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?
Once you have residency and are registered with Empadronamiento, you can register with a Spanish GP and access the public healthcare system (SAS). While your visa is pending, you need private health insurance, typically €80 to 150/month.
What happens to my UK State Pension?
Your UK State Pension continues to be paid if you've qualified. Notify DWP (International Pension Centre) before you leave. Spain and the UK have a reciprocal Social Security agreement so your contributions are preserved.
Can I keep my UK bank account?
Most UK banks allow non-residents to keep accounts, but some (Barclays, HSBC) have restrictions. Wise or Revolut are ideal transitional tools. You'll need a Spanish account for rent and utilities within 1 to 3 months.
Do I need to exchange my UK driving licence?
Yes. Post-Brexit, UK licences must be exchanged for a Spanish one within 6 months of gaining residency. The DGT (Spanish traffic authority) handles this. Our admin pack includes the full process.
Will my children need to learn Spanish for school?
At an international British school (Caxton, Cambridge House, BSV), no Spanish is required. These schools follow the English National Curriculum. Concertado schools are Spanish/Valencian, immersion works fast for children under 10.
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