Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Hi,

I'm originally from the UK but have lived in Australia for 20 years. I am looking at moving to Spain with my wife (Australian) and my two kids who are 13 and 14 and have British passports.

I am interested in advice from anyone who has moved from Australia to Spain particularly in relation to schools and the transition from the Australian system to an International school teaching the British system. My kids will be in year 10 and year 8 next year when we are looking to move. I understand they may have to do an extra 6 months of schooling due to the different school years but interested in anyone who has experience moving teenagers from Oz to Spain.

Also interested in moving costs, whether people took there household stuff with them Furniture, Beds, Tools etc.

HH.

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

The search shows a number of previous threads on this subject.
This one is a good place to start:
http://britishexpats.com/forum/spain...newbie-867900/

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Thanks for your reply.

I have searched the forum and I am reading the information provided but thought that I'd reach out to see if someone has made a similar move to the one we are planning. I'll continue to read the other threads but would also appreciate any feedback on moving kids from Australia to Spain.

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Why do you wish to relocate?

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

A whole host of reasons, pace of life, culture, food, climate, kids, access to Europe etc. etc. Did you have something more specific in mind?

HH.

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Why do you wish to know that Missile?Ive lived in Australia for 30 yrs.Relocated back to the UK a few years ago.Been to Spain numerous times and can definitely see its attraction!

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

As you and your kids have British Passports there is no issue with you moving to Spain. However, if your wife has an Australian passport she will need a visa (not needed as a tourist) you may want to think about applying for a British passport for your wife first as it may make things in Spain a bit easier see link


Visas for Australian citizens travelling to Spain - Embajada de Australia








2 Other things
1. Health care - unless you plan to work (remember there is not a lot of work in Spain) and pay into the system you will NOT receive state health care and you will need private medical insurance. I think now when you apply for a "residencia" you need to prove you have adequate health care and funds etc.
2. Schools - if your children do not speak fluent Spanish then best consider and international school (you will have to pay). At the ages they are they will really suffer if you put them in a Spanish state school without the language.

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Check your wife's situation first if she still has an Australian passport. My suggestion would be to sell your things in Australia and buy here when needed. Come and rent somewhere just to get an idea of how you will feel living here. It's very different from where you currently live. You will have to get private medical health care and private education for your children. Good luck..

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Not if one of the family are EU citizens.
European Union Citizens moving to Spain | AngloINFO Spain
So that raises the question is the OP now a Brit or an Aussie?

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

just interested in what Spain has to offer for you and yours

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Started off with nothing! Spain has one of the best cultural experiences in the world which just keeps changing and getting better. What a marvellous place where architecture, music, dancing, food and wine are so important. Never mind the climate it's the vibrancy of the people and their way of life. I have never lived in such a wonderful country.

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Sounds like a typical night out here in Ireland, but I'd include a good ale, or whisky LOL

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

That was my understanding too that my wife inherits my rights as an EU citizen. As far as I'm aware I remain a UK citizen, therefore an EU citizen despite having lived in Australia for 20 years?

HH.

Re: Moving from Australia to Spain
 

Thanks Tadd1966 we had planned on private health care and an international school for the kids for the reasons you mention. Also I'm keen for them to have the option of going to Uni in the UK and the international schools teach the UK curriculum which will help with that.

HH.