Moving to Valencia
from the USA
Americans are trading sky-high healthcare costs, brutal commutes, and overpriced housing for Valencia's Mediterranean lifestyle. With a direct 8-hour flight and living costs 50% lower than most US cities, the numbers speak for themselves.
~8h
Direct Flight
50%
Cheaper than US
300+
Sunny Days/Year
You need a visa. Here are your best options.
US citizens can visit Spain for up to 90 days without a visa. For long-term residence, Spain offers two excellent pathways — and the application process through US consulates is well-established.
Most chosen by American remote workers
Digital Nomad Visa
Min. Income
€34,188/yr
Validity
1 yr → 3 yr
Work remotely for US-based employers or freelance clients while living legally in Spain. Unlocks the Beckham Law flat 24% tax rate for 6 years — a game-changer for Americans used to combined federal + state rates above 40%.
Best for: Remote employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs billing US clients.
Full Guide →Best for retirees & passive income
Non-Lucrative Visa
Min. Income
€28,800/yr (solo)
Validity
1 yr → renewable
Live in Spain without working for a Spanish employer. You can still receive passive income — Social Security, 401k/IRA distributions, rental income, and dividends — from US sources.
Best for: Retirees, early-FIRE Americans, those with passive US income.
Full Guide →Your USA → Valencia Timeline
A practical month-by-month checklist for American expats — from planning to landing.
3–6 Months Before
- check_circleDetermine your visa category (Digital Nomad Visa or NLV)
- check_circleGet FBI background check apostilled via the US Department of State
- check_circleOpen a Wise or Revolut account for USD → EUR transfers without bank fees
- check_circleConsult a cross-border CPA about IRS obligations, FBAR, and FATCA filing
1–3 Months Before
- check_circleSubmit visa application at Spanish Consulate (NYC, Chicago, LA, Houston, or Miami)
- check_circleArrange private health insurance — must be sin copago for visa approval
- check_circleReview 401k/IRA strategy: keep, roll over, or convert to Roth before departure
- check_circleResearch Valencia neighbourhoods and shortlist rental options
Weeks 1–4 in Valencia
- check_circleRegister at Empadronamiento — your local Junta Municipal office
- check_circleBook NIE appointment at Gran Via Marqués del Túria, 67
- check_circleOpen a Spanish bank account (Sabadell or CaixaBank recommended for expats)
- check_circleRegister with the US Embassy in Madrid and the Valencia consular agency
Months 2–3
- check_circleRegister with a Spanish GP at your local Centro de Salud
- check_circleEnrol children in school — American School of Valencia for US curriculum
- check_circleFile Modelo 030 tax registration with Agencia Tributaria
- check_circleReview Social Security totalization agreement between US and Spain
USA vs Valencia — Cost of Living
On average, life in Valencia costs 45–55% less than major US cities. Healthcare alone can save you thousands every year.
| Item | USA (USD) | Valencia (EUR) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed City Centre | $2,200–4,000 | €900–1,200 | ~55% |
| Monthly Transport Pass | $100–130 | €17.50 | ~85% |
| Meal Out (mid-range, 2 ppl) | $80–140 | €35–50 | ~55% |
| Monthly Groceries (couple) | $600–900 | €280–380 | ~50% |
| Private Health Insurance | $500–1,200/mo | €80–150/mo | ~80% |
| International School (annual) | $20k–50k+ | €8k–18k | ~60% |
American Schools in Valencia
Valencia has outstanding English-language schooling options for American families, including a fully US-accredited school.
American School of Valencia (ASV)
The only fully US-accredited school in the Valencia region. Offers an American curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12 with AP courses, SAT/ACT prep, and seamless credit transfer to US universities. Annual fees from approximately €8,000–15,000.
IB & British Alternatives
Caxton College and Cambridge House offer British-curriculum education with IB options. Many American families choose these for the international perspective and strong university placement track record across both US and European universities.
Bilingual & Spanish Schools
Valencia's public schools are taught in Valenciano and Castellano. Concertado (semi-private) schools offer a bilingual environment at much lower cost (€100–300/month). Younger children often adapt within 6 months and become fully trilingual.
Key Differences for Americans
IRS follows you everywhere
The US is one of only two countries that taxes citizens on worldwide income. You must file Form 1040 annually, plus FBAR and FATCA if you hold foreign accounts above reporting thresholds. The FEIE and Foreign Tax Credit prevent double taxation in most cases.
401k & IRA considerations
Your US retirement accounts remain intact when you move. However, Spain may tax Roth IRA withdrawals since it does not recognise the Roth structure. Consider a Roth conversion before departing the US. Traditional IRA/401k distributions are taxable in Spain under the US-Spain treaty.
Healthcare is radically cheaper
Spain's healthcare system is world-class and costs a fraction of the US system. Private insurance runs €80–150/month — compared to $500–1,200+ in the US. No deductibles, no copays on most plans, and prescription drugs cost 70–90% less than in America.
Social Security totalization
The US–Spain Social Security Totalization Agreement means your work credits in both countries can be combined. If you've worked 6+ quarters in the US, those count towards Spanish pension eligibility and vice versa — you won't lose your credits by moving.
USD → EUR transfers
Use Wise or Revolut for currency transfers — you'll save 2–4% versus your US bank's exchange rate. Many Americans keep a Schwab International checking account (no ATM fees worldwide) alongside a Spanish bank account for local payments.
Direct flights from the East Coast
Direct flights from New York (JFK) to Valencia run 8 hours. From the West Coast, connect through Madrid or a European hub (10–14 hours total). Budget $400–800 round trip from NYC. Many Americans fly home 1–2 times per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still have to file US taxes if I move to Valencia?
Yes. The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. As an American expat in Spain, you must file a federal return (Form 1040) every year. However, you can use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, up to ~$130,000 in 2026), the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), and the US–Spain Double Taxation Treaty to avoid being taxed twice on the same income. You must also file FBAR (FinCEN 114) if your non-US bank accounts exceed $10,000 at any point and Form 8938 (FATCA) for specified foreign financial assets above threshold amounts.
What about FBAR and FATCA filing requirements?
FBAR (FinCEN 114) must be filed by April 15 (auto-extended to October 15) if the aggregate value of your foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year. FATCA (Form 8938) applies if your foreign financial assets exceed $200,000 at year-end (or $300,000 at any point) for expats filing individually. Penalties for non-compliance are severe — $10,000+ per violation — so set up a system with a cross-border CPA from day one.
Can I keep my US health insurance in Spain?
Most US health insurance plans (employer-sponsored, ACA marketplace, Medicare) do not cover you abroad. Medicare does not work outside the US. You will need Spanish private health insurance from day one — it is a visa requirement and costs €80–150/month for comprehensive coverage, a fraction of US premiums. Many Americans also keep a minimal US plan for visits home.
Can I exchange my US driving licence in Spain?
The US does not have a direct licence exchange agreement with Spain. You can drive on your US licence plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 6 months. After that, you must obtain a Spanish licence by passing a theory exam and practical driving test through the DGT. Some US states have informal arrangements — check with the DGT in Valencia for the latest rules.
What are the best school options for American children in Valencia?
The American School of Valencia (ASV) offers a US-accredited curriculum with AP courses, SAT prep, and English-medium instruction from Pre-K through Grade 12. Annual fees range from €8,000–15,000. Other excellent English-language options include Caxton College (British curriculum) and Cambridge House. Many American families choose ASV for continuity if they may return to the US, as credits transfer seamlessly to US colleges.