And what if moving to Spain was not your personal decision but the requirement of your job? This is the story of Amanda & Derrick from the US, who relocated to Malaga for work and discovered both the advantages and the challenges of this move. Read their story!
Where are you from and why did you decide to move to Spain?
We moved from Atlanta, Georgia in the USA. We relocated for work. Our company set up a subsidiary in Spain with plans to build out a tech hub.
When did you move & where in Spain did you settle? Did you move on your own or as a family?
We moved in September 2022 as a couple with our dog and cat. Originally, we rented a flat through Airbnb in the city centre for six weeks while we looked for a more permanent rental. We knew we wanted to continue to live in or close to the city to take advantage of all Malaga has to offer. In mid-November, we found a flat we liked in Soho which checked a lot of the boxes we were looking for and moved in shortly after.
Did you use professional help for the immigration procedures (visas, permits, any admin paperwork) and/or any relocation services (property search, schools, etc)?
We used a global relocation service offered through our company to file for our visas. They assisted with all of the admin and paperwork, though it was still a lengthy and pretty confusing process.
How difficult was it to find your first home and do you still live in the same place? If you moved – tell us why
Before we found Irina, it was very difficult to find our first home. Our Spanish language skills were limited and there was so much about the real estate market we didn’t understand and is different than the US. We contacted several real estate agents and never got much traction. We used Idealista, but often got no response. We also had 2 pets, a cat and a 30 kg dog, which made our search more difficult. Once we found Irina, the process became much, much easier. She educated us about local market conditions, helped us narrow down our search and avoid pitfalls. She was instrumental in advocating for us as good renters and then then very detailed with our contract, such that we felt very comfortable when we signed and took residence. Today, we are still in the same flat and coming up on one year here.
What is your occupation in Spain – tell us a few words. Has it changed compared to what you did in your home country?
Our occupation is the same. We work in Technology, as part of a finance company, based in the US.
How integrated do you feel into the local community and lifestyle?
I honestly do not feel very integrated into the local community but do feel more integrated into the lifestyle. We have tried hard to adapt to a more Spanish lifestyle and schedule, which we love. We have made an effort to learn the cultural practices and the language. We still take lessons twice a week with a tutor and try to speak Spanish when we are out and about. We have gotten to know many people in our neighbourhood on an acquaintance level and find people are warm and welcoming, but we are, by no means, deeply integrated. I think it takes time, and slowly, it is getting easier.
Do you have any regrets about your move to Spain and/or miss anything from your home country? If yes – tell us what
I don’t have many regrets about moving to Spain. In many ways, it has been a challenging year with rewards and some highlights. I miss our friends and family the most, and the connections and community we have at home. I often miss the little things – the convenience of living in a place that speaks your native language. Sometimes the smallest task here is challenge, and I find myself outside of my comfort zone initially. I am six months pregnant with our first child. I found the medical system pretty daunting because most doctors and medical staff here do not speak English, and my Spanish skills were not good enough. However, I ultimately did find a practice that fits our needs and have been extremely impressed with the standard of care I have received vs what is typical in the US.
What was the main advantage and the main challenge you experienced with moving to Spain?
The main advantage is everything Spain, Malaga and the Costa del Sol have to offer. For the most part the weather is amazing, the people are kind and welcoming. The food is fresh and healthy. The overall lifestyle here is really high quality at a much lower cost of living compared to many other places in the US and Northern Europe. The biggest challenge is getting set up initially – all the visa paperwork, finding a place to live, integrating into the community, handling everyday life tasks, making new friends. It takes a lot of time and effort. Some days are harder than others, but overall, Malaga is a great place to live.
Any advice you would like to give to those considering or in the process of moving to Spain?
First, be patient. Things take time and move at their own pace. Second, hire an expert like Irina who understands the local market and customs. If you’re new to the area, recognize there is a lot you don’t know, and qualified help is a necessity and long term cost saving. Third, relocating here is not always easy. We got great advice to initially rent before buying. I think you learn a lot in your first year so don’t rush into anything quickly in the beginning.