I Dream of Relocation to Valencia, But How Do I Make It a Reality?
You know that moment when you’re scrolling through Instagram and see pictures of Valencia – palm trees, turquoise Mediterranean beaches, and paella by the sea – and you whisper to yourself, “I wish that was my life…”?
Guess what? It can be.
Relocating to Valencia doesn’t start with paperwork or packing boxes. It starts with a dream – and then, little by little, you give that dream shape until it becomes your everyday reality.
My personal journey: from wish to reality
For me, it all started with a wish. I didn’t have a concrete plan at first – I just knew I wanted the experience of living abroad. So I asked myself: Which city could work?
I made a list:
A place that fit our budget
A place with great climate (sunny but not extreme)
A place rich in culture and history
And most importantly, a place with a good people vibe – welcoming, relaxed, family-friendly.
Spain was a top candidate from the start. But honestly, Valencia wasn’t even on my radar. I thought about Madrid, maybe Barcelona… until, by chance, a job offer in Valencia came up.
We came for a visit – and we absolutely fell in love. The Mediterranean sea, the calm but vibrant energy of the city, the balance of modern life with tradition – it just felt right.
When I started searching for schools for my children, I was amazed at how many international schools in Valencia there are. That reassured me that this was a city not only great for kids to grow up in, but also a place that warmly welcomes foreigners. That moment, the dream became a decision.
Step 1: Say it out loud
The first step might sound simple: start talking about it. Tell your family, your friends, your colleagues. Share the idea with whoever will listen. You’ll be surprised at how many people suddenly say, “Oh! I know someone who moved to Valencia” or “I have a cousin in Spain, let me connect you.” The more you say it, the more real it becomes – and the more support you’ll gather.
Step 2: Know your “why”
Before diving into visas and housing, take a step back and ask yourself:
Why Valencia? Is it the climate, the culture, the food, or the family-friendly lifestyle?
What do I want to change in my life? Less stress, more sun, better work-life balance?
What do I want to keep the same? Maybe your career, certain hobbies, or your kids’ schooling style.
Valencia is amazing, but clarity on your goals will help you make smarter choices.
Step 3: Get practical about visas and lifestyle
This is the less glamorous side, but it’s important. Depending on your nationality and work situation, you may need a visa:
Non-Lucrative Visa – popular with retirees or digital nomads with independent income.
Digital Nomad Visa – perfect for remote workers and freelancers who want to live in Spain while continuing their international work.
Work Visa – for those who are transferring within a company or being hired in Spain.
Student Visa – a great option if you or your children plan to study in Spain, whether at university, language school, or another recognized institution.
Each option has different requirements, but don’t worry – many expats have gone through this, and guidance exists.
Then think lifestyle:
If you’re a family, what will your spouse do? How old are the kids, and what kind of schooling would suit them (local Spanish, bilingual, or international)?
If you’re single or a couple, what kind of community do you want – expat-focused or fully local immersion?
Step 4: Budget and cost of living in Valencia
Valencia is more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, but prices have risen in recent years, especially for desirable family homes and modern flats.
Here’s a realistic range for many relocating families:
Rent for a 3–4 bedroom modern flat in good neighborhoods (Gran via, El Pla del Remei, Mestalla, City of Arts & Sciences area): €1,800–€3,000+ depending on size and amenities.
In the suburbs (La Eliana, Rocafort, Godella, Bétera), a family villa with a pool and garden usually ranges from €2,500–€4,500 per month.
Everyday living (groceries, restaurants, utilities, kids’ activities) for a family of four typically sits between €2,500–€3,500 a month, depending on lifestyle choices.
👉 For updated insights on cost of living, you can also check Numbeo’s Valencia Cost of Living Index.
Step 5: Take it step by step – with help
Relocation is like a puzzle. Alone, the pieces can feel scattered – visas, housing, schools, paperwork, healthcare. But when you work through it step by step, ideally with someone guiding you, suddenly the picture becomes clear.
That’s where relocation services like Next Stop Valencia come in. We’ve already done it (sometimes the hard way!) and can hold your hand so you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes.
FAQs from people dreaming of moving to Valencia
Q: Can I move without speaking Spanish?
Yes – but it will limit you. Valencia is international and friendly, but learning some Spanish will open doors socially and professionally. You can check out official Spanish language schools (EOI) in Valencia.
Q: Is Valencia family-friendly?
Absolutely. Parks everywhere, kids are welcome in restaurants, and schools range from public Spanish to top-tier international. Here’s a useful guide to international schools in Valencia.
Q: How long does the visa process take?
It depends, but usually between 2–4 months. Start early, because missing one translated/apostilled document can cause delays.
✨ Bottom line: If relocating to Valencia is your dream, start talking about it, gather your support system, define your goals, and take it step by step. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely doable. And the reward – a sunny Mediterranean lifestyle with better work-life balance – is worth every step.
👉 At Next Stop Valencia, we’re here to help you turn your “what if” into “this is my life now.”