Moving to Valencia
Your complete guide
Over 40,000 expats have already made the move. Whether you're coming from the US, UK, Australia, or anywhere else - this is your definitive 2026 roadmap.
40,000+
Expats Living Here
35%
Cheaper Than London
300+
Sunny Days/Year
Why 40,000+ expats chose Valencia
Affordable, sun-drenched, walkable, and packed with international talent. Here's what makes it the top European relocation destination in 2026.
45-55% lower cost of living
Rent, food, healthcare, and transport all cost dramatically less than major cities in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. A couple can live comfortably on EUR 2,000-2,500/month.
Learn more300+ sunny days per year
Valencia has one of Europe's best climates. Mild winters (12-17C), warm summers tempered by sea breezes, and barely 50 rainy days a year.
Learn moreWorld-class healthcare from EUR 80/month
Spain ranks 7th globally for healthcare quality. Private insurance with zero copays costs EUR 80-150/month. Public healthcare is free once you have residency.
Learn moreWalkable, bikeable, liveable
Valencia is compact and flat. Most residents live without a car. The metro costs €17.50/month, and the 160km Turia park runs through the entire city.
Learn moreMediterranean food culture
The birthplace of paella. Fresh produce at Mercado Central, tapas for EUR 2-3, and a menu del dia (3-course lunch) for EUR 10-14 at nearly every restaurant.
Learn moreGrowing international community
Over 40,000 expats call Valencia home. English-speaking meetups, coworking spaces, Facebook groups, and professional networks make it easy to build your circle.
Learn moreWhich visa do you need?
Your visa pathway depends on your nationality, income, and employment status. Here are the three most common routes.
Digital Nomad Visa
Min. Income
EUR 34,188/yr
Validity
1 yr, renewable to 3 yr
Remote workers employed by or contracting with non-Spanish companies
Key perk: Unlocks the Beckham Law flat 24% tax rate for up to 6 years
Full GuideNon-Lucrative Visa
Min. Income
EUR 28,800/yr
Validity
1 yr, renewable
Retirees, those with passive income, early-FIRE individuals
Key perk: No work requirement - live on savings, pensions, investments, or rental income
Full GuideEU Freedom of Movement
Min. Income
None
Validity
Unlimited
Citizens of EU/EEA countries (Ireland, France, Germany, etc.)
Key perk: No visa application needed - just register at the Oficina de Extranjeros after 3 months
Full GuideStep-by-step relocation timeline
From first research to feeling at home - the average move takes 3-6 months.
Research & Plan
6+ months before
Prepare & Apply
3-6 months before
Arrive & Settle
Weeks 1-4 in Valencia
Moving from your country
Each country has unique tax treaties, visa requirements, and logistics. Click yours for a tailored breakdown.
Canada
Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative
- RRSP & TFSA considerations
- Provincial health deregistration
- Youth Mobility options
Australia
Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative
- Super & tax treaty
- Medicare cancellation
- 24h+ travel logistics
From another country?
We help expats from 30+ countries. Book a free call for a personalised plan.
Book Free ConsultationEssential resources
Deep-dive guides on every aspect of your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to move to Valencia?
Budget EUR 5,000-8,000 for initial setup costs (deposit + first month rent, NIE fees, insurance, flights, initial furnishing). Monthly living costs for a single person range from EUR 1,200-1,800; couples typically need EUR 2,000-2,500. This includes rent for a 1-2 bedroom apartment, groceries, transport, utilities, dining out, and private health insurance.
Do I need to speak Spanish to move to Valencia?
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.
What is the best neighbourhood in Valencia for expats?
It depends on your lifestyle. Ruzafa is the most 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. Eixample is quieter and family-friendly with wider boulevards. El Cabanyal is the beach neighbourhood, increasingly popular but gentrifying fast. Benimaclet has a village feel with a student-friendly vibe and lower rents.
How long does the visa process take?
For non-EU citizens, expect 2-4 months from application to approval. The Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa both require a background check, proof of income/savings, private health insurance, and an application at your nearest Spanish consulate. EU citizens do not need a visa but must register for a Certificado de Registro if staying longer than 3 months.
Is Valencia safe?
Valencia is one of the safest major cities in Europe. Violent crime is extremely rare. Petty theft (pickpocketing) can occur in tourist-heavy areas like the train station or during Fallas, but common sense precautions are sufficient. Most expats report feeling safer than in their home cities, especially walking at night.
Can I work remotely from Valencia?
Yes. Non-EU citizens need a Digital Nomad Visa to work legally for non-Spanish employers. EU citizens can work remotely without restriction. Valencia has a thriving remote work scene with coworking spaces throughout the city, reliable fibre internet (300-1000 Mbps), and a timezone (CET/CEST) that overlaps with both US East Coast mornings and all of Europe.
Move-from-Abroad Budget Calculator
The international move itself - shipping, flights, visa costs, temporary housing - is the budget that catches people off-guard. Adjust the inputs to your situation and see what to plan for before you arrive.
Most expats need 4-8 weeks in short-term rentals while they search for a long-term place.
Pet relocation (vet certificates, EU pet passport, transport) typically runs EUR 600-1,500 per animal depending on origin and species.
Lawyer fees, apostilles, sworn translations, and consulate fees for the most common visas (NLV, DNV).
Move-In Budget
Shipping is the biggest variable. If most of your furniture is from IKEA or replaceable, leaving it behind and buying fresh in Valencia often beats a 40ft container. Get 3 quotes from international movers - prices vary by 30-40%.
Estimate, not a quote
Real costs vary by season (summer flights cost more), origin port, mover, and visa pathway. Pet costs spike for snub-nosed breeds and US-origin moves under stricter health checks. Get binding quotes from at least 2 movers and 1 immigration lawyer before locking your budget.
Sources
- -International shipping ranges (20ft / 40ft container averages from EU, UK, US, Australia to Valencia port) - Movinga, Sirelo, and Allied 2025-2026 expat moving cost reports.
- -Pet import requirements and typical relocation cost - EU Animal Health Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Spanish Ministerio de Agricultura import procedures.
- -Visa lawyer + apostille + translation typical fees - Colegio de Abogados de Valencia and sworn translator (traductor jurado) tariffs 2025-2026.
- -Average Valencia short-term rental rates (4-8 week serviced apartments) - Idealista corto plazo and AirDNA market data 2026.
Want a tailored relocation plan?
Our concierge team coordinates the move end-to-end: visa, shippers, NIE, temporary apartment, long-term housing, school enrolment, the works. One contact instead of ten.
Ready to make the move?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll map out your visa route, housing budget, and school options.