Spain opens its doors every year to many people from many different nations, all looking for a new life and new beginnings. More and more people seem to be dissatisfied with their lives and are looking to make a fresh start by living and working in Spain.

Spain has so much to offer. Here are some of the reasons people choose to move and work in Spain:

1. Fed up of own country.
2. Cost of living – Spain has a cheaper cost of living than countries like the UK. Groceries, fuel, utilities, property, council charges and new cars are all cheaper.
3. Outdoor life – Spain is a country where you can enjoy barbecuing and sunbathing all year round. Children can enjoy playing out too.
4. Property prices – Many people move to Spain so that they can buy a property for cash and live mortgage free.
5. Work – Some people relocate to Spain with their job, others choose to work via the internet in Spain and take advantage of the cheaper cost of living.
6. Climate – The climate of the Costa Blanca is one of the healthiest climates in the world, according to the World Health Organization, and Murcia has the cleanest air in Europe. The Costas and Southern Spain, with their mild, dry winters and hot summers, are ideal destinations for those who suffer from asthma, rheumatism and arthritis.
7. Stress-free life – Many Americans and British people want to get out of the rat race and move to a country that offers a slower pace of life.

Those are just a few reasons why people are living and working in Spain – different people have different reasons.

Relocating to a new country and moving your family abroad should not be rushed into. Take your time over this life-changing decision and make sure that it is the right thing for every member of your family. Plan every step of the move carefully and take advice from professionals and people who have already done it. Some program's on TV make it look so easy and so idyllic and it can be if you do it the right way.

Here are some tips for planning on working and living in Spain:

1. Income – This may sound obvious, but make sure that you will have an income in Spain, either through employment or self-employment. It is amazing how many people move to Spain without an income.
2. Paperwork – Make sure you can legally move to Spain and work in Spain. EU citizens can move freely within the EU and work in any EU country without visas or permits. Americans and other non-EU nationals will have to apply to their Spanish Consulate for the appropriate visa or permit.
3. Research – Research everything. Use the internet to find out all you can about Spain, living and working in Spain, read every book possible, go to property exhibitions etc.
4. Learn Spanish – A good command of Spanish will be useful in everyday life and will also give you more options for employment.
5. Visit Spain – Visit Spain on numerous occasions and at various times of the year. You will be amazed at how a village which is quiet in the winter can turn into a resort buzzing with tourists in the Summer!
6. Find employment . Look for a job or a business opportunity before you move. Use job search websites, the press and agencies to help you find a job. Find out if you can relocate to Spain and keep your present job, working via the internet.
7. Rent before you buy – Consider keeping a base in your home country and renting while you sort out your life in Spain. Doing this will mean that you have a back up plan if things go wrong.

Living and working in Spain can offer you great opportunities and a wonderful quality of life. Many people make the move successfully every year, make sure you're one of them - plan!