We are at present in Spain having lived here for the last 9 years (both retired) but now seriously considering a move to Australia to be with our only daughter.

Does anybody have any experience of such a move, thinking mainly of shipping firms and costs etc.

Plenty of Spain - UK - Spain removers but a bit thin on the ground when it comes to Spain to Australia

I always thought the removal companies were pretty global, Pickfords, Crown, John Mason etc..

Have you sorted your visa yet? That can take a while.

You are probably right but Spain is a bit different as most resident removal companies are UK - Spain but should be able to find one with international connections.

Regards visa, we are in Australia on a 3 month visa valid until Sept. 2014 to enable us to visit any time. Obviously we will have to look into what visa's we will need to come permanently. I believe we may be entitled to aged parents visa as we are 80 & 79 years young. However that's as much as I know about it at the moment.

Our daughter has been here 5 years now and have their permanent visas for Australia. It's not going happen quickly but no harm in exploring what is involved to make the move.

We have been most impressed with the Drysdale area on the Bellerine Peninsula in Victoria and would like to settle in that area and be close to our daughter and grandchildren

Here is where you can read about the visa options.

http://www.immi.gov.au/migrants/fami...sas-parent.htm

Certainly you would meet the age criteria for the Aged Parent visa, but note that this is an onshore visa (i.e. you need to be onshore when you apply) and it takes about 10 years to process. You might be able to stay in Australia on a bridging visa whilst you wait, but that is a long time to be in limbo, having to ask for permission every time you leave the country etc.

The contributory parent visas process much quicker, like 18 months, but of course they cost best part of $100k.

I know of a few families moved directly from Germany to Australia with Pickfords so I would think they would collect from Spain too. Good luck x

As far as the visa is concerned, I think Alan Collett of Go Matilda would be a very good place to start. He will be able to give you all the information you need with regards to the Aged parent visa and he is based here in Geelong which would make things easier.

Thanks for that, will have a look.