Moving to Valencia
everything you need to know

It depends on your passport. EU and EEA citizens need no visa, but must register in the Central Registry of Foreigners within three months of arriving. Citizens of other countries, including the UK and the US, need a residence permit: the two most common routes are the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and the Non-Lucrative Visa for people living on savings or passive income, which requires monthly means of at least 400% of the IPREM.

Plan on several months from decision to settled. The roadmap on this page starts research six or more months ahead and, for non-EU citizens, the visa application three to six months ahead, with the paperwork in Valencia in weeks 1 to 4. Processing times vary by consulate, so check yours first. EU citizens can move much faster because registration is due within three months of arrival, not before it.

One-off moving costs depend on where you come from and what you ship: the moving cost calculator puts a couple moving from the UK with a half container at about EUR 14,100, visa costs included. Monthly living costs run roughly EUR 1,600-2,400 for one person and EUR 2,300-3,100 for a couple, rent included.

EU and EEA citizens register with a valid passport or national ID card and are issued the registration certificate, which shows their NIE, straight away. Non-EU applicants add whatever their specific visa asks for, typically a criminal record certificate, proof of income or savings and health insurance, usually apostilled and translated by a sworn translator. Start from the consulate's checklist for your visa.

The NIE is the foreigner identity number you need to rent a home, open a bank account and pay tax. The fee is EUR 9.84 (Modelo 790, code 012), and EU citizens receive the number with their registration certificate. Separately, anyone living in Spain must be registered on the municipal padrón at their home address (empadronamiento); in Valencia you book that through the Ajuntament's online appointment system.

Yes. EU citizens can work remotely without a work permit, while non-EU citizens need the Digital Nomad Visa to work legally for non-Spanish employers or clients. Valencia has coworking spaces across the city and sits in the CET/CEST time zone, which overlaps with all of Europe and with the US East Coast morning, which is Valencia afternoon.

You can get by initially with English, especially in central neighbourhoods like Ruzafa and El Carmen where many residents and business owners speak English. However, learning Spanish is strongly recommended for bureaucracy (NIE, empadronamiento, bank accounts), making local friends, and truly integrating. Valencia also has its own regional language, Valenciano, which you will see on street signs and official documents. Most expats start Spanish classes within their first month.

It depends on your lifestyle. Ruzafa is popular with young professionals and digital nomads: walkable, full of restaurants and nightlife. El Carmen suits those who want historic charm in the old town, and Eixample is quieter and family-friendly with wider boulevards. El Cabanyal is the beach neighbourhood, increasingly popular and changing fast. Benimaclet has a village feel, a student-friendly vibe and lower rents.

Many expats think so. Valencia ranked first in the InterNations Expat City Ranking in 2022 and 2024 (third in 2023), and the 2024 edition drew on a survey of more than 12,500 expats. The city is compact and flat, with a mild climate, and has a large international community.

Valencia is generally considered a safe city and violent crime is uncommon. Pickpocketing happens in busy areas like the train station or during Fallas, so normal precautions are enough.