1. Spanish Visa Types

There’s no need to let Brexit stop you from exploring Spain. UK citizens can still enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free travel within a 180-day period. If you dream of soaking up the Spanish vibes for the long haul, you’ll need a long-term visa (visado nacionale). There are different immigration routes and visa types, depending on the reason for your stay, and each comes with its unique set of requirements.

If you’ve got a job waiting in Spain, for example, you’ll likely need to apply for a work permit (visado de trabajo y residencia) either as a paid employee, a self-employed entrepreneur, or an au pair lending your skills to a Spanish family. To retire in the land of siestas and fiestas, you’ll need a Non-Lucrative Visa.

While the requirements for each visa type differ, some common factors include a medical certificate that gives you a clean bill of health, a clean criminal record, and proof that you’ve got enough funds to support yourself. Heads up, some documents may need to be in Spanish so you’ll need to get them translated. To dive deeper into the specifics, make sure to visit the Spanish government’s official visa application portal. There, you’ll find all the details on what immigration routes to follow to make Spain your new home sweet home.

2. Finding Work in Spain

There are plenty of job opportunities in Spain for UK expats. In particular, the tourism, IT, engineering, finance, healthcare (especially pharmaceuticals), automotive, chemicals and sales sectors have many vacancies to fill.

The Spanish authorities have also recently revised the criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card, making it easier than ever for highly skilled Brits to get a job.

You can start your job search on Empleate, the Spanish government’s online job portal, and Sistema Nacional de Empleo. Both websites are available in English.

Also be sure to visit the country’s most popular (but Spanish-only) job search websites: Indeed Spain, infoempleo, infojobs, and for vacancies in tech, tecnoempleo.

3. Find a Home in Spain

Surprisingly, it is generally easier to purchase a home in Spain than to rent one as the rental market is tight with a limited number of properties available. Owning your own home will also increase your chances of obtaining a Golden visa. But if you do decide to rent, here are some helpful tips:

• Whether you’re renting or buying, always get a written contract in place. It’s important to protect yourself and your rights.
• Spanish laws are generally on the tenant’s side, but it still pays to be cautious when signing a property agreement.
• Location matters. Places like Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao are dazzling but come with a hefty price tag. You’ll find more affordable housing in regions like Castilla la Mancha, La Rioja, and Extremadura.
• Long-term rental contracts typically run for 5 to 7 years, while short-term leases last 12 months. Choose wisely.
• Landlords foot the bill for the estate agents, not you.

To find your dream home, check out local newspapers, chat with the friendly locals, or browse real estate websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, and Spainhouses.

4. Spanish Schooling System

If you’re relocating with your little ones, making the right choices for their education will be a top priority.

The Spanish education system is governed by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, however the education standards and funding are managed by the local communities, which are automonous (Comunidades Autónomas). School is compulsory for children aged 6-16. Homeschooling is permitted but unlegislated.

In a nutshell, Spain’s education system has 4 stages:

 
Early Childhood Education 0-6 years
From newborn to 6-year-old cuties, you’ve got two cycles – 0-3 years old (nurseries) and 3-6 years (kindergarten). Nurseries are optional, but senior kindergarten is compulsory as it forms a crucial part of the country’s public education system.

Primary School 6-12 years
Primary education begins at age 6 and goes up to age 11. Public schools are free but each public school and/or teacher decides their preferred teaching methods, so research the results of your candidate schools before making any final decision.

Spanish children generally attend the school nearest their home, but it’s fine to send your child to a school further away. Just bear in mind that if there are limited spaces available, these will be assigned according to a points system which considers various factors, including distance from the family home.

Secondary school 12-16 years
If they’re in their teens, your children will likely attend an Instituto (secondary school). The curriculum is set by the ministry of education, but as with primary schools, teachers are free to choose how to teach it. Secondary schools are also free, although you might have to pay for textbooks and stationery.

Bachillerato and Vocational Training 17-18 years
After receiving their Título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (GESO), a certificate that confirms they have passed compulsory lower education, students can choose to continue with the last two years, called Bachillerato. Then they can pursue higher vocational training or head to university, provided they pass the admission test.

While most schools instruct their children in Spanish, Spain also has numerous international schools for children of English-speaking expats, including the British School of Barcelona, The British College, Cambridge House, the British School of Alzira, just to name a few.

5. Shipping to Spain from UK

Whether you’re taking only your most precious possessions or everything but the kitchen sink, you’ll be pleased to hear that if you’re moving to Spain, you don’t have to pay customs duties on the household goods you ship from the UK. That’s because they are considered to be for personal use.

