Managing child-related expenses in Spain

Hello everyone,

Embarking on an expat journey to Spain with children presents unique challenges, particularly concerning the financial considerations related to raising kids. Whether you are planning to relocate to Spain or have already begun your expat life, understanding these aspects will help you manage your budget and ensure the well-being of your children in their new environment.

To kick off the discussion, we have gathered a few questions. We encourage you to share your experiences and insights on the topic:

How do the costs of raising a child in Spain differ from your home country? What is the most significant expense related to childhood in Spain?

Are child-related services in Spain affordable?

Is there any financial support available for expat families, or is it reserved only for local citizens?

What is the estimated cost of medical expenses and routine healthcare for your child?

Are there affordable options for child activities, such as sports clubs or music lessons?

What are your tips to manage your budget effectively in Spain  (clothing and equipment rentals, swaps, parent groups, etc.)?

We look forward to hearing your responses and testimonials on this topic.
Thank you for your contributions.

Cheryl
The Expat.com Team

Moving to Spain with children w/o a doubt is a challenge. Nonetheless, if you're planning to bring your children I strongly recommend coming alone settling in, and then looking for a suitable school close to your location (e.g. if you land in January, make arrangements so your children can start the following academic term or following fall, note there's no summer school here). Public education in Spain is free and parents only have to pay for meal plans and in some cases for books, there are also public nurseries where parents have to pay but they're far cheaper than private ones and to get a slot you MUST plan way in advance. Must say that public education in Madrid works quite well, don't know about the rest of the cities. You may enroll your kid in subsidized schools (known as concertados) or in full-fledged private schools that could run for a bundle of money. Even if your kids do not have proper documentation (e.g. residence card) they WILL be admitted to public schooling. If you have a disabled or mentally challenged child, make sure to bring ALL documentation to expedite paperwork - they take this matter quite seriously.

Probably you'll need insurance during the first year, but once the residence card is in place, with a secured job, public health should be available.

If you're planning to move in with an insurance plan, private school, and the whole nine yards it'll be no different than any other location in the Northern Hemisphere - the sky is the limit.