Heres what I managed to glean so far;

1,Language,Before Spain not, AFTER,everything falls into place a lot easier if you start here,(although its not magic)

2,Viable/ sensible means of making a living.Not things like selling polysterene houses

3,Money saved to move back to GB (or elsewhere),if it all goes belly up?you dont like it here.

4,Understanding of social/medical rights.Contrary to polpular belief welfare does exist in Spain.

5,Idea of area your planning to move to,and how well or not your chosen career fits with the market there.

6,If starting business sufficient capital for 1yr,(same as GB)

Anything else would be gratefully accepted

Hi Icortez,
If we are getting back on track I don't mind contributing!
Click on the articles section above. I wrote the 'Relocation to Spain' but there are also some other very interesting articles written by real people with real experience!
One other thing; Bil, How on earth did someone live in Vejer for 7 years without speaking Spanish?

Usefull stuff only thanks.

Ensure that before you leave the UK you have originals of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, childrens certificates etc. Make loads of copies so that you can hand them in whenever requested.

Accept that Spain is not the UK and has different rules and regulations which you will need to adhere to. Also that people have to fend for themselves far more than they need to in the UK so peoples expectations may also require changing.

Be prepared to face a mountain of paperwork that is totally different and probably not used in UK. Accept the fact that the bureaucracy is worse than anyone tells you and that you have to have a LOT OF PATIENCE to deal with it. What is needed in one area is not necessarily the true example as another area may ask for an additional document or more. When going to any official department make sure that you take every document that you think that you may need and more so that you do not have loads of return visits.

Everytime we have had to visit an office we have made sure that we have gone with at least 5 copies of every document that we have so that we can cover any eventuality.

Rosemary

I'm sure my posts are in invisible ink you know.

You good posts are still here, waffle has left the building.

don't worry, I know when I'm not wanted.

It's true! But also make sure you wear a big smile and take children... seriously!

We've been behind people turned away in a queue because it's 13:47 and they only hand out form X between 12:45 and 13:45 on Mondays and Thursdays.

We then appear next in line with children, a big smile, neatly piled and sorted forms complete with photocopies + originals and got dealt with straight away!!!

So the rules are:

- Don't waste people's time sorting through mountains of photocopies and filling in forms at their desk. Have everything READY and IN ORDER or they'll just sigh and tell you to join the back of the queue.

- SMILE! Be polite. Even though the person on the desk is Mr Grumpy. Children are really handy - ours can get even the grumpiest of officials to crack a smile. If you don't have any of your own... I would seriously recommend borrowing some!!

If your passport only has a relatively short time to run on it I would advise you to renew it before leaving UK as it is less hassle than renewing it over here. There have been comments regarding this on another thread so do a search if this is relevant to you.

Credit references may also be required so get these in advance.

Rosemary

As this thread is about things to do before coming to Spain I presume that you are suggesting that people should ensure that they get on with having a family quick.

Maybe your idea about borrowing children needs to be added to the thread about unusual jobs; e.g. Agent for children who can charm grumpy officials.

Rosemary

i was told on another forum to buy and bring electric blankets for the winter.. they are apparently cheaper in the uk.
carole

I could never get over how cold it could get in the winter in Spain.

the marble tiled floors that are so beautifully cold in summer are b%%%%y freezing in the winter..

Lots and lots of money, and then some more.

Even then it probably wont be enough.

Likewise duvets. A cheap duvet in the UK is a fifth what you'd pay in Spain.

Understand that the weather can be hot, and learn how to get round it. Use aircon as little as possible, and adjust your way of life.