Hi all,
Looking for some straight, practical advice from people who’ve actually done this.
Me and my partner are planning to move to Spain around July 2027, ideally inland from Málaga (around 20–30 mins from the coast). The rough plan is to rent first, then buy within 6–12 months if everything works out.
Our situation:
I’m currently a painter & decorator (kitchen resprays, interiors, etc.) but open to switching into remote work if needed
I’ve got an NVQ in customer service
My partner is a fully qualified SEN teacher
We’ve started learning Spanish and getting finances in order
We also have a dog we’d be bringing with us
What I’m trying to figure out:
1. Digital nomad / remote work
What realistic remote jobs could I move into within the next 12 months?
Are entry-level remote roles (customer service, sales, etc.) actually viable long term?
Is freelancing or starting an online business a better route than trying to get employed?
How strict is the digital nomad visa in Spain in practice?
2. Visa options
Is the digital nomad visa the best route for us, or should we be looking at something else?
How does it work for my partner as a teacher? Would she need a job lined up in Spain instead?
How long do you realistically need to show income before applying?
3. Moving a dog from the UK to Spain
What’s the actual process like (pet passport, vaccines, travel, etc.)?
Is flying or driving better?
Any hidden issues people run into?
4. General reality check
What are the biggest mistakes people make when planning this kind of move?
Anything you wish you knew before moving?
Is 12–15 months enough time to realistically prepare?
Not looking for sugar-coated answers — if something sounds unrealistic, I’d rather know now than later.
Appreciate any advice 👍