Moving to Valencia
from the UK
Since Brexit, British citizens need a visa to live in Spain, but the process is very manageable. Valencia is the #1 destination for UK expats: better weather, lower cost of living, British-curriculum schools, and direct flights from every major UK city.
40k+
UK Expats in Valencia
2.5 hrs
London to Valencia
300+
Sunny Days/Year
You need a visa. Here are your options.
British citizens can no longer freely live in the EU. The good news: Spain has two clear visa pathways for UK citizens, and Valencia's consulate is one of the most efficient in Europe.
Most Popular for Retirees & Remote Workers
Non-Lucrative Visa
Min. Income
€28,800/yr (solo)
Validity
1 yr, renewable
You live in Spain without working for a Spanish employer. You can still receive remote income from UK clients or a pension.
Best for: Retirees, landlords, those with UK investment income.
Full Guide →Best for Remote Workers & Freelancers
Digital Nomad Visa
Min. Income
€34,188/yr
Validity
1 yr to 3 yr
Explicitly authorises remote work. Includes access to the Beckham Law flat 24% tax rate for 6 years, a huge financial win for higher earners.
Best for: Employed or freelance remote workers earning from UK/non-EU clients.
Full Guide →Your UK to Valencia Timeline
A practical checklist from first decision to settled expat. Most families complete this in 4 to 6 months.
3 to 6 Months Before
- Research your visa category (NLV or Digital Nomad Visa)
- Get criminal record check apostilled by the FCO
- Open Wise or Revolut account for currency transfers
- Begin selling or renting UK property if applicable
1 to 3 Months Before
- Submit visa application at Spanish Consulate (London, Manchester, or Edinburgh)
- Arrange private health insurance (required for NLV)
- Research neighbourhoods and shortlist rental areas
- Notify DVLA, HMRC, DWP, and pension providers of your move
Weeks 1 to 4 in Valencia
- Register with Empadronamiento at your local Ajuntament
- Book NIE appointment at Gran Via Marqués del Túria, 67
- Open a Spanish bank account (Sabadell or CaixaBank are expat-friendly)
- Exchange your UK driving licence at the DGT within 6 months
Months 2 to 3
- Register with a Spanish GP (Centro de Salud) if you have residency
- Enrol children in school (international or concertado)
- File Modelo 030 tax registration with Spanish Tax Agency
- Apply for European Health Insurance Card (GHIC) via NHS.uk if still UK-insured
How much cheaper is Valencia than the UK?
Based on 2026 data comparing Valencia to London/South East. Northern UK cities are closer, but Valencia still wins on rent, transport, and childcare.
UK
£1,800 to 2,800
Valencia
€900 to 1,200
UK
£180+
Valencia
€17.50
UK
£50 to 80
Valencia
€35 to 50
UK
£400 to 500
Valencia
€280 to 380
UK
£200 to 400/mo
Valencia
€80 to 150/mo
UK
£15k to 30k+
Valencia
€8k to 18k
UK-Specific Questions
Can I access Spanish healthcare as a UK citizen?
What happens to my UK State Pension?
Can I keep my UK bank account?
Do I need to exchange my UK driving licence?
Will my children need to learn Spanish for school?
Your children won't miss a year of education
Valencia has four British-curriculum schools offering GCSEs and A-Levels at a fraction of UK private school fees. All are within 30 minutes of the city centre.
Compare All British SchoolsCaxton College
Puzol · British / GCSE
€8k to 14k/yr
Cambridge House CC
Rocafort · British / A-Level
€9k to 15k/yr
British School of Valencia
Ruzafa area · British / IB
€10k to 16k/yr
The English School
Puzol · Spanish + English
€7k to 12k/yr