Alicante - Expat Network

expat network

Spain Dominates Expat City Ranking

The Expat City Ranking 2020 Top 10 is dominated by Spanish destinations with Valencia top, Alicante runner-up and Malaga and Madrid also in the top ten. With Lisbon coming in third in the ranking the Iberian Peninsula shows its clear attractions. All five cities see some of their best results in...

Costa Blanca And South East Spain: Popular Areas

Many expats looking to settle in Spain to live, work or retire are attracted by the climate and lifestyle to the Costa Blanca and the regions of South East Spain. Here Girasol Homes outline the attractions of these popular resorts and cities. Written by Nigel Salmon, Founder and MD, Girasol Homes Alicante The property...

The Best Places To Live In Alicante

Located in Spain’s fourth most populous region (Valencia), Alicante offers visitors and new residents its own distinctive Mediterranean identity and a wonderfully diverse array of towns dotted around the province. Written exclusively for Expat Network by Annie Button Alicante province has the highest ratio of foreign residents of all Spanish provinces; around 450,000 people,...

Why Should You Retire To The Costa Blanca?

The Costa Blanca is one of the most popular regions for British expats retiring to Spain. It has a number of resorts that are popular with British retirees and not too overwhelmed by holidaymakers. Which are the most popular and what are their attractions? The Costa Blanca is extremely popular with people planning to retire...

The Best Places To Live Or Retire In Spain

Having made the decision to move to Spain what will determine which region you choose to live in? Here we set out the attractions of some of the most popular locations to retire, take up a new lifestyle working for yourself as a digital nomad or by using your trade or profession. The capital city...

Making The Move To Be An Expat In Spain

Once you have decided to relocate you have to choose from the many removals companies operating between the UK and your destination. You then have to decide between exclusive transportation or a cheaper shared-vehicle option. By Julie Bridge Simon’s move from Leamington Spa to Almeria in Spain used shared transport provided by Matthew James Global...

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.