Thread: Advice on moving to Spain

Hi All,

I've read posts about moving to Spain and things to be considered.

Basically, my situation is this....

I run 2 businesses - a Planning Consultancy business and a Legal Advisory business; both of which COULD do very well anywhere in Europe.

I am divorced with a 4 year old Son and 3 GSDs; all of whom would have to come with me of course.

I already speak spanish and have family living in Calpe, Alicante so back up and help is there if I need it. I am able to save up approx 18-24 months of living expenses before moving and would probably reside with family before buying a property.

What is bothering me is this - I AM ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED OF MAKING THE MOVE!
This is somethign I have dreamt of my whole life and going back to where I call home to live the rest of my life (working life and retirement) is something I've always wanted to do. Leaving family behind isn't a problem as there would be regular visits as there are now, along with e-mails, webcams etc.

So, I know I am at an advantage to most and I am well aware that living in a Country is very different to being there for 2 weeks on holiday. I certainly don't wear rose-tinted specs and and done a lot of research. it's just a case of getting my backside into gear and doing something positive to start things off.

Am I normal or have others felt the same?

Laura xx

Well Laura you certainly have things stacked in your favour !
I guess its a bit like giving up smoking, when "you want" to stop, "you will".
So when "you want" to move here

Brian

Moving within ones own country is an upheaval but moving abroad can be a nightmare.
The first thing you have to consider is why and where.
The days of buying an old liveable house with thousands of acres for a snip are long gone.
Do your homework on the internet thoroughly and really look at the area you wish to live in. Look at the infrastructure, the buses [sometimes your car breaks down!!] is your home near a town etc. I take it that the GSDs are german shephers so you will need a home with a bit of land for them. I would also look into internet connections with regard to your work.
Education for your son will be no problem and I would put him in a local school and not isolate him in an International School.
Try not to be reliant on family already living out here but pick their brains with regard the constant beaurocracy you come up against almosy on a daily basis.
Next consider if life in Spain will benefit you more than where you are at the present time??? apart from the weather that is.
If you really want somthing then go for it but keep both eyes open and focused and good luck.

Hi Laura,

Firstly making the move is a great ordeal, myself being in a very similar situation as yourself. I would suggest though doing extensive research on your said business transactions, to see how viable it is in Spain. Take into consideration your location. Currently I am stuck between two worlds, having a media company which I love, I might have to take it to someplace as Barcelona, but I am more fond of Malaga. Catch 22.

By the sounds of things you certainly know where and how you going to manage all obstacles, my view might not work for everyone, but, we all only live once and you will never know wha happens till it happens.....so good luck, if your heart is calling for it, its most likely right

We were like you, had a couple of businesses that were internet based and could run from anywhere. Except when we moved to Spain 6 years ago the internet was expensive an junk (nothing has changed) and everything just collapsed, so now we do removals for people like you who want to take the plunge.... BUT... We are still here and love it. Go for it.