Family relocation to Spain & Italy: What you really need to know
Moving to Spain or Italy with your family is more than just an exciting change—it brings new opportunities, but also challenges that go far beyond simply packing boxes. Many families who take this step already have a connection to their destination country, whether through relatives, career opportunities, or previous experience there. But even with prior knowledge, there are many factors that are crucial for a successful start.
While most guidebooks cover the usual administrative procedures and formalities, this book offers realistic and in-depth insights that provide genuine support for making a fresh start.
1. The Best Place to Live for Families: Where Is It Really Worth It?
The choice of where to live affects not only quality of life, but also financial circumstances and integration into society. Families should be aware that areas popular with tourists are not always the best places to make a permanent home.
Spain: Quality of Life Away from the Coastal Cities
Valencia & Castellón: Valencia is one of the most family-friendly cities in Spain, with good infrastructure, affordable rent, and international schools. Castellón, just an hour away, offers a quieter, more affordable environment with direct access to beaches and nature.
Santander & Oviedo (Northern Spain): Summers here are more pleasant, the education systems are strong, and rent is significantly lower than in Madrid or Barcelona. However, English is less widely spoken, so knowledge of Spanish is essential.
Islands like Tenerife or Mallorca: While Mallorca has high real estate prices, Tenerife offers a lower cost of living and attractive tax arrangements for expats, making it a viable alternative.
Italy: Regions with good prospects for families
Bologna & Surrounding Area: Emilia-Romagna boasts one of Italy’s best healthcare and education systems. The economy is stable, ensuring long-term job prospects.
Udine & Trentino: Both regions offer a high quality of life, are economically stable, and have good connections to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Sicily & Calabria: Although more affordable than the north, jobs are scarce here, bureaucracy is a challenge, and healthcare is less robust. Anyone who cannot work remotely should take this into account.
Tip: Before making a permanent move, it’s a good idea to spend some time living in the region you’ve chosen so you can realistically assess the infrastructure, cost of living, and social structures.
2. Schools & Childcare: Significant differences depending on the region
Spain
Public schools: Free, but often with strict curricula. In rural areas, class sizes are smaller, while schools in large cities are often overcrowded.
Concertados: Semi-public schools with better facilities, but often with a religious orientation.
International schools: Ideal for expats, but expensive (between €700 and €1,500 per month).
Kindergartens: These are private and cost between €300 and €800 per month, depending on the city.
Italy
Public schools: Focus on theory, little practical content. Classes end in the early afternoon.
Private schools & Montessori schools: More expensive, but with more modern teaching methods. Particularly well-represented in the north.
Childcare: Daycare spots are limited; private daycare centers are often the only alternative.
Tip: Spanish schools place a strong emphasis on Spanish, while Italian schools focus on Italian. If you want to avoid an international school, you should start preparing your children for the local language early on.
3. Healthcare system: Public or private?
Spain
Anyone who works in Spain is automatically covered by the Social Security system. The healthcare is good, but wait times to see a specialist can be several months.
Private health insurance (approx. €50–200 per month) is a good idea if you want quick access to specialists.
Italy
The SSN (National Health Service) provides comprehensive healthcare coverage, although the quality of care varies significantly from region to region.
In the north (Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna), the system is more efficient, while bottlenecks are common in the south.
Many expats rely on private supplemental insurance to avoid waiting periods.
Tip: If you regularly need to see specialists, you should find out about medical care in your destination region before you move.
4. Taxes & Finance: The Often Underestimated Differences
Spain
Income up to €12,450: 19%; from €60,000: over 40%.
Buying real estate: Up to 10% real estate transfer tax.
Banks often require proof of regular income for lease agreements or when opening a bank account.
Italy
Income over €28,000: 38%; over €75,000: 43%.
Real estate prices in major cities like Milan are high, while they are affordable in southern Italy.
Anyone who registers with the AIRE registry (Anagrafe Italiani Residenti all’Estero) can benefit from tax advantages.
Tip: If you are moving away from Germany, you should check whether you will continue to be liable for taxes in Germany (e.g., if you own property or have rental income).
5. Integration & Social Life: What Really Helps
Many expats say that the most important factor in making a successful fresh start isn't bureaucracy or job hunting, but integrating into social life.
Spain
Making friends with locals: Spaniards are open, but true friendships take time. If you get involved in community groups or sports clubs, you’ll make friends more quickly.
Be mindful of cultural differences: Spontaneity and flexibility are key—fixed plans are often changed at the last minute.
Italy
Understanding Italian family structure: In Italy, family and tradition play a greater role than in Germany. Anyone planning to stay in Italy long-term should be prepared for this.
Language Courses & Networks: Many cities offer free language courses. Local meetups or groups on platforms like Meetup.com can help you make connections.
Tip: Language is the key to integration. Even though many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing Italian or Spanish significantly improves your job prospects.
6. Moving logistics: Planning is key
An international move is logistically challenging. It involves not only transporting furniture, but also customs regulations, temporary storage, and on-site coordination.
Why Hiring a Moving Company Makes Sense
A specialized service provider like Intermove offers:
Full customs and logistics handling to avoid issues with import regulations.
Optional temporary storage, in case the search for a permanent home takes longer than expected.
Assistance with administrative matters that go beyond the actual move.
Bottom line: With proper preparation, the restart will be easier
Spain and Italy offer fantastic opportunities for families—but only if you sort out the details well in advance. By choosing the right region, preparing for the paperwork, and making connections early on, you can avoid the typical initial hurdles. An experienced moving company can also take a lot of the work off your hands and make the transition easier.