For the same reason, you won’t be required to pay import tax on:

• Cars, motorbikes, and recreational boats
• Domestic animals
• Any tools you need to perform your job

To enjoy these exemptions, you will be required to prove you are moving to Spain permanently. The easiest way to do this, is to supply a copy of your registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento). You’ll also need to draft a list of everything you’re bringing with you. Each item must be assigned an estimated value and an approximate date of purchase. All goods, including vehicles, should be at least 6 months old. Customs may request additional documents, depending on the circumstances of your move.

If this sounds like too much of a headache, a reputable moving company will be able to handle all the customs formalities on your behalf.

Moves to Spain from the UK usually take place via road. You might have to wait a bit for your belongings, but it’s the cheapest option. Air freight is costly, so save it only for the items you cannot be without, not even for a day.

6. Healthcare in Spain

As an expat who’s legally living or working in Spain, you’re automatically eligible to enjoy the benefits of Spain’s public health care system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). The SNS is renowned for its high-quality healthcare services, and it (mostly) comes free of charge.

You’ll enjoy full coverage for doctors’ visits, emergency trips, paediatric care, nursing/midwife services, and both inpatient and outpatient care. You’ll also be assigned a family doctor.

It does take several months after you move to Spain to become eligible for the SNS, however, and you must have valid private health insurance until you qualify.

Also, under the SNS, medicine prescriptions, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and orthopaedic equipment are only subsidised up to 40%. Non-emergency dental care, eye care, and eyeglasses are not covered at all.

For this reason, many expats opt for private insurance as well.

7. Driving in Spain with a UK license

Following an agreement between UK and Spanish authorities, UK expats living in Spain prior to 16 March 2023 are allowed to drive in the country for 6 months using their valid UK driving license. If you arrived in Spain after that date, you’ll be allowed to drive on your UK license for six months from the date you obtained a residence permit. After this period, you must exchange your UK driver’s license for a Spanish one, but no new driving tests are required.

You are allowed to drive UK-registered vehicles in Spain so long as you have a valid driver’s license and meet the necessary requirements. But bear in mind that driving a right-hand-drive car in a left-hand-drive country will be a challenge.

For one, overtaking will be almost impossible without a passenger, as oncoming traffic will be on your far side and you’ll have a limited view. Your insurer could also (not unreasonably) decide you are a higher risk and raise your premium.

You don’t need to own a car to survive in Spain, but many expats love to have personal rides because of the freedom it affords. Just be sure to consider all your options before packing your car into a container.

8. Opening a Bank Account in Spain

While your UK bank account is still good for a lot in Spain, you’ll need a Spanish IBAN number to set up utilities in your new home.

Luckily, opening an account in Spain as a UK expat is a breeze. All you must do is provide the necessary documents.

• Valid means of identification
• Spanish NIE (that’s your foreigner’s ID number)
• Some proof of your income or employment contract.
• Proof of an address in Spain,

You’ll can expect to receive your cards in less than a week. Be prepared to pay about €50 every year for maintenance fees and such.

9. Learning Spanish

Do you need to speak Spanish to live in Spain? You can get by without it, especially if you live in an expat hotspot like Costa del Sol or Malaga, but knowing the local language will make life so much easier.

Most jobs will require you to have a minimum level of Spanish. Being able to speak Spanish and English will make you a more attractive candidate and open more job opportunities.

Plus, you can expect official communication to be in Spanish, so if you want to get on without having to rely on a translator, it’ll be helpful to have some Spanish under your belt.

Learning Spanish before you make the move will give you a head start, so you won’t feel completely lost when you arrive. Free options include apps like Duolingo and Mondly. Another, more personal (paying) option is iTalki, a language learning platform that connects you to a tutor for real-time lessons. You can choose between private sessions or group classes, which are the more cost-effective option.

Trust AGS for a Seamless Move to Spain

Are you considering starting a new chapter in España? AGS has offices in the UK and Spain, so we are perfectly placed to get you to your new life in the sun.

Our experienced team can move your belongings from door-to-door and handle all the customs formalities on your behalf.

Get your free moving quote

Located on the Atlantic coast, Halifax is the regional capital of Nova Scotia. The city is expanding rapidly thanks to the influx of expatriates in search of a better quality of life. As it is situated on one side of the Bedford Basin, opposite the city of Dartmouth, residents can access the amenities of both cities. Education, healthcare, public amenities and employment options are doubled thanks to two interconnecting bridges.

