Summer is almost upon us! This is the time parents can take a moment from the hustle of the school year and really start dissecting this idea of possibly moving the family abroad. Maybe make a scouting trip, look into options. Is this a realistic thought? Can it be done with kids? Where do you even start?
I got you! 🙂
I have been getting so many DM’s in the past two weeks about where to even start. How did I do it? How did I get from point A to point B, and how do I make it look so effortless? Well, the truth is, it wasn’t! It took months of preparation and research from an idea to actually living in Spain with my two daughters, now 6 and 11.
This is a summarized list I compiled with a lot of important information to get you abroad with your kids with a strategic long-term plan, and I hope you find it very helpful.
My Moving Abroad with Kids Blueprint is the complete step-by-step guide I used as a divorced mom of two, ready to leave the matrix, make location-independent income, regulate my nervous system, and get out of the rat race that is the United States.
I share the complete strategic plan that helped me move to Spain with my two daughters and thrive abroad with less stress and more savings, and this summary is a phenomenal good start. Once you are ready for the absolute best moving abroad guide, to avoid mistakes, shorten the learning curve, and gain confidence before making the life-changing move abroad, you’ll be able to get my $47 Moving Abroad with Kids Blueprint later this week! Make sure you are on the email list for the announcement. My Moving Abroad with Kids Blueprint will give you straightforward answers and help you make informed decisions with real expectations, lowering your anxiety and uncertainty.
I know moving abroad can be a very exciting, but stressful process, and this guide will give you some direction and insight for what you’ll need and what to expect.
Remember, you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to, and if you are feeling that pull for a better life, follow it! Your intuition is leading you to the life you and your family deserve to have, but strategic planning is needed for a successful move abroad. Be prepared!
Phase 1: Decide If Spain Is Right For Your Family (6–12 Months Before)
Clarify Your Why
Write down:
- Why do you want to leave the U.S.
- What problems are you trying to solve
- What do you hope life looks like in Spain
Examples:
- Better work-life balance
- Lower cost of living
- Safer environment
- More family time
- Better quality of life
Choose Your Region
Research:
- Cost of living
- School options
- Weather
- Expat community
- Healthcare access
Popular family-friendly areas:
- Valencia
- Alicante
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Santiago de Compostela
- Madrid
Phase 2: Immigration & Legal Planning
Select Your Visa Path
Common options:
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Student Visa
- Work Visa
- Family Reunification
Determine:
- Income requirements
- Savings requirements
- Documentation needed
Gather Documents
For every family member:
- Passports
- Birth certificates (certified)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Custudy agreement (if applicable)
- FBI Background checks
- Medical certificates
Apostille Process
Many Americans underestimate this step.
Documents often need:
- Certified copies
- Apostille
- Official translations
Phase 3: Financial Preparation
Create a Spain Budget
Calculate:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Internet
- Transportation
- School costs
- Food
- Health insurance
Emergency Fund
Target:
- 6–12 months of expenses
Banking
Prepare:
- International banking strategy (Think Wise)
- Currency transfer solution
- Backup credit cards
Phase 4: Preparing Your Children
Include Them Early
Age-appropriate involvement:
- Research neighborhoods
- Learn Spanish
- Explore schools
- Watch videos of their future city
Emotional Preparation
Talk about:
- New friends
- Missing friends and family
- Different culture
- New opportunities
Build Excitement
Create:
- Countdown calendar
- Spain vision board
- Bucket list
- Language learning games
Phase 5: Housing
Temporary Housing First
Avoid signing a long-term lease before arrival if possible.
Consider:
- 30–90 day rental
- Aparthotel
- Airbnb
Long-Term Rental Search
Research:
- Deposit requirements
- Utility setup
- Neighborhoods
- Public transportation
Phase 6: School Enrollment
Research:
- Public schools
- Concertado schools (Think charter schools)
- Private schools
- International schools
Questions to ask:
- Language support?
- Transportation?
- Extracurricular activities?
- Enrollment deadlines?
Phase 7: Downsizing & Logistics
Decide What Goes
Keep:
- Important documents
- Sentimental items
- Essential electronics
Sell:
- Large furniture
- Appliances
- Low-value items
Donate:
- Remaining household goods
Pet Planning (if applicable)
Research:
- Vaccines
- Microchips
- Import requirements (You’ll need FDA clearance!)
Phase 8: Healthcare
Before moving:
- Obtain health records
- Dental records
- Prescription information
After arrival:
- Register for healthcare
- Find a pediatrician and primary care doctor in your area
- Identify nearby hospitals
Phase 9: First 90 Days in Spain
Priority Order:
Week 1–2
- SIM card
- NIE (if you did not receive it from the embassy)
- Bank account
- Transportation Card (You save a lot more than paying per ride)
- School registration (Most registrations close in May, so make an appointment (cita previa) to register your kids in person at your local department of education office outside the registration time.
- Long-term rental search
Week 3–4
- Community activities
- Language classes
- Meet other families
Month 2–3
- Long-term routines
- Sports and activities
- Build a local support network
Biggest Mistakes Families Make
- Moving without sufficient savings.
- Choosing a city before visiting.
- Not involving children in the process.
- Bringing too much stuff.
- Waiting too long to start visa paperwork.
- Assuming everyone will adjust quickly.
- Not building community immediately.
- Underestimating bureaucracy.
- Not learning basic Spanish.
- Having no income plan after arrival.
Moving abroad can be a lot less stressful if you prepare and plan well. It is also important to keep realistic expectations.
If you want someone to walk you through the process and share insight and important details to ease your move and transition, book a one-on-one call with me HERE.
Cheers to new beginnings!
xoxo,
V
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