Valencia has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade and is now firmly established as one of Spain's most exciting cities for expats. Spain's third-largest city combines a rich cultural heritage — the birthplace of paella, home to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and host of the prestigious America's Cup — with a fast-growing international community, a booming technology sector, and property prices that remain well below those of Madrid and Barcelona. If you are considering a move to Spain, Valencia deserves serious consideration.
Valencia's expat community is notably diverse and younger than those in traditional coastal hotspots. The city has attracted a significant wave of digital nomads, tech workers, and entrepreneurs — partly driven by Spain's Digital Nomad Visa, for which Valencia has become a hub. There is also a large and established community of British, German, French, and Latin American expats, many of whom work in education, tourism, and international business. Families are well catered for with several strong international schools including The British School of Valencia and International College Spain.
Valencia has outstanding private healthcare. Hospital Quironsalud Valencia, Hospital 9 de Octubre, and Clínica Benidorm are among the top private facilities, offering English-speaking consultants across all major specialities. For expats applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa, private health insurance is a mandatory requirement. Even for those who do qualify for public healthcare, the waiting times for specialist appointments in the public system make private cover well worth having. We compare plans from all major providers to find the right policy for your age, health, and budget.
Valencia is a city of cyclists and has an exceptional public bike-sharing scheme (Valenbisi), but many expats living in the wider metropolitan area or in surrounding towns still rely on a car. The city's ring roads and the V-30 motorway corridor make driving straightforward, though parking in the centre is expensive. Car insurance premiums in Valencia are moderate — lower than Madrid but slightly higher than rural areas. If you are a new resident arriving with a foreign driving licence, we can also advise on the requirements for exchanging your licence for a Spanish one.
Valencia's property market has risen sharply in recent years as demand from both Spanish and international buyers has outpaced supply. Popular expat neighbourhoods include Ruzafa, El Carmen, Blasco Ibáñez, and the beachside district of Malvarrosa. If you are buying with a mortgage, buildings insurance is mandatory. Renters should also consider contents insurance — Valencia's older city-centre apartments in particular can be vulnerable to damp and water ingress. An important note: the devastating floods that struck the Valencia region in late 2024 highlighted the importance of ensuring your policy includes adequate flood and water damage coverage. We make sure this is included as standard.
Valencia's thriving startup and freelance ecosystem means that professional civil responsibility insurance is in high demand. Whether you are a developer, designer, consultant, or other self-employed professional, a civil responsibility policy protects you if a client suffers a financial loss as a result of your work. It is often required to win contracts with larger companies and public bodies in Spain.
We are independent, bilingual brokers with over 20 years of experience helping expats across Spain. We compare prices from Mapfre, AXA, Allianz, DKV, Adeslas, and more to find you the best deal. Request a free, no-obligation quote today — we handle everything in your language.