Because of its coastal location, Halifax receives a fair amount of snow, but winter temperatures are milder and snow melts more quickly than in other regions.

The city is the economic engine of Nova Scotia, with most residents finding employment in the service sector. The health sector is also growing and offers real opportunities.

Ottawa

Canada’s capital is known for being safe and clean, offering its residents a high quality of life and a cosmopolitan vibe. The city is also home to many technology companies that rank high in their field. Ottawa is becoming increasingly popular with expats and with students, who are drawn by the excellent standard of education offered at its two major, top-tier universities, Carleton University and University of Ottawa.

The Rideau Canal path winds throughout downtown Ottawa, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike while enjoying the beautiful scenery along its banks. In winter, the canal freezes and becomes the world’s longest ice-skating rink.

Ottawans mostly speak English, but speaking French can be an advantage for some jobs and will help you integrate into the community more quickly.

The city lives by the four seasons which ensure a constant change of scenery throughout the year. Cold but fabulously bright winters allow residents to enjoy winter activities all over the city. Summers can be quite hot and humid.

Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in the state of Alberta. Divided into 180 distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own history and culture, it is also one of the most diverse cities in Canada with a lot to offer expats.

Calgary has been able to take advantage of the great facilities built when it hosted the Olympic Games in 1988. Parks and outdoor spaces are well maintained, especially Prince Island Park which plays host to many festivals. The city’s sports facilities and transportation network are renowned in Canada.

Despite high real estate prices, Calgary is reasonably inexpensive in terms of living expenses. The tourism, film, manufacturing, aerospace, health, financial services and transportation sectors offer many employment opportunities.

Winnipeg

Situated in the province of Manitoba, Winnipeg is the largest city in western Canada and a haven for many cultures. Although English is the predominant language, followed by French, Spanish is widely spoken thanks to a large Latin American immigrant population.

The birthplace of Neil Young, this quiet and pleasant city has preserved its historic neighbourhoods (downtown) and is surrounded by hundreds of lakes, including the vast Lake Winnipeg. Winters are freezing and can seem endless, while summers are humid.

The community spirit of smaller cities

Quebec City

Quebec City is unique among Canadian cityscapes thanks to its European cultural heritage. The oldest city on the North American continent, the beautiful centuries-old exposed stone buildings that line its narrow streets have led to Quebec City being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ranked second among the world’s 150 best cities in which to raise a family, the city offers a combination of abundant green spaces, good schools and one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

French is the most spoken language, making the city particularly attractive to French expatriates. The prices of day-to-day amenities are very competitive, school tuition is affordable and health care is free.

In general, living in Quebec City is less expensive than in other cities of a similar size. The long, cold winters are harsher than in the south of the country. The average winter temperature is around -7°C, and new arrivals can expect short, dark days with lots of snow. Thankfully, summers are warm and bright.

Saskatoon

If you are looking for a city that acts like a village, look no further than Saskatoon. While agriculture is the number one activity in the region, employment opportunities are also available in the information technology, biotechnology and industrial sectors.

Very welcoming of newcomers, Saskatoon is home to a multitude of public parks, playgrounds and community sports fields. A weekly farmers’ market gives foodies their pick of local produce, while culture vultures can fill their calendars with year-round festivals and exhibitions.

The affordable cost of living makes the city an attractive destination for expatriates, but the extreme winter weather gives many pause for thought. Severe winter storms can cause life to grind to a halt and have driven Saskatonians to become a tight-knit community, willing to assist anyone in need.

Oakville

Oakville is becoming increasingly attractive because of its proximity to Toronto, only 33 km away. This picturesque southern Ontario suburb allows its 200 000 residents to experience the atmosphere of a town while enjoying the benefits of a large city. It is also just an hour’s drive from Niagara Falls and the US border.

With so much going for it and, according to some, the best weather in Canada, property prices are surprisingly affordable. Oakville’s numerous museums, galleries and festivals have created a vibrant arts and culture scene, and the long list of available sports and recreation activities, which include boating, hiking and golf, has also served to attract to new residents.

Oakville is also an economically attractive city, home to companies such as Siemens, Ford and UTC Aerospace Systems.

But if you’re more of a city slicker, learn more about the top-three Canadian metropolises attracting newcomers in part one of our top-10 most liveable Canadian cities series.

When you’re ready to make that big move to Canada, AGS Relocation has you covered.

Contact us today for a positive immigration experience.

