Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Valencia as an Expat

1. Visa Landscape for Retirees and Digital Nomads in Spain

Embarking on a journey to make Spain your new home, whether for retirement or as a digital nomad, involves understanding the diverse visa options available to non-EU citizens in Spain.

Long-Stay Visa Spain

The Long-Stay Visa provides temporary residence and flexibility, allowing expats to work, study, retire, or live in Spain. This indefinite visa is renewable annually, requiring a minimum of six months' presence in the country per year.

Requirements:

• Valid passport or recognized travel document.
• Completed long-stay visa application and relevant fees.
• Evidence of purpose (employment, study, family reunification, or retirement).
• Sufficient financial resources, avoiding reliance on public assistance.
• Clean criminal record certificate.
• Medical certificate ensuring public health safety.
• Valid medical insurance for the entire stay.

Spanish Digital Nomad Visa

A recent addition, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, caters to remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies or freelancers with global clients. This visa offers flexibility and opportunity for remote workers to experience the vibrant culture and lifestyle of Spain while maintaining their professional pursuits.

Requirements:

• Non-EU nationality.
• Remote work or freelancing for non-Spanish entities.
• No prior Spanish residency.
• Proof of financial stability.
• Valid health insurance.
• Clean criminal record certificate.
• Visa application before entering Spain.

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

The Non-Lucrative Visa provides a golden ticket for non-EU nationals seeking to retire in Spain without engaging in any business or work-related activities. This visa allows expats to enjoy an extended stay of up to three years, immersing themselves in Spanish culture and embracing the country's vibrant lifestyle.

Requirements:

• Complete the national visa form.
• Valid passport.
• Two identical photos.
• Medical certificate confirming good health.
• Private health insurance from a Spanish provider.
• Original police clearance certificate.
• Obtaining an NIE number.
• Proof of sufficient income (€2,450 monthly plus €600 for each dependent).

Spain Entrepreneur Visa

Tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs, this visa permits a three-year stay for individuals establishing innovative businesses in Spain.

Requirements:

• Innovative business idea of special economic interest.
• Proof of qualifications and training.
• Solid business plan.
• Evidence of business success potential.

Highly Qualified Work Permit

Tailored for skilled professionals, the Highly Qualified Work Permit is issued for three years, providing an extended stay for executives, managers, and professionals with advanced skills.

Requirements:

• Job offer from a Spanish company for a technical or highly skilled position.
• Demonstrated qualifications and work experience.
• Proof of financial means.
• Clean criminal record certificate.
• Medical certificate confirming no threat to public health.
• Application and approval before arriving in Spain.

2. Popular neighborhoods in Valencia for expats and locals

Valencia is a city where foreigners do not form isolated "foreigner ghettos.". Rather, they live among locals with comparable economic status and lifestyles. Many expats prefer to live in the central areas, but this may change depending on the weather, especially for digital nomads, who may be tempted by the beach.

The top picks for expats living in Valencia include:

El Carmen

Situated near the city center, El Carmen is a historic neighborhood with a rich array of attractive buildings, some listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing the neighborhood's historical significance. The lively atmosphere, characterized by numerous restaurants and dance cafes, contributes to a vibrant vibe. However, the abundance of restaurants, clubs, and bars makes many streets noisy at night. The good news: some smaller streets are not that popular, which means that they are more peaceful than the rest of the area. Being in the heart of the city, El Carmen is a wonderful destination for sightseeing. There are, however, some downsides to the central location, including higher rent and limited access to conveniences like supermarkets.

Ruzafa

Located just south of Valencia's city center and close to the central train station, Ruzafa has undergone a notable transformation from a once poorer and grungier area to Valencia's most gentrified district. Packed with trendy coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and boutiques, Ruzafa appeals to digital nomads with its numerous coworking spaces. The neighborhood's good public transport links make navigating the city convenient. Unfortunately, prices in Ruzafa are rising quickly.

Cánovas & Mercado de Colón Area

Although Cánovas & Mercado de Colón are two separate neighborhoods, they are close to each other and share a lot of common features. Adjacent to the city center and near Turia Park with excellent public transport connections, these neighborhoods are upscale compared to Ruzafa. This is reflected in both the size and cost of available flats.

Benimaclet

Benimaclet, a former village nestled within the city, retains its charming village-like ambiance. However, because of its proximity to both of Valencia’s universities, it has become a favorite with international students.

It can be difficult to choose the perfect Valencia neighborhood because they each have their distinct atmospheres, making the task an enjoyable yet challenging one.

3. Cost of living in Valencia

One of the main advantages of living in Valencia is its affordable cost of living, especially compared to other major cities in Spain.

According to Expatistan, a website that compares the cost of living in different cities, Valencia is 19% less expensive than Barcelona, 18% less expensive than Madrid, and 12% less expensive than Palma de Mallorca.

Housing

As the city is getting more popular and the housing market is quick, it can be hard to find a long-term rental property in Valencia. You need to be ready, especially if you are a foreigner who just arrived in Valencia, as you may encounter some issues or no replies.

Holiday apartments are not appropriate for people who want to live and work in Valencia for a while, as they would be too costly.

You should be aware that if you want to rent an apartment in Valencia for up to 11 months and your income comes from a foreign country, you may be required to pay several months` rent in advance plus more than one month of a deposit. Also, real estate agencies in Spain usually offer empty unfurnished, or partly-furnished apartments.

The price will depend on the location in the city. You will not find anything in a good neighborhood for less than €650 per month. And if you want to live in a popular area like Ruzafa or Cabanyal, remember that it will be difficult to find something nice below €800. If you rent via an agency, you will also have to pay a commission.

