Moving to Valencia
from Belgium
Founded by a Belgian expat who made the same move. No visa required, lower taxes, 300 days of sunshine, and a cost of living that leaves Brussels in the dust. Here is your complete guide.
2h20
Brussels to Valencia
35%
Cheaper than Brussels
300+
Sunny Days/Year
Founded by a Belgian who made the same move
Michael Bastin moved from Belgium to Valencia and founded ValenciaMove to help other expats navigate the exact same process. He understands the Belgian system inside out - from navigating the SPF Finances departure process to transferring your mutuelle coverage. When you work with ValenciaMove, you are working with someone who has been through every step personally.
Why Belgian expats are choosing Valencia
Escape the grey skies, the traffic jams on the E40, and one of Europe's highest tax burdens. Valencia offers a better quality of life at a fraction of the cost.
Massive Tax Savings
Belgium's top rate is 50% plus municipal surcharges and social contributions that can push the effective rate above 55%. Spain's Beckham Law offers a flat 24% for 6 years. The savings can be life-changing.
300+ Sunny Days
Belgium averages around 1,550 hours of sunshine per year. Valencia gets over 2,700 hours. That is nearly double. The impact on quality of life, mood, and outdoor living is enormous.
No Visa Required
As an EU citizen, you move freely. One appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros in Valencia and you are registered. No consulate visits, no months of waiting, no stacks of paperwork.
Mediterranean Lifestyle
Fresh markets, menu del dia for 12-15 EUR, terrace culture year-round, the beach 15 minutes from the city centre. After years in Belgium, the lifestyle upgrade feels unreal.
EU citizens - no visa required. Here is how to register.
Belgian citizens can live and work in Spain freely. Choose the registration and tax setup that fits your situation.
Standard for all EU citizens
EU Registration Certificate
Requirement
Proof of means
Validity
5 yr (then permanent)
As a Belgian citizen you have an automatic right to live and work in Spain. Register at the Oficina de Extranjeros within 3 months of arrival to get your Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE. No visa, no consulate appointment - just one visit to the foreigners office in Valencia.
Best for: All Belgian citizens moving to Spain - employed, self-employed, or retired.
Full GuideBest for high earners
Beckham Law (Flat Tax)
Requirement
Spanish contract or DNV
Validity
6 years
Elect to pay a flat 24% on Spanish-source income instead of the progressive rate (up to 47%). Belgium's top marginal rate is 50% plus municipal surcharges and heavy social contributions. For higher earners, the Beckham Law can mean savings of 20,000+ EUR per year compared to the Belgian tax burden.
Best for: Employees, executives, and professionals earning above-average salaries.
Full GuideFor independent professionals
Autonomo (Freelancer)
Requirement
Self-employed income
Validity
Ongoing
Register as autonomo to freelance legally in Spain. Belgium's freelancer social contributions are notoriously high (around 20.5% of net income). Spain's tarifa plana offers a reduced rate of around 80/month for the first year - a welcome change for Belgian independants.
Best for: Freelancers, consultants, and zelfstandigen/independants from Belgium.
Full GuideYour Belgium to Valencia Timeline
A practical step-by-step checklist for Belgian expats.
1-3 Months Before
- check_circleOrder your full birth certificate from your commune (gemeente/commune) - apostille may be needed
- check_circleRequest a portable S1 form from your mutuelle/mutualiteit for healthcare continuity
- check_circleInform your Belgian tax administration (SPF Finances/FOD Financien) of your planned move
- check_circleOpen a Wise or Revolut account - avoid Belgian bank international transfer fees
2-4 Weeks Before
- check_circleDeregister from your Belgian commune (radiation du registre/schrapping)
- check_circleCancel or adapt your Belgian mutuelle/mutualiteit coverage
- check_circleResearch Valencia neighbourhoods and shortlist rental areas
- check_circleGather documents: passport, birth certificate, proof of income, health insurance
Weeks 1-4 in Valencia
- check_circleRegister at Empadronamiento at your local Junta Municipal office
- check_circleBook NIE appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros (EU registration certificate)
- check_circleOpen a Spanish bank account (Sabadell, CaixaBank, or BBVA)
- check_circleRegister with Social Security (INSS) using your S1 form for healthcare transfer
Months 2-3
- check_circleObtain your SIP card (Tarjeta Sanitaria) at your assigned Centro de Salud
- check_circleEnrol children in school - Lycee Francais, British School, or local Spanish school
- check_circleExchange your Belgian driving licence at the DGT (EU licence - simple exchange, no test)
- check_circleFile Modelo 030 tax registration with Agencia Tributaria
Belgium vs Valencia - Cost of Living
Valencia costs roughly 30-40% less than Brussels and Antwerp. Combined with lower taxes, the financial impact is dramatic.
