The relocation story of Sarah is another example of how unpredictable life can be, and that tomorrow is not guaranteed to anyone…what was planned as a move together, turned out to be a “solo journey” as Sarah’s husband passed away as they were packing up. She courageously carried on with her plans and never looked back, while adjusting to her new life in Malaga…
Where are you from and why did you decide to move to Spain?
I am British but had lived in Florida USA for 30 years and had dual citizenship.
My parents had a holiday home in Spain since I was 18, and then they moved here permanently 20 years ago, so we had spent a lot of holidays here. My husband and I loved the more relaxed lifestyle, the huge cost of living difference, wanted to be nearer family in Spain and UK and hated the gun laws & political issues in USA.
When did you move & where in Spain did you settle? Did you move on your own or as a family?
I applied for residency as a British citizen in 2020 and managed to submit the application a few weeks before the Brexit deadline. Since Covid prohibited normal travel, it was more challenging as I was still in Florida when it was approved. I moved alone as my husband of 30+ years passed away as we were starting to pack up. I moved first to Torre Del Mar to stay with my mother, then started to look for a place to live in Malaga Centro.
Did you use professional help for the immigration procedures (visas, permits, any admin paperwork) and/or any relocation services (property search, schools, etc)?
I used an immigration service for the application for residency, then used Irina at Malaga Expat Consulting to help with finding an apartment, obtaining my Padron, exchanging my British Driving License.
How difficult was it to find your first home and do you still live in the same place? If you moved – tell us why
Irina suggested I go through Idealista and other property search engines, compose a list of properties I was interested in, and then she would contact the realtor/estate agent to arrange a viewing. I gave her a list of about 16, half had already been rented, some didn't even respond!
I viewed two properties in one day & fell in love with one in Soho. Irina contacted the realtor within the hour, negotiated that I would give a 2-month deposit (the first property of the day wanted TWELVE months rent up front as I did not have Spanish income/work contract). I transferred the funds to the landlord, and within 7 days, I was signing the contract!! I met Irina for the first time at the signing, but she had already been through the contract and reviewed every little detail.
I still live in the same apartment in Soho, my landlady is amazing, and I love being in the heart of the city within walking distance of everything.
What is your occupation in Spain? Has it changed compared to what you did in your home country?
I am an Accountant/Data Analyst – and was 80% remote pre Covid in Florida, and 100% remote after Covid. I continue to work from home in Malaga as I did in the USA. The only difference is I work later in the day/evening due to the 6-hour time difference. That really fits in well with the Spanish lifestyle and my clients in USA have been very accommodating.
I am registered as self-employed/Autonomo in Spain & pay quarterly taxes here. Irina referred me to an accountant in Soho who has filed all the required forms and completes my tax documents for filing.
How integrated do you feel into the local community and lifestyle?
It takes a while to integrate if you don’t speak Spanish, so I am learning as quickly as possible. The fantastic Irina referred me to my Spanish teacher, who I love. I take classes twice a week online as the teacher lives in Ronda and it’s helping enormously. I have found that if you try to speak Spanish, then everyone is so kind and helpful. I’ve also joined a hiking group with a ton of different nationalities which is fantastic.
Do you have any regrets about the move to Spain and/or miss anything from your home country?
No regrets at all, though I do miss my friends in USA. However, they are constant visitors here in Malaga!
What was the main advantage and the main challenge you experienced with moving to Spain?
Main advantages – seeing more of my family, huge cost of living decrease from Florida.
Main challenges – learning a new language (which is a really fun challenge!) and learning a new life being single.
Any advice you would like to give to those considering or in the process of moving to Spain
DO it! Life is too short to regret not making a step like this. It’s a huge change moving out of your comfort zone and moving to a place where you might not know anyone, or don’t speak the language etc – but ask for help! Each country has different ways of doing things, so save time and frustration by finding an expert and then it will allow you to enjoy the change! Finding Irina was the best thing, she made everything SO much easier!