This is common knowledge to the large number of expatriates who have been moving to their Canadian cities of choice for many years. “We talk to expatriate candidates as much as possible to find out what lifestyle they aspire to, and thus guide them towards the most appropriate cities,” says Sophie Lucas, Managing Director of AGS France.

Three cities in the spotlight

Canada has ten states: Alberta, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador. The country also has three federal territories: the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon.

While each province has its strengths, most newcomers choose one of Canada’s three largest cities as their new home.

Vancouver

As the capital of beautiful British Columbia, Vancouver consistently ranks as the most popular destination for expatriates. Canada’s flagship state is known for its picture-perfect natural vistas of breath-taking mountains, lush forests and rugged coastline.

Family-friendly Vancouver boasts world-class educational institutions and healthcare centres. Its resemblance to major American metropolises has also made it a popular location for film shoots, and a strong arts and culture scene has developed as a result.

More than half of Vancouverites speak English, so it’s easy to integrate into the local community and enjoy the city’s cosmopolitan vibe.

Economically speaking, Vancouver offers employment opportunities in diverse industries, such as mining, tourism, telecommunications, and finance. International connections are strong and facilitate business. The city was ranked best city for young workers in Canada in 2021.

The average income and standard of living are high, but the cost of living and housing is equally high when compared with other regions. Indeed, Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada.

The weather, however, is milder than elsewhere, making outdoor activities possible year-round.

Toronto

As the financial capital of Canada, Toronto is also the country’s largest city.  Residents enjoy excellent healthcare, safety, and an economy geared towards technological innovation. Like Vancouver, the cost of living is high compared with other regions. However, Torontonians benefit from an extensive public transport system and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country.

Ontario’s capital offers plenty to see and do, from a getaway to a nearby national park to a night on the town. The bustling city is bursting with modern architecture, with many of its skyscrapers offering magnificent views of Lake Ontario.

Montreal

Home to Canada’s second-largest economy, Montreal is hailed as one of the country’s most family-friendly cities. It is a fusion of Canadian and French culture and is widely considered to be the country’s cultural capital.

Compared with Vancouver and Toronto, buyers and renters will find that property in Montreal is more affordable. The cost of living is also lower relative to other Canadian cities. Additionally, a convenient metro and bus service make it easy to get around.

From the bustling downtown business district to the magnificent views from Mount Royal Hill, Montreal appeals to city slickers and nature lovers alike. The city is set on an island in the St. Lawrence River, the second strongest river in the world after the Amazon.

In addition to these large metropolises, there are several medium-sized municipalities that offer great value for money such as Halifax or Ottawa; while smaller communities like Quebec City and Oakville can also be desirable places to live. We’ll cover them all in our top-10 liveable Canadian cities series. series.

When you’re ready to make that big move to Canada, AGS Relocation has you covered.

Contact us today for a positive immigration experience.

The ISO 9001/2015 standard defines the requirements for a quality management system and assists us to constantly improve and sustain the quality of our services.

Audited by SGS, the AGS Group has renewed its ISO 9001 certification with the new 2015 version.

The discussion centred around the impact of BREXIT on European companies established in Spain, as Britain prepares to leave the EU on the 29th March 2019.
The future action plan for the British Government’s relations with the European Union was presented at the event. The “White Paper” held great interest for European businesses located in Spain, which are in the process of implementing the implications of BREXIT in their commercial relations.

Business and political analysts from the European Commission and the British Embassy were present to facilitate the debate, which AGS Movers Spain actively participated in.

The IAM’s Hall of Honor was established in 2008 to pay tribute to industry leaders whose careers reflect exceptional and distinguished service to their companies, the Association or who have worked to elevate the industry as a whole. Tony Waugh, a veteran in the international relocations industry, started in the industry in 1978 when the software company, in which he was a partner, developed computer systems for Trans-Euro and other European Movers.

Tony’s company later re-wrote the systems for US Van Lines, which led him to move from his home country of Ireland to the USA in 1984. The system was installed at North American International, United Van Lines and Mayflower over the next 18 months. He joined Mayflower in 1986 to develop agent communications systems and was subsequently appointed as the VP of their international division in 1988, a position he held until 1996.

He joined Global Silverhawk in 1996 and held positions as Executive VP and COO until leaving to start a consulting business in 2000. His consulting clients included Runzheimer, Suddath, PWC, Bank One and AGS Worldwide Movers.

In 2008, AGS Worldwide Movers hired Tony as a partner responsible for the Group’s US relations, and to study and develop our relationship with the American market.

