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:40am

Think very carefully about selling your property.  House prices are rising very quickly in the UK whereas prices in Spain are pretty flat.  If you later change your mind consider what you could then afford in the UK.  Could you maybe buy something smaller in the UK and use the remainder of the balance to buy something in Spain.  That way you still have a foot in the U K market.  Also what will you do with your time in Spain.  It sounds as if you have a lot of family here and can speak some Spanish which are both great advantages.  Good luck with your decision.

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Darrin69

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 12:57am

Darrin69

Helpful member

Posts: 288

174 helpful points

Location: Mojacar

Joined: 23 Aug 2018

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 12:57am

MaggieB wrote on Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:40am:

Think very carefully about selling your property.  House prices are rising very quickly in the UK whereas prices in Spain are pretty flat.  If you later change your mind consider what you could then afford in the UK.  Could you maybe buy something smaller in the UK and use the rema...

...inder of the balance to buy something in Spain.  That way you still have a foot in the U K market.  Also what will you do with your time in Spain.  It sounds as if you have a lot of family here and can speak some Spanish which are both great advantages.  Good luck with your decision.

Good call Maggy I totally agree.best of both worlds sounds better to me also, specially at these unsettling times at min in Spain.WhyBother put yourself through that at the min,I'm a home owner in Spain and have no INTEREST in committing to Spain at all till at least 2029.

Hopefully by then things will have settled down .I love ❤ coming over for my 90 days, DRIVING and enjoying myself in my holiday home and then coming home to my lovely ENGLISH home ,working hard then coming back again.. ...ITS a no brainer.. can't get my head around why peps put them selves through the stress and turmoil  to try and live there permanently when WERE NOT REALLY WANTED THERE.,so they make it as DIFFICULT as possible for that to happen,as you may read a lot on this forum .

But good luck Jennifer 👍 in your endeavour to get to 🇪🇸 

DarioMartin

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:16am

DarioMartin

Legendary helpful member

Posts: 5339

6308 helpful points

Location: Vera

Joined: 16 Aug 2017

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:16am

Darrin69 wrote on Tue Jun 28, 2022 12:57am:

Good call Maggy I totally agree.best of both worlds sounds better to me also, specially at these unsettling times at min in Spain.WhyBother put yourself through that at the min,I'm a home owner in Spain and have no INTEREST in committing to Spain at all till at least 2029.

Hopefully by then things will have settled down .I love ❤ coming over for my 90 days, DRIVING and enjoying myself in my holiday home and then coming home to my lovely ENGLISH home ,working hard then coming back again.. ...ITS a no brainer.. can't get my head around why peps put them selves thro...

...ugh the stress and turmoil  to try and live there permanently when WERE NOT REALLY WANTED THERE.,so they make it as DIFFICULT as possible for that to happen,as you may read a lot on this forum .

But good luck Jennifer 👍 in your endeavour to get to 🇪🇸 

I don’t know why you say “they” make it so difficult to live here; maybe in the area you are I don’t know, but ever since we’ve arrived we’ve had nothing but support and help - from the community, from our Asesora and during Covid, from the government.  It’s not difficult to live here if you accept Spain is Spain and things are done a certain way (with mind numbing bureaucracy that affects everyone)

To say “they” don’t want us here simply isn’t true.  If you are prepared to integrate and be part of the community, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Juliet Diaz

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:26am

Juliet Diaz

Helpful member

Posts: 243

304 helpful points

Location: Vera Playa

Joined: 23 Aug 2019

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:26am

JenniferH2022 wrote on Sun Jun 26, 2022 11:39pm:

Thanks for taking the time to reply.  

I speak a bit of Spanish and understand quite a bit more. My partner is German so  Yes, both EU citizens. My brother is married to a Spaniard and living in Madrid for many years. My daughte just moved to Salou recently. I have cousins and friends there, so hopefully plenty of advisors and pe...

...ople to visit.

My parents, both deceased , lived half the year in Alicante half in Ireland for the later part of their lives. 

Yes, I'm aware that Spain have some completely frustrating laws and seemingly crazy ways of doing things, but I suppose that's just something we'll have to put up with.

My main concern is that we might regret cutting ties . It seems senseless on one hand to keep my property sitting here idle for most of the year. Prices are at a premium,  big supply defecit, so obviously a great time to sell. 

However, I'm wondering if such a Big move and upheaval is advisable or if people who did this had regrets. 

We intend renting in Spain for 6-12 months initially until we find exactly what we're looking for.  

Probably no clear answer to my predicament , as you say its an individual decision.  

Hi. We have lived in Spain for three years and are very happy. Definitely do not want to return to UK. There is one regret though - selling our UK houses. Big financial mistake. If it's not too late pull out of your house sale. Rent it out. In the long term much better financial decision. Best of luck.

hartcjhart

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:57am

hartcjhart

Very helpful member

Posts: 1071

924 helpful points

Location: Mojacar

Joined: 26 Oct 2017

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:57am

DarioMartin wrote on Tue Jun 28, 2022 7:16am:

I don’t know why you say “they” make it so difficult to live here; maybe in the area you are I don’t know, but ever since we’ve arrived we’ve had nothing but support and help - from the community, from our Asesora and during Covid, from the government.  It’s not difficult to li...

...ve here if you accept Spain is Spain and things are done a certain way (with mind numbing bureaucracy that affects everyone)

To say “they” don’t want us here simply isn’t true.  If you are prepared to integrate and be part of the community, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

I dont know Dario,there was a period of anti Brit sentiment in many areas especially the 'holiday' areas BUT this was mainly from the dissafected youth who were and still are suffering a terribly high unemployment rate,but thankfully that seems to have fizzled out,maybe somebody pointed out that the Brit pound helped businesses survive and created some jobs.

Having said that you get spats of anti 'them' in every country

JenniferH2022

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 10:16am

JenniferH2022

Original Poster

Posts: 14

3 helpful points

Location: Cortijo Grande

Joined: 17 Apr 2022

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2022 10:16am

Darrin69 wrote on Tue Jun 28, 2022 12:57am:

Good call Maggy I totally agree.best of both worlds sounds better to me also, specially at these unsettling times at min in Spain.WhyBother put yourself through that at the min,I'm a home owner in Spain and have no INTEREST in committing to Spain at all till at least 2029.

Hopefully by then things will have settled down .I love ❤ coming over for my 90 days, DRIVING and enjoying myself in my holiday home and then coming home to my lovely ENGLISH home ,working hard then coming back again.. ...ITS a no brainer.. can't get my head around why peps put them selves thro...

...ugh the stress and turmoil  to try and live there permanently when WERE NOT REALLY WANTED THERE.,so they make it as DIFFICULT as possible for that to happen,as you may read a lot on this forum .

But good luck Jennifer 👍 in your endeavour to get to 🇪🇸 

Yes, I have lovely British friends living in Cabrera and I'm aware things have been much more difficult for UK citizens. I'm Irish and my fiancée is German so thankfully we will avoid some of these issues. 

Yes, perhaps keeping my property in Ireland is the best option, especially as we want to explore the area and only buy in Spain once we've found exactly what we're looking for.  

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