Moving to Marbella with Kids: What We Wish We'd Known

We moved to Marbella with a three-year-old and a baby. That was four years ago. We had done our research — or so we thought. Read the forums, joined the Facebook groups, spoken to people who had made the move. Some of the advice was golden. Some was wildly out of date. And some of the most important things, nobody mentioned at all.

This is the article we wish someone had written for us.

The Bureaucracy Is Real

Let us start with the thing that surprises every British and northern European family: Spanish bureaucracy is an endurance sport. Getting your NIE (foreigner identification number), registering on the padrón (municipal register), enrolling children in school, setting up healthcare — each one requires documents, appointments, waiting, and often a second visit because you brought the wrong photocopy.

Our advice: hire a gestor. A gestor is a Spanish administrative agent who handles bureaucracy professionally. They cost €200–400 for the initial setup and will save you weeks of frustration. Ask other expat parents for recommendations — a good gestor is worth their weight in gold.

Choosing a Neighbourhood

Most expat families end up in one of three areas:

Nueva Andalucía

The default choice, and for good reason. It is central, close to international schools, has plenty of restaurants and shops, and a large expat community. The downside: it can feel like a bubble. You can live here for years without needing to speak Spanish, which is great for convenience but less great for integration.

San Pedro de Alcántara

Our personal favourite. San Pedro has a proper town centre with a pedestrianised boulevard, local shops, a great market, and excellent playgrounds. It feels more like a real Spanish town than an expat enclave. Rent is generally lower than Nueva Andalucía, and the new boulevard (Bulevar de San Pedro) is one of the best public spaces on the coast for families.

Estepona

Increasingly popular with families who want more space and lower costs. Estepona is about 30 minutes west and has a beautiful old town, good beaches, and a growing international community. The trade-off is the commute if your children attend school in the Marbella area.

Schools: The Biggest Decision

Choosing a school will likely be the most stressful part of your move. The main options:

International schools (English, British, or American curriculum) are what most expat families choose. They are private, fees typically range from €6,000–15,000 per year, and quality varies enormously. Visit in person, speak to other parents, and do not just rely on websites. Some of the best-marketed schools are not the best schools.

Spanish public schools are free and can be excellent, but your child will need to learn Spanish quickly. Younger children (under 6) adapt remarkably fast. Older children may struggle initially. The upside is full integration into local life and genuine bilingualism.

Concertado schools (semi-private, state-subsidised) are a middle ground — lower fees than international schools but often with a more Spanish educational approach.

Healthcare

Register for public healthcare as soon as you have your NIE and padrón certificate. The public system in Andalucía is good — particularly for children, who are well covered for everything from routine check-ups to emergency care. Your local Centro de Salud (health centre) will assign a paediatrician to your child.

Most expat families also take out private health insurance as a backup. Policies for a family of four typically cost €200–400 per month and give you access to private hospitals like Quirónsalud with shorter wait times and English-speaking doctors.

Things Nobody Warns You About

A few honest truths from four years of expat family life:

• Summer is harder than you think. July and August are genuinely hot — 35-40°C daily. Outdoor play is limited to early morning and evening. You will spend more time indoors than you expected.
• The social scene is transient. Families come and go. Your children's best friend may move back to the UK after two years. It is tough on kids and worth preparing them for.
• Spanish is non-negotiable long-term. You can get by without it initially, but after a year you will need it for medical appointments, school communications, dealing with utilities, and simply feeling at home.
• Driving is essential. Public transport exists but is limited. You will need a car, and you will use it every day.

The Bottom Line

Moving to Marbella with kids was the best decision we ever made — but it was also harder than we expected. The lifestyle is extraordinary: sunshine, outdoor living, a safe community, and a quality of life that is hard to match in northern Europe. But it takes work to set up properly, and the first six months are a steep learning curve. Go in with your eyes open, get a good gestor, choose your school carefully, and give yourself grace while you settle in. After the initial chaos, you will wonder why you did not do it sooner.