Moving to Valencia
from France
No visa required. As an EU citizen, moving from France to Valencia is straightforward - and the cost of living savings compared to Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux are dramatic. Discover why thousands of French expats already call Valencia home.
1h45
Paris to Valencia
45%
Cheaper than Paris
300+
Sunny Days/Year
Why French expats are choosing Valencia
Valencia offers French expats the Mediterranean lifestyle they love - with none of the administrative headaches of a non-EU move.
Dramatic Cost Savings
Rent in Valencia is 40-60% cheaper than Paris. A menu del dia lunch costs 12-15 EUR. Your purchasing power increases significantly the moment you arrive.
300+ Days of Sunshine
Valencia averages over 300 sunny days per year - a stark contrast to the grey skies of Paris, Lille, or Strasbourg. The mild winters are a major draw for French families.
No Visa Required
As an EU citizen, you have the automatic right to live and work in Spain. Registration takes one appointment at the Oficina de Extranjeros. No consulate visits, no waiting months for approval.
Lycee Francais de Valence
The AEFE-accredited Lycee Francais follows the French national curriculum from Maternelle to Terminale. Your children can continue in the French education system without missing a beat.
EU citizens - no visa required. Here is how to register.
French citizens can live and work in Spain freely. You just need to register with the authorities and choose the right tax setup for your situation.
Standard for all EU citizens
EU Registration Certificate
Requirement
Proof of means
Validity
5 yr (then permanent)
As a French citizen you have an automatic right to live and work in Spain. You simply need to register at the Oficina de Extranjeros within 3 months of arrival to get your green Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE. No visa application, no consulate visit - just an appointment in Valencia.
Best for: All French 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
Elected workers can pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish-source income instead of the progressive rate (up to 47%). If you earn above the French top bracket threshold, this can save you tens of thousands per year compared to both French and standard Spanish rates.
Best for: Employees, executives, and digital nomads earning above average salaries.
Full GuideFor independent professionals
Autonomo (Freelancer)
Requirement
Self-employed income
Validity
Ongoing
Register as autonomo to freelance legally in Spain. The tarifa plana gives you a reduced social security rate of around 80/month for the first year. French micro-entrepreneurs and freelancers find the switch straightforward since no visa is required - just register and start invoicing.
Best for: Freelancers, consultants, and micro-entrepreneurs from France.
Full GuideYour France to Valencia Timeline
A practical step-by-step checklist for French expats.
1-3 Months Before
- check_circleOrder a full birth certificate (copie integrale) from your mairie - you will need it apostilled
- check_circleRequest a portable S1 form from your CPAM for healthcare continuity
- check_circleOpen a Wise or Revolut account to transfer EUR without bank fees
- check_circleConsult a cross-border tax adviser about French exit tax (exit tax on capital gains for large portfolios)
2-4 Weeks Before
- check_circleInform your CPAM and cancel or suspend your carte vitale coverage
- check_circleNotify impots.gouv.fr that you are leaving France (changement de domicile fiscal)
- check_circleResearch Valencia neighbourhoods and shortlist rental areas
- check_circleGather your documents: passport, birth certificate, proof of income, private 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) to transfer healthcare rights via your S1 form
Months 2-3
- check_circleObtain your SIP card (Tarjeta Sanitaria) at your assigned Centro de Salud
- check_circleEnrol children at the Lycee Francais de Valence or local Spanish school
- check_circleExchange your French driving licence at the DGT (EU licence - simple exchange, no test)
- check_circleFile Modelo 030 tax registration with Agencia Tributaria
France vs Valencia - Cost of Living
Valencia costs roughly 40-50% less than Paris and 25-35% less than Lyon or Bordeaux. Your euro stretches much further.
| Item | France (Paris/Lyon) | Valencia | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed City Centre | 1 500-2 200 EUR | 900-1 200 EUR | ~45% |
| Monthly Transport Pass | 75-85 EUR | 17.50 EUR | ~78% |
| Meal Out (mid-range, 2 ppl) | 60-100 EUR | 35-50 EUR | ~45% |
| Monthly Groceries (couple) | 500-700 EUR | 280-380 EUR | ~45% |
| Private Health Insurance | 50-150 EUR/mo | 80-150 EUR/mo | Similar |
| International School (annual) | 5k-15k EUR | 8k-18k EUR | Similar |
| Glass of Wine (restaurant) | 5-8 EUR | 2-4 EUR | ~50% |
Key Considerations for French Expats
French vs Spanish Tax Rates
France's top marginal rate reaches 45% plus social charges (CSG/CRDS) totalling around 9.7%. Spain's top rate is 47% but the Beckham Law option offers a flat 24% for 6 years. For most high earners, Spain under Beckham Law is significantly cheaper than France.
Carte Vitale to SIP Card
Request your S1 form from CPAM before leaving. This portable document lets Spain's INSS register you into the public healthcare system. Once processed, you get a SIP (Tarjeta Sanitaria) card giving you free access to doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions in Valencia.
Lycee Francais de Valence
The AEFE-accredited school offers the full French curriculum from Maternelle to Terminale. Students sit the Baccalaureat. There are also bilingual Spanish-French options. The school has a strong parent community that serves as a social hub for French families.
EU Driving Licence Exchange
Your French permis de conduire is valid in Spain. To exchange it for a Spanish licence, visit the DGT office. As an EU licence, it is a simple administrative swap - no test required. Recommended for long-term residents to avoid renewal complications.
French Community in Valencia
Valencia has one of Spain's largest French expat communities. There are French cultural associations, networking groups, and regular social events. Many French professionals work remotely or have started businesses in the city.
1h45 from Paris by Air
Multiple daily flights connect Paris (CDG and Orly) to Valencia. Ryanair, Vueling, and Air France operate routes. Return flights from 50-200 EUR depending on season. Weekend trips back to France are easy and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French 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 without a visa. You simply need to register with the Spanish authorities within 3 months of arrival to get your EU Registration Certificate (Certificado de Registro). This is a straightforward administrative step, not a visa application.
What happens to my French retirement contributions (retraite) when I move to Spain?
Your French retirement rights are preserved. Quarters validated in France count towards your pension. When you work in Spain, you contribute to the Spanish system, and both countries coordinate under EU social security regulations (EC 883/2004). At retirement age, each country pays its share proportionally.
Will I be taxed in both France and Spain?
France and Spain have a double taxation treaty. Once you establish Spanish tax residency (spending 183+ days per year in Spain), Spain taxes your worldwide income and France only taxes French-source income (e.g. rental income from French property). You must formally declare your departure to the French tax authorities via impots.gouv.fr.
Can I keep my French carte vitale while living in Spain?
No. Once you move to Spain permanently, your carte vitale coverage ends. However, you can request a portable S1 form from CPAM before leaving, which gives you temporary healthcare coverage in Spain while you register with the Spanish social security system. Once registered, you receive a SIP card for public healthcare in Valencia.
Is there a French school in Valencia?
Yes. The Lycee Francais de Valence follows the French National Education curriculum from Maternelle through to Terminale (Baccalaureat). It is accredited by the AEFE (Agence pour l'Enseignement Francais a l'Etranger). There is also a strong French-speaking community in Valencia with cultural associations and social groups.
Can I exchange my French driving licence in Spain?
Yes - and it is very simple. As an EU citizen, your French driving licence is valid in Spain. You can exchange it at the DGT for a Spanish licence without sitting any test. This is recommended if you plan to stay long-term, as it simplifies renewals and avoids any issues with expired French licences.
Ready to make the move from France?
Book a free consultation with our team. We help French expats with NIE registration, apartment hunting, school enrolment, and every step of settling into Valencia.