Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2019 10:04am
Hi Jeff,
I see from a different thread that you have Spanish family, so hopefully they'll be able to help you through the maze of bureaucracy that defines Spain 馃槃
You say that Brexit concerns you, so I guess that's why you've posted in the 'Brexit and the EU' section, but would I be correct in thinking the main source of your frustration is how much you need to do in preparation for the move? If that's the case, as you say, many of us have gone before you and more than happy to share our experiences to help where we can.
When you say that you're worried about whether you'll be accepted, do you mean by the authorities for residency, or generally by Spanish people? If the latter, one sure-fire way to give you all a head start is to begin learning the language, if you haven't already - it makes a huge difference to how British people are perceived by the Spanish if we remember that we're guests in their country and that they are entitled to be addressed in their own language. Your in-laws may be too polite to tell you what Spanish people really think of the British - the Spanish government may like the money that we spend here, but for Spanish people in areas where there's a high concentration of British and other northern Europeans, all they see that we've done for their local economy is to push up prices.
I'm sure your Spanish family will also help you to integrate, but if you have questions about the practicalities of making the move, please ask.
The week before Christmas in 2015, hubby and I had just finished dinner, when a neighbour knocked on our door and said they wanted to buy our house - we were very confused, as it wasn't up for sale! 馃槃 By the end of April 2016 and four house-viewing trips to Spain later, we had resigned, taken early retirement, completed the sale of our UK property, all our worldly goods were in storage and we awaited the completion of our house purchase in Spain, which happened a month later. From zero to a brand new life in 4 months - keep the faith, it can be done!
Best wishes,
Kim