A better option for medium-long expat stays is to look for fully furnished and ready-to-move-in apartments. These are usually offered by spaces that cater to the needs of expats and digital nomads. They have flexible contracts, reasonable prices, and include all the services and amenities you may need.

Among the most popular websites for finding mid-term and long-term homes are www.idealista.com and www.fotocasa.com .

Food and dining-out

Supermarkets are the most common places where people in Valencia buy their groceries. Mercadona and Consum are the most popular supermarket chains in Valencia. Lidl is another good option, but it has fewer locations. You can easily walk to your nearest supermarket, as there are many of them throughout the city.

If you prefer smaller grocery stores, you can find them in almost any neighborhood. These shops mainly sell fresh fruits and vegetables, and they usually have cheaper prices (but also lower quality products) than supermarkets.

Another alternative is to buy your fresh products from your local market. Some of the most famous markets in Valencia are Mercado Central, Mercado de Ruzafa, and Mercado de Colon. Here you can find the highest quality products, but also the highest price.

If you want to enjoy the rich and varied gastronomy of Valencia, you have plenty of options to dine out in the city. Valencia is famous for its paella, but also for its tapas, seafood, and Mediterranean dishes. You can find restaurants for every taste and budget, from traditional to modern, from local to international, from cheap to luxurious.

The following is an estimate of the cost of dining out in Valencia:

Transportation

Valencia is a relatively small city that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. However, if you need to travel longer distances, you can use the public transport system, which consists of buses, metro (6 lines), tram (3 lines), and commuter trains. Public transport is efficient, reliable, and affordable, and covers most of the city and its surroundings.

The buses run from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm, with an average wait time of 12 minutes. The metro and tram run from 4.00 am to 11.30 pm, with a frequency of 5 to 15 minutes. The commuter trains run from 6.00 am to 10.00 pm, with a frequency of 20 to 30 minutes. There is a connection to the airport, the city center, the trendy neighborhoods, the beach, Albufeira, local towns, and other points of interest.

The price of the ticket will depend on which zone of the city you are traveling to:

Based on the zone and the number of rides, here is a brief overview of ticket prices:

You can also use taxis, which are plentiful and relatively cheap. You have several options to use a car service in Valencia. You can use Uber or Cabify, which are reliable and convenient apps that connect you with drivers. You can also hail a taxi on the street by waving your hand at a taxi with a green light, or go to a taxi stand, or call for a taxi.

However, be aware that in Valencia, if you call a taxi, the meter will start running as soon as the driver heads your way, not when you get in the taxi. There may also be extra charges for calling.

The taxis in Valencia charge by the meter, which depends on the time and the distance of your trip. The starting price is €1.5-€2.0 and each km is €1.10-€1.20. You can check the official taxi fares and surcharges on the website of the Valencia Taxi Association.

Entertainment

Valencia is a city that offers a wide range of entertainment options for all tastes and budgets. Whether you are into culture, nightlife, gastronomy, shopping, or sports, you will find something to enjoy in Valencia.

The city has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, monuments, and festivals. You can visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex that houses a science museum (€8.70), an opera house (€12.00), an IMAX cinema(€8.70), an aquarium (€33.70), and a botanical garden.

A ticket for a theatre show in Valencia can cost between €10 and €50, depending on the venue, the show, and the seat. Some of the theatres in Valencia are Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, Teatro Olympia, Teatro Principal, and Teatro Rialto.

Valencia has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many clubs, bars, pubs, and live music venues. A night out in Valencia can cost between €20 and €100.? Some of the best places for nightlife in Valencia are Radio City, L’Umbracle, La3, and Mya.

Valencia has many shopping options, from big malls and department stores to small boutiques and markets. A shopping spree in Valencia can cost between €50 and €500, depending on the items, the brands, and the stores. Some of the best places for shopping in Valencia are Colón Street, Ruzafa, El Carmen, and the Central Market.

Some of the sports you can do in Valencia are football, cycling, sailing, surfing, and kayaking.? A sports activity in Valencia can cost between €10 and €50, depending on the type, the equipment, and the duration of the activity.

Healthcare

Expats, including retirees and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Spain.

There are a number of ways you and your family can qualify for the Spanish national healthcare service as expats in Valencia, including if you are working or in self-employment and are making contributions to social security; if you are receiving certain state benefits and/or are a state pensioner; or if you set up a Convenio Especial to pay for basic state-provided insurance a monthly fee of €60 or €171 for individuals aged 65 and above.

However, many expats choose to use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Valencia are typically more modern and offer more personalized care than public hospitals.

Conclusion

Valencia is a city that offers a high quality of life at a relatively low cost. Of course, the cost of living in Valencia will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences, but in general, you can expect to live comfortably with a reasonable budget.

You can find affordable housing, food, transportation, entertainment, and healthcare in Valencia, as well as many opportunities for education, and leisure. You can also enjoy the culture, the nightlife, the gastronomy, the shopping, and the sports that Valencia has to offer. Valencia is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are a student, a professional, a retiree, or a digital nomad.

If you are looking for a place to live that combines the best of the Mediterranean and the modern, Valencia might be the perfect choice for you.

Book a consultation with me today and let me help you make your dream of living in Valencia a reality.

I am an international relocation expert with extensive experience helping people relocate all over the world. I can help you with all aspects of your relocation, from finding the right neighborhood to live into getting settled in and making the most of your new life in Valencia.