Moving to Valencia

Valencia is a popular tourist destination due to its position on the Mediterranean coast, its long stretch of sandy beach and its vibrant nightlife. Those staying longer though will find, beyond the usual trappings of a tourist town, a city where the modern combines effortlessly with the medieval. Layer upon layer of history, culture and cuisine are the rewards for those choosing a life in Valencia.

The Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Moors and Christians have all at various times been seduced by the charms of Valencia and all set up major settlements in the city – an important trading port in the Mediterranean. The various inhabitants left behind an impressive architectural legacy that has been wonderfully preserved in churches, trading houses and fortifications that form a counterpoint to modern works like the City of Arts and Science or Norman Foster’s Palau de congres.

Still the largest port on the Med, Valencia’s economy was rapidly growing before the crisis in the Eurozone and attracting foreign workers at quite a rate. Recently though the city has suffered a downturn along with the rest of Spain, been forced to seek a bailout from the Spanish government, seen unemployment rocket to 28 % and faces an uncertain outlook for 2013.

Moving to Valencia from the UK

Making a permanent move from the UK to Valencia poses no problems in terms of visas or work permits – assuming EU citizenship – but finding work could prove very challenging in an environment of high unemployment, especially if you haven’t yet mastered the language.

There are two official languages in Valencia – Spanish and Valencian. While Valencian is used on public signs and notices, in schools and by government, Spanish is the most commonly used language for business.

There is a free course provided by the Valencian government for newcomers that introduces Valencian society, the two languages and the Spanish and Valencian legal systems. The course, while useful, still needs to be supplemented with additional language tuition for most.

Valencia still respects the Spanish siesta – almost completely eradicated in Madrid and Barcelona – so most businesses are closed between 2pm and 4.30pm.

The city is relatively compact so choosing where to live won’t be too much of a headache. Though Spanish property prices crashed severely after the global financial crisis, prices are still buoyant in the expat-heavy neighbourhoods of Canovas and Avenida de Francia. L’Eliana, Puçol and Betera are villages outside the city with good public transport links and which are also popular with expats.

You should also bear in mind that opening a Spanish bank account can save you a few pennies during your stay in Valencia.

Select the size of your move to get free quotes

Healthcare

Before your big move to Valencia, it’s wise to think about medical cover for when you’re out there.

That’s why we’ve partnered with Cigna for private medical insurance in Valencia. With four levels of annual cover to choose from and extra modules for more flexibility, Cigna will sort you out with a plan that suits your needs.

Start building a customised plan with a free quote to protect your most important assets – you and your family.

Can you still move to Spain after Brexit?

Yes, you can – but you’ll have to follow a new set of rules. Britain is now treated as a “third country” when it comes to moving to somewhere in the EU, which means that the process is a little more complicated than before.

If you were a legal resident in Spain before 1 January 2021, you will be able to stay. If you would like to move to Spain without committing to residency just yet you can take the following steps.

Firstly, you’ll need to get a temporary residence visa – also known as a Tarjeta de Residencia – which will allow you to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days.

To do this, you should make an appointment with the Spanish Consulate in London by emailing cog.londres.residencia@maec.es with your details, including your:

• Name
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Telephone number
• Preferred date for an appointment (only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays)

You can also apply for a temporary visa within Spain, though you must do so at an oficina de extranjeros – an immigration office – within 30 days of arriving in the country. Although this might appeal to some, we wouldn’t recommend doing this, as it’s typically the more stressful way of applying for a visa.

A temporary visa will allow you to stay in Spain for anywhere from three months to five years, depending on your circumstances. And, if you find yourself not wanting to part ways with Spain after five years of living there, you can apply for a permanent residence visa.

Comparing Valencia to London

The Valencian climate is much warmer than that of London with average summer highs approaching 30 °C and winter lows rarely dipping below 5 °C at night. You’ll experience almost twice as much sunshine in Valencia than in London and you’ll also endure about 25% less rain, most of which is confined to the period between September and December.

The cost of living in Valencia is significantly lower – rent, property, groceries and restaurants are all significantly cheaper than in the UK capital – though you may find yourself paying more for some consumer goods, mobile phone usage and internet access.

On the whole, Valencians report themselves as feeling safer, experiencing less pollution and spend less time commuting.

Culturally, Valencia punches well above its weight for a mid-sized city. Alongside the gothic architectural gems of the Cathedral, the Silk Exchange (La Llotja de la Seda) and the Torres de Serranos you’ll find breathtaking modern masterpieces designed by Calatrava and Candela at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Science) complex in the heart of the city.

There are many museums and galleries – foremost among them the Museu de Belles Arts de València featuring works of El Greco and Goya – a huge zoo at Bioparc Valencia, a 6.5 km long garden park along the Turia river and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía concert venue.

Valencia is also famous for the Falles festival which takes place in March, the Tomatina food fight which takes place in nearby Buñol and for Valencia C.F. the Primera Liga football team who play their home matches at the Mestalla.

Transferring money to Valencia

If you’re thinking of moving to Valencia, you’ll probably need to convert some of your British pounds into euros.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with Wise, an easy-to-use online international money transfer service which uses the real exchange rate, and charges low fees.

How much could you save? Well, its service can be up to 8x cheaper than high street banks.

Join more than 7 million people and start using Wise today.