This family’s relocation story is a great example of how important is adapting your personal reality to the local reality of the country you are moving to – Spain. Raluca & Catalin understood it very quickly and turned, what initially looked like an impossible task, to a successful move with a new happy home in Benalmadena where they reside still and feel fully integrated into the local community. Read what they shared with us!
Where are you from and why did you decide to move to Spain?
We are from Romania, and we decided to move to Spain after analysing more relocation options between Sweden, Germany and Austria. We choose the quality of life offered by Spain.
When did you move & where in Spain did you settle? Did you move on your own or as a family?
We moved as a family of 3 to Spain in 2021, in September, and we live in Benalmadena, Malaga ever since. Our family consists of 2 adults, 1 child (at that time she was 5) and a small dog.
Did you use professional help for the immigration procedures (visas, permits, any admin paperwork) and/or any relocation services (property search, schools, etc)? Tell us your experience.
From the beginning we knew we needed professional help as our time was very limited. Before leaving our country, we had only basic information regarding the immigration process So Irina’s help was pure gold, as she gave us content, structure and steps to be made for this big step.
We worked with her for helping us with paperwork (NIEs and residencies); school enrolment for our daughter and help with the property search
How difficult was it to find your first home and do you still live in the same place? If you moved – tell us why
Finding a home was difficult because we didn’t have our incomes in Spain, and we had to adapt our strategy on the way. Until you don’t fully understand Spanish culture you may think the requirements are exaggerated. Also, trying to find a suitable home during July and August made the process more difficult, as following our believes and experience from home country, we didn’t understand that in Spain, during the summer professional activity might slow down because of holidays. We had to adapt our reality to Spanish reality, and this was the most difficult part of the relocation. We moved to Benalmadena, and we live here ever since, in the same apartment. From our experience, we may confirm that Spanish owners prefer interpersonal approach, because when analysing the risks, the chemistry and feeling are important. So, you just have to present your family, who you are, your personal situation and be open with the process and finally you’ll find something suitable.
Bring as much documents as possible to confirm your financial stability. This helps a lot.
For us, it was a big help being able to have savings in our bank account and to be able to show them to the owner.
Which school do your children go to, public or private, and what is your experience/opinion of the school and general education system in Spain?
As advised by Irina, our daughter was registered in a public school. We have a good experience with the Spanish school system. The kids were more than happy helping her to integrate and to learn the language.
What is your occupation in Spain – tell us a few words. Has it changed compared to what you did in your home country?
We work online, and we are happy to be able to manage our company business away from the home country.
How integrated do you feel into the local community and lifestyle?
We feel fully integrated in the Spanish and international communities because for us that was our main priority. We know everybody from the community, we have Spanish friends and have a good social life. We participate in all traditions and local customs of the area.
Do you have any regrets about the move to Spain and/or miss anything from your home country? If yes – tell us what
We don’t miss anything else but the family from our home country, we feel this is our home know.
What was the main advantage and the main challenge you experienced with moving to Spain?
The main advantage was being exposed to an international environment and also life quality improvement.
The biggest challenge was to fully understand Spanish laws & regulations, customs, lifestyle and to be a fast learner, the time invested in this fast integration process was enormous. But for us it was a priority, and we are happy with our decisions.
Any advice you would like to give to those considering or in the process of moving to Spain
For those who do not register income in Spain it is difficult to rent, but not impossible.
We can assure you that any document that certifies your income is useful. Be prepared to adjust your expectations, arm yourself with patience and be flexible....you will be able to find something that suits your family.