Thinking of relocating your family or company abroad?

Are you dreaming to move your family or business to another country? Are you prepared for this major change in your life?

Sun, Sea, Sand, Siesta‚ and Sangria! A few of the reasons why many choose to relocate to Spain. The Spanish lifestyle has much to offer. However despite the plethora of benefits of relocation, the process can be very stressful. Relocation is listed in the Top 20 stressful events of life (American Institute for Stress Management). Preparation for an international relocation could take you a few months. From legal papers, job applications, housing and premises arrangements, there is a huge amount of planning to be done to allow a smooth transition to your new home. Here are some guidelines you need to be aware of before setting off to another country such as Spain:

1. Documents
There is a large amount of paperwork you will need to complete before you can proceed with your international relocation. The majority of countries ask for:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage contract
• Transcript of records
• Medical certificates
• Immunization records
• Passport
• Working
• Visa or Permits

Make sure to complete all of the needed papers when you have decided in an international relocation. It would be more convenient for you to settle in another country if all the necessary documents are in your hands. If relocating to Spain, ensure all your family members or employees have a valid passport and are legally allowed to work in the country. Sorting out your National Insurance and driving license can be timely. Although driving Licenses from EU countries are recognised and accepted, however those entering from outside the EU will be required to take a test and/or get hold of a drivers permit.

You may look for a professional relocation agency that could assist you in making sure of the legalities involving your documents.

2. Preparation
In a relocation process, you must research on a place where you could live or relocate your business premises. Important factors to consider are the convenience of transportation; the cost of living, and the safety and crime rates within the area.

3. Research
After selecting where you want to relocate to, you should research the desired area. You could make a list of local services like hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, banks, supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, schools and so on. You might also want to read up on local culture, customs and day to day way of life. For example in Spain, the Siesta is Spanish custom where by a short nap taken in the early afternoon, often after the midday meal normally between 2pm and 4pm. Therefore many Spanish companies will close for a couple of hours in the afternoon. This is an important custom to be aware of if relocating your business to Spain.

Learn the basic language the country makes use of. If you don't have time to learn it in full, try and pick up the key phrases so you can get by.

4. Money
Relocation itself requires a large amount of money. You may wish to hire a relocation company to help you with the much needed assistance of resettlement abroad. There are many relocation companies and some offer more services than others. Relocation services can help you with every step of your way, from packing up your belongings at home, delivering them to your new location, finding your accommodation, orientation tours of your new home town, to setting up bank accounts and sourcing domestic help. Author: Simon Robertson