Moving to Spain with Your Family:
How to Create a Dream Life
How to Create a Dream Life
Everything you really need to know.
Popular
Every month, hundreds of families from around the world decide to begin a new chapter of their lives in Spain. Young couples with small children seek a safe environment for their kids to grow up in, families with teenagers want to give them access to quality European education, while parents of adult children dream of seeing them study at prestigious Spanish universities.
What attracts families to Spain:
Safety above all.
Spain ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world. Kids walk to school alone, play outside until evening, and parents feel at ease.
High-quality education without sky-high prices.
Public schools are free and provide excellent education. Private schools are much more affordable than in other European countries while still preparing children well for university.
A healing climate.
300 sunny days a year, warm seas, and mild winters create an atmosphere where kids grow up healthier, and adults forget about stress and depression.
A culture of family values.
In Spain, family is sacred. It’s common for several generations to gather around one table, for kids to take part in family activities, and for weekends to be spent together.
What attracts families to Spain:
Safety above all.
Spain ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world. Kids walk to school alone, play outside until evening, and parents feel at ease.
High-quality education without sky-high prices.
Public schools are free and provide excellent education. Private schools are much more affordable than in other European countries while still preparing children well for university.
A healing climate.
300 sunny days a year, warm seas, and mild winters create an atmosphere where kids grow up healthier, and adults forget about stress and depression.
A culture of family values.
In Spain, family is sacred. It’s common for several generations to gather around one table, for kids to take part in family activities, and for weekends to be spent together.
Housing – the Foundation of Family Happiness
Housing – the Foundation of Family Happiness
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Short-term rent during the adaptation period allows the family to adjust, explore neighborhoods, and understand where it is most comfortable. Many families rent an apartment for 3–6 months and then look for permanent housing already with an understanding of local specifics.
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Long-term rent is the basis of stability for children. It is important to choose areas with good schools, parks, playgrounds, and developed infrastructure. In Spain, areas near schools are popular, where communities of expat families are formed.
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Property purchase becomes a logical step for those who plan to stay in Spain for a long time. Families often choose houses with a garden in the suburbs or spacious apartments in the city center.
Education: From Kindergarten to University
Education is what many families move for. In Spain, parents can choose between public, semi-private (concertadas), and private/international schools.
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Public schools offer free quality education. Enrollment usually takes place in April–May for the next academic year, so it is better to plan the move in advance. The school year starts in September, and by then all documents for the children must be ready.
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Semi-private schools combine state funding with private management. They are often religious and offer additional programs.
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Private and international schools give the opportunity to study in English or other languages, to follow international programs IB or British Curriculum. The cost of studying ranges from €300 to €1500 per month.
Education: From Kindergarten to University
Education is what many families move for. In Spain, parents can choose between public, semi-private (concertadas), and private/international schools.
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Public schools offer free quality education. Enrollment usually takes place in April–May for the next academic year, so it is better to plan the move in advance. The school year starts in September, and by then all documents for the children must be ready.
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Semi-private schools combine state funding with private management. They are often religious and offer additional programs.
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Private and international schools give the opportunity to study in English or other languages, to follow international programs IB or British Curriculum. The cost of studying ranges from €300 to €1500 per month.
Finances and Banking Services
Opening a bank account in Spain is not just a formality but a key to a full life in the country. Without a Spanish bank account, it is impossible to rent housing, pay utilities, receive salaries, or social benefits.
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Bank accounts for the whole family can be opened in most banks. Many offer family packages with preferential conditions. Children over 14 can get their own cards with spending limits.
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Tax planning is a critically important aspect for expat families. Spain has a progressive tax system, and families with children are entitled to significant benefits and deductions. Proper planning allows you to significantly reduce the tax burden.
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Child allowances in Spain are due to all residents with children. The amount of payments depends on the family’s income and the number of children. Large families receive additional benefits.
Finances and Banking Services
Opening a bank account in Spain is not just a formality but a key to a full life in the country. Without a Spanish bank account, it is impossible to rent housing, pay utilities, receive salaries, or social benefits.
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Bank accounts for the whole family can be opened in most banks. Many offer family packages with preferential conditions. Children over 14 can get their own cards with spending limits.
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Tax planning is a critically important aspect for expat families. Spain has a progressive tax system, and families with children are entitled to significant benefits and deductions. Proper planning allows you to significantly reduce the tax burden.
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Child allowances in Spain are due to all residents with children. The amount of payments depends on the family’s income and the number of children. Large families receive additional benefits.
Healthcare and Insurance
The healthcare system in Spain is considered one of the best in the world. Families can choose between public and private healthcare.
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Public healthcare is available to all residents through the social security system. It covers all basic services, including pediatrics, dentistry for children, emergency care, and planned operations.
