Lanzarote Relocation

Whether starting a business or buying an existing business in Lanzarote, information is there for the taking. However there are several important things to consider before you book those plane tickets.

With more people moving to Lanzarote to start a new life, the demand for an exceptional level of customer satisfaction is growing, leaving the market wide open for anyone of a serious mind wanting to start their own business here.  Gone are the heady days of people being able to “give it a go”… as whilst the credit crunch is on, people are much more reserved and sceptical about where they spend their money. For us this has been a good thing… and our business has grown exponentially because of it. However, sadly many businesses have fallen by the wayside leaving those unfortunates at Arrecife Airport waiting for their next flight back to the UK, or starting up another business on the Island in a different industry – just to erm… give it a last ditch attempt to remain.

You can of course avoid this if you remember the following very important points.

Before you start any new venture in Lanzarote – you will have of course examined the market to make sure there is a sensible market for what you want to do. Well… at least we hope so!

Do remember that Lanzarote is not the United Kingdom or Ireland – and life here is very different. Just because you were able to produce a particular widget back home, does not guarantee that anyone will be the remotest bit interested here.

Finally, if you are buying an existing business in Spain it is vital that you examine every aspect of the business before signing anything or parting with your money. It is crucial that you ensure the company has no debts or tax liabilities that would be transferred with the business.

Take the advice of experts. Speak to those who are already proving their salt by sticking to their guns, and making a success. Speak also to those that are “in the know” and have plenty of contacts available to assist you with all your legal questions. Don’t cut corners… but do it right!

I have to say – I am getting increasingly frustrated at reading on many websites phrases like – “it’s tough getting a job in Lanzarote – there’s a credit crunch -  you need to be here – but there is always work in bars and restaurants…”

I’d like to expand, and correct these types of statements…

Fact: – it is tough getting a job in Lanzarote… it is at the best of times – in the current financial climate it is near impossible. We read recently that unemployment is around 25% (which does not include all the ex-pats not registered with the system).

Fact: Yes there is a credit crunch, as everywhere – many people are heading back to Britain and Ireland, We guess this is in many cases to a life of benefit, at least for the time being, as they may not be entitled to use the system here.

Fact: Yes, you do need to be here, but in the current climate it doesn’t really improve your chances much. Bear in mind (if you are thinking of bar work) that bars and restaurants in many cases have several residents – and tourists – asking for work daily. Many other businesses are suffering with, perhaps, the builders and estate agents being hardest hit.

Fact: Many bars and restaurants are far from booming, and some are even closing. Tourist number are down (which is not specific to Lanzarote – it’s the world over), the application of a little common sense will tell you that with increasing unemployment and a drop in visitor numbers there isn’t going to be much, if anything, about.

If you read this site regularly, you will know that we always do our best to portray the island well – what we won’t do is lie to you.

So, if you are thinking about it seriously, and you are looking for a ‘regular job’, make sure you have a suitable safety net. The chances of finding a regular job as a new resident are severely limited at the moment… If you are moving out – temper your dream with a sense of realism!