Raising a family in Spain: Expatriate life with children

Maybe you hope to have children in the future, once you have settled down after moving to Spain. Or perhaps you already have children and are planning to move the whole family to Spain. Maybe you are the main caregiver for your grandchildren, and are wondering what life would be like for them if you moved to Spain for your retirement. Any of these is a big step, but perfectly feasible – and, if you all prepare properly, your little ones should thrive. Luckily, we're here to answer your biggest questions:

What is living in Spain like for children, generally?

Many, many expatriate parents will confirm this for you: In Spain, your children have so much more freedom than in the majority of other developed countries, which allows them to feel more 'grown up', whilst at the same time Spanish culture 'lets children be children' for much longer. It's universally held to be very safe, with youngsters out late and on their own being fairly typical to see.

Spanish society, collectively, loves children. It is very common to see even the youngest children playing unsupervised on a park whilst the parents sit 200 metres away in a pavement café, not watching them closely. If a child gets into difficulties, has a fall, wanders off, or gets upset, just watch how everyone around them – other little ones, teenagers and adults alike – rushes to their aid.

They also enjoy very tight legal protection for as long as they are considered 'minors', which is right up until the day before their 18^th birthday.

The downside is that this, in itself, may be a little irksome for older teenagers: Perhaps, in your home country, your 17-year-old was driving a car and going to work, yet in Spain, they are suddenly thought of as a 'child' rather than a 'young adult'. But the extra freedom they enjoy – being able to go out with their mates, safely, and without parents needing to worry if they haven't heard from them every couple of hours – will almost certainly make up for this.

Spain may be safe for children, but is life there enriching?

Most expatriate parents would agree that it most certainly is. The milder climate and hot summers mean life for residents of all ages takes place outdoors far more than it would in a more northerly country, and this makes it easier to get involved in healthy, social and enjoyable leisure activities. It's unlikely your youngsters will spend most of their year stuck indoors on social media, watching TV or on computer games; instead, they can go to the park, go mountain biking, learn to ride, go swimming or, if they are not keen on 'active' pursuits, just spend time in the fresh air with their friends.

Sports are actively encouraged in schools, with most pupils steered towards a type of sport that best fits their personality, and facilities are in place for them to excel in these even at regional and national level if they have the potential. Music is a huge part of school life in Spain, too, with almost every child learning to play at least one instrument.

Practically all of the fiestas organise as many activities for children as they do for adults – ranging from pop-up water parks to face-painting, storytelling, arts and crafts, and sports-day-style competitions.

Family culture in Spain

As a society that places huge value on family, it is a lot less embarrassing for kids of any age to spend a lot of time with parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles – in fact, it's completely normal. As they progress through adulthood, family bonds forged in childhood mean closer ties and mutual support for all members.

Are there any downsides to living in Spain with children?

Every country and community has its positive and negative points, but most expatriate parents will tell you the latter ones make up a much shorter list than the former. And they may not necessarily be 'negatives' – merely 'differences' or 'challenges'.

Differences in school workload

Children in Spanish schools have a much longer day and far more homework than in many other, more northern countries – and then they take extra-curricular classes on top. Parents and teachers in many parts of Spain have been campaigning for an easier life for pupils, and in some cases this has paid off. In much of the Comunidad Valenciana, for example, State primary school hours are now from 09.00 to 14.00, with free optional extra activities from 14.00 to 18.00 for working parents, rather than the traditional 09.00 to 17.00 with a two-hour lunch break from noon to 14.00. And although children do have to work longer hours, this means the transition to higher education and, later, work, is less of a culture shock to them.

Childcare considerations

Maternity leave in Spain is shorter than in much of Europe, at just four months – although paternity leave is now equal to this, and single mothers have successfully campaigned to be able to take eight months, comprising paternity as well as maternity leave. This does mean that, where parents need to work full time, they will have to put their children in nursery when they are still babies.

Fortunately, many local councils offer free nursery places and, where these are not available, private nursery care is cheaper than in much of Europe, typically costing between €100 and €300 a month. Also, more and more regional educational authorities are offering mainstream school places to children from age two, meaning childcare is effectively free of charge in these areas.

Children in Spain start school from age of three, although it is not compulsory until they are six. This means less expense for working parents, but also means those who want their youngsters to 'have a childhood' before starting school – especially families from countries where school does not start until age six or seven – have the option to do so.

Diversity and special needs

Special educational facilities for pupils with physical disabilities or who live with, for example, dyslexia, autism or ADHD, are not as widespread in Spain. Availability varies by area, but these systems are less common than elsewhere in Europe. However, if your child needs this assistance, it is their and your legal right to receive it. You may need meetings with local and regional educational authorities and to have any reports from your home country translated, but in the end, no schools authority can refuse to provide it if your children need it.

Family benefits vs cost of living

Child benefits for families are considerably lower in Spain than in most of Europe, although the current national government is looking to overhaul the system and increase amounts and availability. At present, most parents can only expect tax relief of €100 a month, refunded in their annual declaration, unless they count as a 'large family'. These are defined as two parents with three or more children, single parents with two or more, or with two and one children respectively where one of the youngsters is registered as disabled. You can read more on how Spain's tax system can benefit you if you have children in our article Spanish income tax deductions and allowances.

For almost anyone relocating to Spain from the USA, Canada, Australia, or the northern half of Europe, however, the cost of living in their new country is going to be much lower. If your income is from your country of origin – perhaps if you are a remote worker, or living off rental property you have there – then the reduced amount of child benefits may not make much difference, and you could still find yourself financially better off, especially with the lower childcare costs in Spain.

To find out how much you should budget for when considering moving to Spain, you might like to take a look at our article Living in Spain: Cost of living guide 2024.