Moving abroad with kids
Relocating internationally with children: schools, housing, visas, healthcare, and budgeting for family moves when relocating or digital nomad.
Key takeaways
- International schools cluster in specific suburbs, enrolment deadlines matter.
- Many nomad visas allow dependents but income thresholds rise (e.g. Portugal D8, Spain DNV).
- Family housing costs rarely match solo nomad budgets, model bedrooms honestly.
A city that works solo can fail a family on schools, space, or healthcare access. The framework is the same, surplus after tax and rent, but the cost model needs bedrooms, childcare, and school fees in the mix.
Schools and neighbourhoods
International schools cluster in specific suburbs; rents follow. Research enrolment deadlines months ahead, popular schools wait-list. Local public schools are an option in some countries but language and curriculum vary.
Visas with dependents
Many nomad visas, Portugal D8, Spain DNV, Colombia V, allow spouse and children, but income thresholds rise and documents multiply. Confirm dependent rules before you sell the house.
Budget honestly
Family housing is rarely a one-bedroom nomad flat. Jonzy's move planner adds family cost layers and timeline tasks when children are in your profile, school research, paediatric care, and larger deposits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add my children to a digital nomad visa?
Most major programs allow dependents with income add-ons: Spain scales by the IPREM index per family member, Greece and Cyprus add 20% for a spouse and 15% per child, and Panama uses a higher family income figure ($48,000/year).
How much do international schools cost abroad?
Anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000+ per child per year: Southeast Asian and Latin American hubs cluster at $4,000–$12,000, Western European international schools at $12,000–$25,000. Local public school is free or near-free where language and enrolment rules allow.
What matters most when choosing a city for a family move?
School options and waiting lists, healthcare access, visa dependents' rights (can a spouse work?), and neighbourhood walkability, in that order. Cost matters, but a cheap city with no school seat is not cheap.