Españaula Blog: Your Guide to Schools & Education in Málaga & the Costa del Sol

One of the most frequent questions I see from international parents is ‘Moving to Spain’ groups is: “Can we homeschool our child in Spain?” The answer is not as clear-cut as many might hope.

Homeschooling in Spain: A Legal Grey Area

Unlike countries such as the U.S. or the UK where homeschooling is a well-established and regulated option, Spain does not formally recognize homeschooling as a legal educational pathway. The Spanish Constitution guarantees the right to education, and compulsory schooling is enforced from ages 6 to 16. However, the law does not explicitly regulate or permit homeschooling, which puts families in a legal grey zone.

Some families have successfully homeschooled in Spain without legal issues. Others have faced challenges, including warnings or legal proceedings for not enrolling their children in an officially recognized school. This risk is significantly higher for families who are residing in Spain on a visa, as proof of school enrollment is required to maintain legal residency.

What About Distance Learning?

Some parents opt to enroll their children in foreign online schools (like British or American curriculum programs) and educate them from home under that umbrella. While some try this as a workaround, it still does not provide legal immunity under Spanish law and is not recommended for families on residency visas.

For visa holders, children must typically be enrolled in an accredited local or international school. Failure to do so can jeopardize your legal status in the country.

The Challenge of Integration

Another critical factor to consider is integration. Traditional schooling provides not only language immersion but also a vital social and cultural entry point for children. Choosing to homeschool or educate through a foreign online curriculum can isolate children and families from their local community, making it much harder to adapt to life in Spain.

Why Some Families Still Choose It

Despite the risk, a small number of families—especially international or transient ones—choose homeschooling or online schooling because:

• Their child is mid-curriculum from another country
• They are temporarily living in Spain
• Their child has special educational needs

However, these choices should be made with full awareness of the potential legal and social implications.

What to Consider

If you’re seriously considering homeschooling in Spain, ask yourself:

• Are you comfortable with the legal ambiguity and the risk it poses to your visa?
• Do you have a long-term plan if local authorities take issue with your educational setup?
• Would an accredited international school provide a better solution for your child’s needs and legal status?
• Are you prepared for the challenges of limited cultural integration?

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling in Spain is not a viable or recommended option for most families—especially those living in the country on a visa. The legal risks and integration challenges often outweigh the benefits.

If you’re unsure about the best educational path for your child in Spain, I offer consultations to help families explore all legal and culturally appropriate options, including less traditional options such as Montessori and Forest School, as well as extracurricular options that meet certain needs or desires a family might have.

For discussions with other parents in the region, please join our online community!