Your Comprehensive Guide to a Smooth Move to Marbella
With 3SA Estates, our mission is to ensure you are always three steps ahead. Today, we are going to make sure you are three steps ahead with your relocation to Marbella. Marbella offers a blend of luxury living, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant community, making it an ideal place to call home. However, moving to a new country involves several important considerations. This guide is designed to help you navigate the process and make your transition as smooth as possible.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
The amount of paperwork will surprise you To register here, there are a few hoops to jump through, depending on if you want full residency or just a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). Opening a bank account, buying a car, and even completing a long-term rental contract all require a great deal of ID and paperwork. Time to get organized!
It’s not hot all year round Please don’t arrive with just one pair of shorts if you are staying for several months. Marbella is warm, but it still has a winter season. Bring some warm clothes to ensure you are comfortable during the cooler months.
It’s not just a holiday Maybe you last visited for a holiday, but bear in mind when you live somewhere, you bring your daily life and work with you. The daily grind still exists here; it’s just that the views are better. Prepare for regular life activities like grocery shopping, school runs, and office work.
You’ll be overrun with visitors Certainly, in your first year, you will have plenty of requests from people keen to visit you. Frankly, after a few days, visitors tend to lose their appeal, especially when they bring sand into your home. Choose your visitors wisely, as you don’t want to be a free bed and breakfast.
Second-hand cars are expensive Bizarrely, in a country with a relatively low cost of living, second-hand cars are expensive. This is something to think about when you do your budgeting. Research your transportation options and consider whether buying a new car might be a more economical choice.
Closing times and customs can take some getting used to The biggest difference many expats face when moving to the south of Spain are the customs. For northern Europeans, the long lunches and later timings in general can be hard to get accustomed to. There are also more closures than you may expect; banks tend to close in the afternoons, and there are several public holidays too. The lifestyle here is set up to let you live a great life, but it can be frustrating when you cannot get things done.
Learn some Spanish While many locals speak English, knowing some Spanish will greatly enhance your experience and make day-to-day tasks easier. Basic phrases can help you navigate through daily interactions and show respect for the local culture.
Healthcare is excellent, but you need insurance Spain has a high-quality healthcare system, but to access it, you will need either private health insurance or registration with the public health system. Ensure you have your health coverage sorted out before you move.
Schooling options are varied If you have children, you will find a range of schooling options, from international schools to local Spanish ones. Research and choose the best fit for your family’s needs and educational preferences.
Prepare for a slower pace of life Life in Marbella is generally more relaxed compared to northern Europe. This slower pace is part of its charm but can be an adjustment if you are used to a fast-paced lifestyle. Embrace the change and enjoy the leisurely rhythm of Marbella living.
Conclusion: Relocating to Marbella can be a life-changing experience, filled with sun, culture, and a high quality of life. With careful planning and an understanding of what to expect, your transition can be smooth and rewarding. Remember, with 3SA Estates, you are always three steps ahead. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your move to Marbella is the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