AGS Group Management congratulates Tony on this exceptional achievement and wishes him continued success for the future.

Every year, this unique event brings together nearly 2000 participants, representing 1700 member companies from more than 160 countries worldwide. Industry professionals had an opportunity to meet and share ideas with partners from around the world.

The International Association of Movers (IAM), is the largest international group of professionals in the moving industry with more than 2000 members in 170 countries. The association brings together companies that specialise in moving, transport, logistics and other mobility related services. IAM also provides support to its members to develop their business by dispensing unparalleled resources, support and networking opportunities.

Every year, the AGS Group meets its partners during the IAM annual conference to reflect on the past year’s activities and potential business ideas.

A partner is appointed by a moving company to act as a representative in organising a move. A branch of the AGS Group may call upon a representative when the group is not directly located in a region or a country. The partner will then take care of receiving the shipment, customs clearance and final delivery.

Partners who work with AGS have been carefully selected to meet the strict quality standards of the group. All partners are members of quality accreditation bodies to ensure that we maintain our commitment to offer identical services of uniform quality, no matter the destination anywhere in the world.

The annual IAM meeting is an important event for both the AGS Group and the partners. It allows us to address operational issues and to take stock of the developments and acquisitions in the industry. The AGS Group has always maintained excellent relations with its partners in order to offer our customers exceptional quality of service everywhere in the world.

AGS Paris has swopped its former white packaging for ethical packing material that uses no whitening chemical products which are not advisable for the environment. These new brown boxes provide optimal protection and security for their contents.

AGS Paris’ new packaging is a clear indicator of our commitment to sustainable development.

AGS Paris received the international ISO 14001 accreditation for its environmental management and works towards this every day by taking measures to control pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from its activities.

Learn more: Professional packing service

AGS Director Joëlle Castro (second from right) addressed the UFE’s General Assembly in Paris. Mr Gérard Pelisson, Chairman of the Accor Group, recently signed an agreement with the AGS Group’s Chairman, Alain Taïeb. This establishes a partnership which sees AGS joining forces with the Union of French Expatriates (UFE) – an organization Mr Pelisson has led since 1997.

Founded in 1927, the Union of French Expatriates (UFE) is recognized as a public interest organization. Its network unites French nationals, French speakers and Francophiles worldwide.

The UFE’s actions are driven by four strong values: hospitality, mutual aid, friendliness and outreach.

The organization works to protect French nationals abroad in the areas of health, education, security, taxation, suffrage and citizenship issues.

The UFE is also a representative in the field for the French Embassy, the French Consulate and other authorities in France. Its role as an intermediary with local communities is very important, especially with regards to the security of French citizens.

The UFE is present in over 90 countries and the AGS Group is established in 84 countries, so we both have many synergies to develop! Our shared goal is to provide support to French people around the world: whether they are already expatriates, or upon their departure from or return back to France.

It is with great pleasure that we are participating in this exclusive partnership project. The agreement was signed on 25 February in the presence of Gerard Pelisson, UFE Chairman; Marc Boudin, UFE General Delegate and Charles Baudart, AGS Movers France President.

Gerard Pelisson and Charles Baudart.

A delegation of the AGS Group was also honoured to attend the UFE’s General Assembly. This took place in Paris on 12 March, and was followed by an evening gala attended by 330 guests. The event was a valuable opportunity to present AGS’ activities to all UFE directors and partners, and discuss future joint actions at local and international levels.

Firstly, this partnership enables the UFE to benefit from our expertise in moving and relocation services; and secondly, reinforces AGS’ presence amongst French nationals and UFE members overseas.

Joint actions will also be swiftly initiated through all the means at our shared disposal – including newsletters, articles in the UFE’s ‘La Voix De France’ magazine, and local actions in partnership with UFE branches worldwide.

We are thrilled with this agreement and the opportunities that it presents to both parties!

AGS’ boxes are understandably close to the hearts of our staff and our clients.

Countless journeys have started with households’ possessions being gently packed into them, and their unique white colour is symbolic of AGS’ commitment to quality and professionalism.

Now, however, we are proud to reveal that AGS’ packaging materials – including our boxes – will be phasing over to a brown colour, while guaranteeing the same level of protection and security on which AGS’ reputation is based.

As much as we loved our white boxes, AGS’ new packaging will not require bleaching, and is therefore in line with our global commitment to environmental sustainability.

Rest assured that all our packaging materials continue to be stringently quality-wwwed, delivering the same high levels of protection.

Learn more about AGS’ packaging solutions.