| Item | Belgium (Brussels) | Valencia | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed City Centre | 1 100-1 600 EUR | 900-1 200 EUR | ~25% |
| Monthly Transport Pass | 49-55 EUR | 17.50 EUR | ~65% |
| Meal Out (mid-range, 2 ppl) | 60-90 EUR | 35-50 EUR | ~40% |
| Monthly Groceries (couple) | 450-650 EUR | 280-380 EUR | ~40% |
| Private Health Insurance | 100-200 EUR/mo | 80-150 EUR/mo | ~25% |
| Beer (restaurant) | 4-6 EUR | 2.50-4 EUR | ~35% |
| International School (annual) | 8k-25k EUR | 8k-18k EUR | ~20% |
Key Considerations for Belgian Expats
Belgian vs Spanish Tax Burden
Belgium's effective tax rate (income tax + social contributions + municipal surcharge) regularly exceeds 55% for higher earners. Spain's standard top rate is 47%, but the Beckham Law flat 24% rate for 6 years makes the comparison even more favourable. Factor in lower VAT on daily goods and the savings stack up.
Mutuelle to SIP Card
Request your S1 form from your mutuelle (or mutualiteit) before leaving Belgium. This portable document lets Spain's INSS register you into the public healthcare system. Once processed, you receive a SIP card for free public healthcare in Valencia. The transition is smooth under EU coordination rules.
Bilingual Advantage
Belgian expats often speak French, Dutch, and English - sometimes German too. This multilingual background is a real advantage in Valencia where Spanish (Castellano) and Valenciano are both used. Many Belgians pick up Spanish quickly given their existing language skills.
EU Driving Licence Exchange
Your Belgian driving licence (rijbewijs/permis de conduire) is valid throughout the EU. Exchange it at the DGT office in Valencia for a Spanish licence - no test required. A simple administrative swap recommended for long-term residents.
Belgian Community in Valencia
There is a growing Belgian expat community in Valencia, with informal meetups, professional networks, and social groups. Several Belgian entrepreneurs have set up businesses in the city. The founder of ValenciaMove is himself Belgian, so you are in good company.
2h20 from Brussels by Air
Direct flights from Brussels to Valencia are available with Ryanair and Vueling. Return flights from 50-180 EUR. Weekend trips home for family visits or business meetings are easy. Brussels South Charleroi also has budget routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Belgian citizens need a visa to move to Valencia?
No. As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union. You simply need to register at the Oficina de Extranjeros in Valencia within 3 months of arrival to receive your EU Registration Certificate. No visa application, no consulate visit required.
How does the Belgian tax system compare to Spain?
Belgium has one of the highest tax burdens in Europe - top marginal rate of 50% plus municipal surcharges and heavy social security contributions. Spain's standard progressive rate tops out at 47%, but with the Beckham Law you can pay a flat 24% for 6 years. For most Belgian professionals, the tax savings are very significant.
What happens to my Belgian pension contributions when I move?
Your Belgian pension rights are fully preserved under EU coordination rules (EC 883/2004). Periods worked in Belgium count towards your pension. When you work in Spain, you contribute to the Spanish system. At retirement, each country pays proportionally based on the years contributed in that country.
Can I transfer my Belgian healthcare (mutuelle) to Spain?
Not directly, but you can bridge the gap. Request a portable S1 form from your mutuelle/mutualiteit before leaving Belgium. This lets the Spanish INSS register you into their public healthcare system. Once processed, you receive a SIP card for free public healthcare in Valencia.
Is Michael Bastin, the founder of ValenciaMove, really Belgian?
Yes - Michael Bastin is Belgian and made the exact same move from Belgium to Valencia. He founded ValenciaMove to help other Belgians (and international expats) navigate the process he went through himself. He understands the specific challenges Belgian expats face, from mutuelle transfers to SPF Finances notifications.
Are there schools in Valencia for French-speaking Belgian families?
Yes. The Lycee Francais de Valence follows the French National Education curriculum from Maternelle to Terminale (Baccalaureat). For Dutch-speaking Belgian families, there are also several international schools offering English-medium education. Local Spanish schools (colegios) are another option, especially for younger children who adapt quickly.
Can I exchange my Belgian driving licence in Spain?
Yes - it is straightforward. Your Belgian driving licence is valid throughout the EU. You can exchange it at the DGT office in Valencia for a Spanish licence without any test. This is recommended for long-term residents to simplify future renewals.
Ready to make the move from Belgium?
Book a free consultation with our Belgian founder. We understand the Belgian system inside out and help you with NIE registration, apartment hunting, school enrolment, and every step of settling into Valencia.