Independent guides to living and studying in Europe
Moving to Spain · Moving with children
MOVING TO SPAIN · WITH CHILDREN
Moving your kids to Spain is a different move entirely.
A visa gets you in. Schools, healthcare, friendships and language decide whether your children thrive.
THE QUESTIONS THAT KEEP PARENTS UP AT NIGHT
Not the visa. The real ones.
- Will my child make friends?
- International school or the local Spanish system?
- What happens to their education if we move back?
- How does healthcare work for a child? For an existing condition, or ordinary bumps and fevers.
THE BIGGEST DECISION
International school or local Spanish system?
| Option | Benefits | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| International school | UK, US or IB curriculum continuity; English; easier social start | Often significant fees (€5,000–18,000 a year by area); a more insular bubble |
| Concertado school | Modest fee, often €50–300 a month; smaller classes | Spanish-language teaching |
| Local state school | Little or no cost; fast immersion, often bilingual in 1 to 2 years | Harder start without Spanish; curriculum may not match a later return |
Many families do international school for year one, then move to the local system. Both are legitimate.
WHICH DESTINATION SUITS A FAMILY?
Budget, schools and community decide it.
Jávea and Altea
Spain’s quietest luxury.
Alicante
The gateway to the Costa Blanca.
Costa del Sol
The most established international coast.
THE HONEST TRADE-OFF
The first year is the hardest. Children often adjust faster than parents expect, but homesickness and a lost friend group are real. Expect it rather than assuming the sunshine solves everything.
Coaching and guidance only, not legal advice. Not an immigration lawyer or agent. Every pathway goes through the official channel of the destination country.
Let’s talk about your family’s situation.
Start with a short call and leave with a clear next step for your situation.
Where to go next
Choosing a school in Spain
Your child’s age decides it.
Your first six months in Spain
The honest version.
Moving from the UK
Brexit, healthcare, driving and the tax questions.