Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2022 8:20am
We do hear from alot of people who say it is their dream to move to Spain and I often wonder why that is? What is it about Spain specifically that people believe life here is what they want?
Portugal is just up around the corner and is much less expensive to get into if you are not in the EU. Just as an option. They also speak alot more English there for some reason and seem to enjoy it.
I would never be one to suggest to anyone to not follow their dream because we only have one life to live but maybe it isn't 'Spain' per se as it is a change from the life you have. Maybe there is some sort of compromise situation you can create for yourselves rather than moving 100% to a foreign country with all its inherent challenges.
Moving to Spain is a bit of a 'crap shoot' as they say. It could work out splendidly with everything falling into place and you love it or it could be a disaster with your going home with alot less cash in your pocket. Are you ready to take this risk? I do think people need to say "YES" to this question.
Being out of the EU presents problems there were not here before for Brits. Rising democracy has increased the value of property both to buy and rent. Work is best found online unless you have exceptional skills and/or get lucky. Unfortunately the Spanish Govt still doesn't make small business ownership a really affordable option legally so people stay in the black market making their lives precarious. However, there are so many opportunities here for people. I know of several people who prepare restaurant quality food and deliver it. People are generally ingenious when they need to be.
Buying a place in Spain and moving around as one feels is easy if you have the financial resources to do so and are not dependent on income. Personally, I would suggest, if you need income, to figure the work thing out first and foremost so that your income is satisfactory to even make a Visa claim. Learning Spanish is not easy for most people who have only ever spoken English.
With all that said I hear that Gibraltar is still an easy place to get work and pays well. Living in La Linea the only option there as you can walk across the border daily. But people do drive in each day too. Definitely an option to get you started in this transition.
As people have said here that most of us are happy we made the move but it was pre Brexit and things were easier and many people did not need to find income. The world really has changed in 2 years but hopefully you won't let any of this put you off if its what you really want to do. One step after another is my motto. Good luck, Kerri