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Private healthcare provides access to a wider range of services without queues. Family insurance policies cost from €80 to €200 per month depending on coverage.
Healthcare and Insurance
The healthcare system in Spain is considered one of the best in the world. Families can choose between public and private healthcare.
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Public healthcare is available to all residents through the social security system. It covers all basic services, including pediatrics, dentistry for children, emergency care, and planned operations.
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Private healthcare provides access to a wider range of services without queues. Family insurance policies cost from €80 to €200 per month depending on coverage.
Visa Procedures for Families
Документы можно подавать как через консульства в стране проживания, так и находясь уже в Испании - это дает семьям гибкость в планировании переезда.
Families can move to Spain with different types of visas:
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Family Reunification Visa to reunite with a relative who is a resident of Spain.
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Work Visa + Family when one parent gets a work visa, and the family – dependent visas.
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Student Visa + Family for families where parents study at Spanish universities.
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Digital Nomad Visa for families of remote workers, which has become especially popular among IT specialists.
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Startup Visa for entrepreneurs with innovative projects.
Social Adaptation and Integration
Successful adaptation of the family depends not only on bureaucratic issues but also on social integration.
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Language preparation is an investment in the future of the whole family. Children usually learn Spanish in 6–12 months, adults need more time. Many municipalities offer free Spanish courses for immigrants.
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Sports and clubs help children find friends and integrate into the local community. Football, basketball, dance, music – the choice is huge, and the prices are affordable.
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Parent communities form naturally around schools, sports clubs, neighborhood centers. Many cities have active groups of Russian-speaking families in social networks.
Social Adaptation and Integration
Successful adaptation of the family depends not only on bureaucratic issues but also on social integration.
-
Language preparation is an investment in the future of the whole family. Children usually learn Spanish in 6–12 months, adults need more time. Many municipalities offer free Spanish courses for immigrants.
-
Sports and clubs help children find friends and integrate into the local community. Football, basketball, dance, music – the choice is huge, and the prices are affordable.
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Parent communities form naturally around schools, sports clubs, neighborhood centers. Many cities have active groups of Russian-speaking families in social networks.
Step-by-Step Family Relocation Plan to Spain
Stage 1: Planning and Preparation (1–3 months before move)
- Determining the visa type for the whole family
- Choosing the city and area to live in
- Exploring school options for children
- Planning the relocation budget
Stage 2: Document Processing (2–4 months)
- Submitting visa applications
- Collecting certificates and translations
- Preparing medical documents
- Preparing school documents
Stage 3: Move and Settling (1–2 months after arrival)
- Searching and renting housing
- Enrolling children in school
- Opening bank accounts
- Obtaining health insurance
- Registering residence
Stage 4: Adaptation and Integration (3–6 months)
- Studying the language as a family
- Meeting the local community
- Solving everyday issues
- Tax planning
Step-by-Step Family Relocation Plan to Spain
Stage 1: Planning and Preparation (1–3 months before move)
- Determining the visa type for the whole family
- Choosing the city and area to live in
- Exploring school options for children
- Planning the relocation budget
Stage 2: Document Processing (2–4 months)
- Submitting visa applications
- Collecting certificates and translations
- Preparing medical documents
- Preparing school documents
Stage 3: Move and Settling (1–2 months after arrival)
- Searching and renting housing
- Enrolling children in school
- Opening bank accounts
- Obtaining health insurance
- Registering residence
Stage 4: Adaptation and Integration (3–6 months)
- Studying the language as a family
- Meeting the local community
- Solving everyday issues
- Tax planning
Practical Aspects of Relocation
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Shipping belongings is a logistics issue that worries all families. Container shipping is economical for large volumes, air shipping is suitable for valuable and urgent things.
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Moving with pets requires advance preparation: vaccinations, veterinary certificates, microchipping. The process takes from 4 to 21 days depending on the country of departure.
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Driver’s licenses can be used in Spain for up to 6 months, then they must be exchanged for Spanish ones. Some countries have agreements on automatic exchange.
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Administrative procedures in Spain require patience and understanding of local specifics. Registration of residence (empadronamiento), obtaining NIE (foreigner’s number), residence card – each procedure has its own nuances.
Practical Aspects of Relocation
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Shipping belongings is a logistics issue that worries all families. Container shipping is economical for large volumes, air shipping is suitable for valuable and urgent things.
-
Moving with pets requires advance preparation: vaccinations, veterinary certificates, microchipping. The process takes from 4 to 21 days depending on the country of departure.
-
Driver’s licenses can be used in Spain for up to 6 months, then they must be exchanged for Spanish ones. Some countries have agreements on automatic exchange.
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Administrative procedures in Spain require patience and understanding of local specifics. Registration of residence (empadronamiento), obtaining NIE (foreigner’s number), residence card – each procedure has its own nuances.
