Your Expat Community in Valencia

It really depends on what you’re looking for. You might want to check out neighborhoods like Ruzafa, El Carmen, Cabanyal, Malvarrosa, and Benimaclet. Here’s what each area has to offer, so you can decide if it fits your needs:

Ruzafa: This area is filled with cafes, independent shops, and art galleries. You’ll find great nightlife with bars, restaurants, and live music venues. It’s best for young professionals, creatives, and those who love being in a social, buzzing environment.

El Carmen: Located in the historic center, it’s full of medieval and gothic architecture, narrow streets leading to museums, cultural spots, and historic landmarks. There’s also a lively nightlife.It’s ideal for history lovers and culture enthusiasts.

Cabanyal and Malvarrosa: These beachside neighborhoods offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Cabanyal has a traditional charm, while Malvarrosa boasts long sandy beaches perfect for outdoor activities. Both areas are known for excellent seafood restaurants.

Benimaclet: This is aquieter, community-oriented neighborhood with a village-like feel, cozy squares, traditional tapas bars, and a multicultural vibe. It’s great for families, students, and those looking for a peaceful area still close to the city center.

Getting around Valencia is easy with its excellent public transport network, including 60 bus lines, 5 metro lines, and 4 tram lines connecting all neighborhoods and major attractions. The city is also bike-friendly, featuring over 200 kilometers of bike lanes, making cycling a great option for exploring.

Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are readily available too. Whether you choose public transport, biking, or a taxi, you’ll find navigating Valencia to be convenient and efficient. Find out more about transportation in Valencia.

Valencia has a high-quality healthcare system, with both public and private services. Public healthcare in Valencia is free for Spanish citizens and all residents with valid permits. If you prefer private care, there are many options available, though they can be on the pricier side.

When it comes to health insurance, some premiums may be high. But there are some affordable choices for expats looking for coverage. Find out more about healthcare in Valencia

In Valencia, you can choose from public and private schools. Public schools teach in Spanish, while private schools may offer classes in English or other languages.

For university, the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University of Valencia are highly reputable and rank well nationally and internationally. You’ll also find private options like Cardenal Herrera-CEU University, the European University, and Florida Universitària, as well as specialized schools like ESIC Business & Marketing School and ESAT. Most degrees are in Spanish, but some programs are available in English too!

Find out more about universities and colleges (including info about requirements, housing, etc.).

Networking is always a great way to start. Attend local events and join expat groups to meet new people. Look for international companies that are hiring multilingual staff or explore opportunities in hospitality, such as tour guides or waitstaff positions.

Don’t forget to check job boards like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Jobs in Valencia, and English Jobs Spain, where you can find a variety of roles in different languages, including remote work options.

To work in Spain, you’ll need a work permit, which is usually tied to a job offer from a Spanish company. Your employer will handle most of the process, applying for the permit on your behalf. If you’re from the EU, you don't need a work permit — just register with the local authorities. For non-EU citizens, you’ll also need a residency visa, which you can apply for at the Spanish consulate in your home country before moving. Make sure to gather all the necessary paperwork in advance.

If you live in Valencia for more than 183 days (about 6 months) a year, you’ll be considered a tax resident and need to report your income from all over the world. Spain has a special “Beckham Law” for some expats, which lets you pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish income for up to six years. Talk to a tax expert to understand what applies to you and any perks you might get.

Yes, Valencia is a safe city to live in. Like any big city, you should keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, but overall, crime rates are low, and most expats feel comfortable and secure here.

In Valencia, you can use both Spanish and Valencian (a form of Catalan). Spanish is the most commonly spoken language. Valencian is also used in local government, schools, and media, but not everyone speaks it fluently.

English is widely understood in touristy spots, restaurants, and international places, but it’s less common in more local areas. It’s a good idea to learn Spanish. It’ll not only help you get around more easily but also help you connect with locals and enjoy the culture more.

Valencia is honestly one of those places where you’ll never get bored.

If you’re in the mood to chill, just head to La Malvarrosa or Las Arenas beach and soak up the sun. Feeling a bit more active? Grab a bike and ride through the Turia Gardens or go for a hike in Sierra Calderona — it’s absolutely stunning.

If you’re into culture, you’ve got to check out the City of Arts and Sciences, wander through Mercado Central for some amazing local food, or catch a flamenco show. And when the sun goes down, that’s when things really get fun. Start with some tapas in Ruzafa, then either hit a club like MYA or Barraca if you’re up for a night out, or find some live music at La Rambleta.

Oh, and if you’re here during Las Fallas, get ready for absolute madness — in the best way possible. There’s also food festivals, art exhibits at IVAM, and just a ton of cool stuff happening all the time.

It’s helpful to know what to expect when it comes to living expenses. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of typical monthly costs, covering everything from rent and utilities to groceries and fun outings.