Thread: Moving to Spain from the miserable UK

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post and I’m glad I’ve found a forum where I can hopefully get some sort of hand held beneath me before I go insane with despair.

To cut a long story to a short one (in theory!), my partner’s parents have bought an apartment in Spain a couple of years ago, at the moment they are renting it out and as the UK gvt isn’t getting any better at their job they are deciding to move to Spain within the next couple of months.

They have said about me and my partner moving out to be with them in a year or so, although they haven’t specified any particular timescale for this.

My partners so called plan is that we move out there, live with her parents for around 12 months or so whilst we get jobs then either rent or buy a place of our own.

I myself have some savings but not that much where as my partner has none, she keeps on saying about learning Spanish and then getting a job in Spain or possibly starting a business up.

In my view she is talking to far ahead of planning and none of it would be feasible, for one I know that you are required to pay for health care over in Spain as they don’t have any actual health service like the UK nor do they have a benefits system.

In my own view my partners plan will fall flat on it face as I don’t think she realises the legal implications and also the high costs involved and I really wish she would get her head around things and come to reality.

If anyone can give me some advice on the situation and advise what paperwork or even the minimum amount of savings I would need this would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Hello Junier & welcome.

Spain does have health care as long as you contribute into it, as soon as you start work & pay into the social you are covered. Remember that the UK health card will cover you for over a year though.
Once you have made enough contributions you can claim the dole (Paro)

It will pay you great dividends if you have a good grasp of Spanish before arriving as there "are" jobs for native English who speak good Spanish.

So it could well pan out "if" you start learning now

Brian

Hi Junier,

Welcome to the Absolute Spain Forum!

I suggest you read my e-book: Survive the Crisis in Spain if you are serious about considering a move to Spain.

Too many people move here without a real "plan" and without doing any homework, or with expectations based on holiday experiences....

I wouldn't discourage you from moving to Spain, I would however urge you to seriously think everything through before drawing up a dream scenario....

Junier firstly welcome to the Absolute Spain forum and yes hopefully you find and receive plenty good sensible advice from our members.

I would agree with the others and say research research research ! for every aspect of life and work and locations. You need a plan based on solid information and enough money to implement it. If serious about the move then learning the language is a must I believe.

Originally Posted by Junier

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post and I’m glad I’ve found a forum where I can hopefully get some sort of hand held beneath me before I go insane with despair.

To cut a long story to a short one (in theory!), my partner’s parents have bought an apartment in Spain a couple of years ago, at the moment they are renting it out and as the UK gvt isn’t getting any better at their job they are deciding to move to Spain within the next couple of months.

They have said about me and my partner moving out to be with them in a year or so, although they haven’t specified any particular timescale for this.

My partners so called plan is that we move out there, live with her parents for around 12 months or so whilst we get jobs then either rent or buy a place of our own.

I myself have some savings but not that much where as my partner has none, she keeps on saying about learning Spanish and then getting a job in Spain or possibly starting a business up.

In my view she is talking to far ahead of planning and none of it would be feasible, for one I know that you are required to pay for health care over in Spain as they don’t have any actual health service like the UK nor do they have a benefits system.

In my own view my partners plan will fall flat on it face as I don’t think she realises the legal implications and also the high costs involved and I really wish she would get her head around things and come to reality.

If anyone can give me some advice on the situation and advise what paperwork or even the minimum amount of savings I would need this would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

You are probably right. It won't work, but can I tell you why?

Because of your attitude. If your heart is not in it, it wont work as it will be hard. Every time you fall down, instead of picking your self up and getting on with it you will be like " I told you so".
Health care? Shows what you know.
Yes jobs are hard to find at the moment but it is not always a case of what you know but a case of who. All it takes is for one of you to get lucky.

If you have a change of heart why not come over for a couple of months and see how you get on. You might not have a lot of savings but if you are staying with your partners parents it should not cost a lot. If you don't settle and want to go back you can always apply for the benefits you will miss so much.

The majoriy of Brits who come to live in Spain have worked all or most of their working lives in the UK. They have a pension, have sold a property or have savings to keep them whilst here. Those that come when they are young, thinking that they can on live on benefits if they can't find a job, are going to be very quickly dissolusioned. There are some that come with a plan and do well, but the majority fail and return very quickly. I feel that you have not given it enough thought. By all means come, stay for a while with your parents and look around. But don't think it will be easy to earn a living

Spain is definately not the soft touch that Britain is for immgrants. You only get benefits if you work first. Don't expect a council house...Bring a sleeping bag. Maybe thats why there are more queing in Calais to get into Britain than there are at the French border wth Spain.
CD

CD what a sweet story.....whilst I enjoy an nice roast chicken (like KB) I think I'd probably do something similar as I'm a softie with things like that too LOL ;-)

Originally Posted by JazminesII

CD what a sweet story.....whilst I enjoy an nice roast chicken (like KB) I think I'd probably do something similar as I'm a softie with things like that too LOL ;-)

cant see a problem if youve got family there and your willing to work hard not sit on your .... drinking all day like some who wished theyd never left

Originally Posted by JazminesII

CD what a sweet story.....whilst I enjoy an nice roast chicken (like KB) I think I'd probably do something similar as I'm a softie with things like that too LOL ;-)

What nice story, are you replying to the chicken thread, wrong thread dear