Public / Concertado / International
School Types
6–16 years
Compulsory Age
March – May
Enrolment Window
NIE + Padrón
Key Document
Best Areas for Families Moving to Spain
These regions combine good schools, family amenities and a welcoming expat community.
- Costa del Sol (Marbella, Estepona) — top international schools
- Málaga city — bilingual public schools & beach lifestyle
- Alicante & Costa Blanca — affordable family living
- Valencia — great value, beaches & green city
- Madrid — bilingual public schools & big-city life
Choosing a School for Your Child
Spain offers three school types, all open to expat children. Your choice depends on your child's age, language and length of stay.
- Public schools — free, immersive, great for integration
- Concertado — low fees, often bilingual
- International schools — English/British/IB curriculum
- Visit schools in person during the March–May window
- Use our School Finder to compare local schools
Paperwork & Settling In
Get these sorted early to make the move smooth.
- Get your NIE (foreigner ID) first
- Register on the padrón at your town hall
- Apply for healthcare (SIP card or private insurance)
- Enrol children during the March–May window
- Open a Spanish bank account