Relocating to another country is a major decision for any family, and when it involves children, the stakes are even higher. Moving to Spain with children can offer a fantastic lifestyle, rich culture, excellent healthcare, and a strong sense of community — but preparation is key. From schools and healthcare to settling into everyday life, this guide provides a detailed look at what families need to consider before making the move.
Table of Contents
Spain continues to attract families from the UK and beyond for its warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and emphasis on family life. Spanish culture places great value on children, making it an inviting environment for young families. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a complete lifestyle change, moving to Spain with children can be an incredibly rewarding experience if planned carefully.
Education in Spain is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 16, and the system is generally divided into public, semi-private, private, and international schools.
The right choice depends on your child’s age, adaptability, and long-term plans. It’s also worth visiting schools in person if possible and checking enrolment timelines, as popular schools fill up quickly.
Spain’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the best in Europe, offering both public and private options. Public healthcare is free or low-cost for residents who are registered (via the empadronamiento process) and contributing to Spanish social security. Private healthcare is also widely used and often included in expat insurance packages.
For families moving to Spain with children, registering with a local health centre (centro de salud) allows access to paediatric services, vaccinations, and regular check-ups. In most urban areas, healthcare professionals speak English, and the standard of care is excellent.
Before relocating, there are several documents and legal steps to organise:
Moving to Spain with children involves more paperwork than a solo move, so starting early and seeking advice from a relocation or legal specialist can save significant time and stress.
While Spain is welcoming to foreigners, language can be a barrier, especially for children moving at an older age. However, most children adapt quickly — and immersion in school often accelerates fluency.
Joining after-school activities, sports clubs, or community programmes helps with language acquisition and building friendships. For parents, learning Spanish (even at a basic level) helps with integration and communication with teachers, healthcare providers, and neighbours.
Spanish society is very child-friendly. Children are included in family and social life, and it’s common to see young children out at restaurants or community events in the evenings. This cultural warmth can ease the transition for children and parents alike.
The cost of living in Spain varies greatly depending on the region. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive, while areas like Murcia, Andalusia, or smaller coastal towns tend to be more affordable.
Families moving to Spain with children should budget for:
Understanding regional differences in pricing will help you set realistic expectations and manage your household budget from day one.
Choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions when relocating with children. Spain offers a variety of family-friendly locations depending on your priorities — be it schooling, outdoor space, community, or cost.
A favourite among British families, Alicante offers a balance of affordability, sea views, and established expat communities. The area is well served by public and international schools, with popular family towns like Jávea, Altea, and El Campello offering safe, accessible living.
Valencia is a vibrant, medium-sized city with excellent schools, green spaces, and a high quality of life. It’s ideal for families who want the benefits of a city without the scale or cost of Madrid or Barcelona. Public transport is reliable, and the city is filled with parks and family events year-round.
Murcia is gaining attention for its affordable property prices, good public schools, and relaxed lifestyle. For families who value space and quieter surroundings, towns like San Pedro del Pinatar or Los Alcázares are ideal. Murcia is also well-connected by road and has a growing expat community.
Barcelona offers outstanding education options, including international schools, and is rich in cultural and outdoor activities. While the city itself can be expensive, suburban areas like Castelldefels and Sant Cugat del Vallès provide a more family-friendly environment with quick access to the city.
The Costa del Sol is a longstanding favourite for British expats. Marbella, Estepona, and Mijas are well known for their international schools and British-run services. The region offers a luxurious lifestyle and warm weather, though prices tend to be higher than inland or less touristy areas.
Moving to Spain with children is an exciting adventure that, with proper planning, can offer a beautiful quality of life. From choosing the right school and navigating healthcare to finding the ideal neighbourhood, preparation makes all the difference. Spain’s family-friendly culture, emphasis on outdoor living, and welcoming communities make it one of Europe’s best countries for raising children.