Regional Features for Families
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Madrid attracts families with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, best schools and universities, and cultural life. Minus – high housing prices and no sea.
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Barcelona combines a big city with the sea, many international schools, jobs in the IT sector. Catalan language may be an additional challenge for children.
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Valencia offers the ideal balance of price and quality of life. A city by the sea, excellent schools, affordable housing, but fewer international opportunities.
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Alicante and Costa Blanca attract families with climate, beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. Many Russian-speaking communities, but limited career opportunities.
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Seville and Andalusia give the opportunity to immerse in authentic Spanish culture at a low cost of living.
Regional Features for Families
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Madrid attracts families with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, best schools and universities, and cultural life. Minus – high housing prices and no sea.
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Barcelona combines a big city with the sea, many international schools, jobs in the IT sector. Catalan language may be an additional challenge for children.
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Valencia offers the ideal balance of price and quality of life. A city by the sea, excellent schools, affordable housing, but fewer international opportunities.
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Alicante and Costa Blanca attract families with climate, beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle. Many Russian-speaking communities, but limited career opportunities.
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Seville and Andalusia give the opportunity to immerse in authentic Spanish culture at a low cost of living.
When is Best to Move
Most families plan the move for summer or the beginning of the school year in September. This is logical in terms of school schedules but creates competition for housing and school places.
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Moving in January–February can be more beneficial: more housing options, schools are more flexible for mid-year admissions, rental prices are lower.
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Planning a year in advance allows families to prepare thoroughly: learn the language, choose schools, collect documents without rush.
When is Best to Move
Most families plan the move for summer or the beginning of the school year in September. This is logical in terms of school schedules but creates competition for housing and school places.
-
Moving in January–February can be more beneficial: more housing options, schools are more flexible for mid-year admissions, rental prices are lower.
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Planning a year in advance allows families to prepare thoroughly: learn the language, choose schools, collect documents without rush.
DreamLife Spain: Full Range of Services for Families in Spain
DreamLife Spain: Full Range of Services for Families in Spain
The most important part of relocation is to find the perfect housing for your family
We help with:
- Short-term rentals during adaptation period
- Long-term family housing rentals
- Property purchases
Education near your home
After choosing housing, we find a school in your area:
- Public schools (free quality education) in all cities of Spain
- Semi-private schools (concertadas)
- Private and international schools in Spain
Personal Concierge Service
We guide you step by step through all administrative procedures:
- Advising the best region for relocation
- Helping choose the best time to move
- Organizing pet relocation
- Helping with moving belongings
- Accompanying in healthcare institutions
- Helping with driver’s license exchange
- Booking government appointments without queues
- Assigning a personal expert team for you
Financial and Banking Services
- Opening bank accounts for the whole family
- Tax consultations: explaining how to calculate taxes on worldwide income and not overpay
- Ongoing tax and accounting support
Creating a Personal Dream Life
You will feel caring support at every step. We create your personal dream life – not the same as everyone else’s, but exactly the one you want.
DreamLife Spain: We Will Create Your Family Dream in Spain for Years!
While other agencies make families deal with bureaucratic labyrinths on their own, we take over the whole process of creating a new life. Our experience with hundreds of families shows: successful relocation is not only correctly prepared documents but also dozens of small things that turn relocation from stress into an exciting adventure.
While other agencies make families deal with bureaucratic labyrinths on their own, we take over the whole process of creating a new life. Our experience with hundreds of families shows: successful relocation is not only correctly prepared documents but also dozens of small things that turn relocation from stress into an exciting adventure.
We assign a personal expert team to each family. A visa specialist works with documents, a real estate expert finds the perfect housing, an education specialist selects schools, and a personal concierge solves all everyday issues – from doctor’s appointments to driver’s license exchange.
Dream Visa Family – comprehensive visa processing for the whole family, considering individual circumstances.
Dream Life Family – complete life setup in Spain in 90 days: from finding housing to enrolling children in schools and opening bank accounts.
Our concierge service means you will never be left alone with Spanish bureaucracy. We book appointments in government institutions, accompany you to important meetings, translate, and explain all procedures.
Dream Life Family – complete life setup in Spain in 90 days: from finding housing to enrolling children in schools and opening bank accounts.
Our concierge service means you will never be left alone with Spanish bureaucracy. We book appointments in government institutions, accompany you to important meetings, translate, and explain all procedures.
Tax planning and accounting support help families correctly calculate taxes on worldwide income and not overpay extra money to the state.
Your family dream of Spain can become reality. Fill in our relocation calculator, and we will create a personal plan for realizing your dream – not like everyone else’s, but exactly the one your family needs.
Your family dream of Spain can become reality. Fill in our relocation calculator, and we will create a personal plan for realizing your dream – not like everyone else’s, but exactly the one your family needs.
Start the path to a new life today. Spain is waiting for your family.