Valencia offers a different way of experiencing life in Spain. Spain’s third-largest city combines a Mediterranean lifestyle with a growing international community, strong transport connections, beaches, green spaces and a more relaxed pace than Madrid or Barcelona.

For expats, it can be an attractive destination for professionals, families, students and remote workers looking for a balance between career opportunities and quality of life.

But moving to Valencia still requires careful planning. From immigration and local registration to finding a home, choosing a school and getting used to local life, there are several practical aspects to consider before and after your arrival.

Planning your move to Valencia

The first steps will depend on your nationality and the reason for your relocation. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to arrange a visa or residence permit, obtain an NIE, prepare employment documentation and complete other immigration procedures before travelling to Spain.

It is also worth organising the practical side of your move in advance, including accommodation, healthcare, banking, insurance, schools and essential household services.

If you are relocating to Valencia through your employer, there may be additional immigration and employment requirements to manage.

Local registration in Valencia

After finding a place to live, one of the important administrative steps is registering on the Padrón Municipal, the official register of residents maintained by the Ayuntamiento de Valencia.

Registration can be relevant to a range of administrative procedures and helps establish your residence in the city. The documentation required will depend on your personal circumstances and accommodation.

For international residents, understanding which local procedures need to be completed,  (and in what order) can make the first weeks in Valencia considerably easier.

Finding a home in Valencia

One of the attractions of moving to Valencia is the variety of housing options available across the city and its surrounding areas. You can choose between historic neighbourhoods, lively central districts, residential areas, university zones and locations close to the beach.

However, the growing popularity of Valencia has also put pressure on the housing market. Rental availability and prices can vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood, property type and proximity to the city centre or the coast.

For someone arriving from abroad, the process can be particularly challenging without local knowledge. Understanding rental requirements, preparing the right documentation and knowing which areas match your budget can save time and avoid unnecessary complications.

Where should expats live in Valencia?

Valencia has a relatively compact urban layout, but its neighbourhoods offer very different lifestyles.

Ruzafa is known for its restaurants, cafés and cultural scene, while El Carmen offers historic streets and a central location. El Pla del Real and areas around the Turia Gardens can appeal to families and professionals looking for green spaces and a residential atmosphere.

For those who want to be closer to the sea, neighbourhoods such as Cabanyal-Canyamelar offer a different side of Valencia, with a strong maritime identity and easy access to the beach.

Families looking for more space may also consider residential areas outside the city centre or municipalities within the metropolitan area.

Getting around Valencia

Valencia is relatively easy to navigate without a car. The city has an extensive network of buses, metro, trams and commuter trains, while its flat geography makes cycling a practical option for many residents. The city also has more than 200 kilometres of cycle lanes.

The former Turia riverbed, now the Jardín del Turia, runs through the city as a large green corridor and provides a popular route for walking and cycling.

For expats, this combination of public transport, cycling and walkable neighbourhoods can make everyday life particularly convenient.

Healthcare and essential services

Your access to healthcare in Valencia will depend on your residency and healthcare coverage.

For those entitled to public healthcare, the Valencian Community uses the SIP card (Sistema de Información Poblacional) to identify users within the regional healthcare system. The specific requirements and procedures depend on each person’s circumstances.

Beyond healthcare, settling into your new home may involve opening a Spanish bank account and arranging utilities, internet, mobile services, insurance and other everyday essentials.

Moving to Valencia with children

Valencia can be an attractive option for international families thanks to its combination of schools, outdoor spaces, beaches and family-friendly activities.

Families can choose between public, private, bilingual and international education, depending on their needs and circumstances.

As with any relocation, it is advisable to consider school availability when choosing where to live. In Valencia, proximity to schools, public transport and everyday amenities can make a significant difference to your family’s daily routine.

Discovering Valencian life and culture

Moving to Valencia also means getting to know Valencian culture and traditions.

Valencian and Spanish are both part of everyday life in the region, and you may encounter Valencian in local institutions, schools, cultural activities and public spaces.

Food is another important part of local identity. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, while its Mediterranean cuisine draws heavily on local produce, rice, seafood and vegetables from the surrounding huerta.

The city’s biggest celebration, Las Fallas, transforms Valencia every March with enormous artistic sculptures, fireworks, traditional events and neighbourhood celebrations. Beyond the festival, local markets, neighbourhood fiestas and the city’s connection to the Mediterranean all form part of what makes life in Valencia distinctive.

Enjoying the Valencia lifestyle

One of the biggest changes for many newcomers is the rhythm of everyday life.

Valencia offers a strong outdoor culture, with beaches, the Turia Gardens and easy access to the Albufera Natural Park. The combination of city, sea and green spaces means that outdoor activities can become part of everyday life rather than something reserved for weekends or holidays.

This balance between urban life and the outdoors is one of the reasons Valencia attracts an increasingly international population.

How can a relocation company help?

Moving to Valencia from abroad involves coordinating immigration, housing, schools and everyday arrangements, often while you are still in another country.

A relocation company can provide local expertise and coordinate these different elements, from finding a suitable home to navigating administrative procedures and helping your family settle into the city.

BRS Global Mobility supports individuals, families and companies relocating to Valencia and other destinations across Spain. From home search and immigration support to school search and settling-in services, our team helps make international relocation simpler and more efficient.

Planning to move to Valencia? Contact BRS Global Mobility to find out how we can support your relocation.