Moving to a new country is undoubtedly seen as a large decision, and when you decide to make that move, you are going to need help and some careful planning. Not only are there likely cultural and legal aspects of buying property in a new country, the differences in language can throw an immense amount of confusion into the mix. Espana Properties is here to help you with your move.

Even before you decide on the property you will buy, there are some things that you should do to prepare yourself for the move and these things will help the transition to go much smoother.

Learn the language

Probably the most important part of moving to Spain is learning the language that the people speak. There are some differences between the Spanish spoken in the Latin American and South American regions and the Spanish that is spoken in Spain, so it’s in your best interest to learn the local dialect. Castellano is different than Español, and learning the jargon of the region where you will be moving will be of the utmost benefit because Spanish people, as a whole, are not well-known for their ability to speak English.

Vocation – finding a job

Are you going to need a job once you’ve moved to Spain? While Spain currently has one of the lowest unemployment rates of the European Union, it is recommended that you have a job lined up before you make the move to avoid the frustration and hassles of trying to find gainful employment in an unfamiliar country.

Cutting your ties with home

If you’re move to Spain is permanent, or will be at least a long-term move, it may be worth it financially to sell your current home, close your bank accounts and rid yourself of assets in your home country. This way, you may be able to avoid paying taxes in two countries.

Keep your current legal documents up to date

Don’t let your driver’s license or passport expire while you’re abroad. Be sure that if your documentation from home is set to expire soon, that you get things renewed accordingly. It could be a large financial and legal mess if you’re living in Spain and your documentation from your home country expires.

Transportation

Once you’ve made the move to Spain, how will you get around? While there is public transportation available in larger cities, you should decide before you move whether you will be buying a car in Spain or whether you will be using the local transportation methods.

Also, if you will be acquiring your own transportation, you will want to check on automobile insurance. You should find out beforehand whether your current policy at home will offer coverage in Spain or whether you will need to acquire auto insurance locally.

Bringing your pets

Do you have some furry little friends that you want to accompany you to your new residence? You should check with your vet and customs to see if this is a viable option for you.

Mail

Before you make the move, you should obtain the services of a mail forwarding agency. Most post offices will do this for you, though you should be sure to notify others of your new address.

Making the move to Spain is an excellent decision, and here at Espana Properties, we aim to make your move as pleasant as possible. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about moving to Spain.