Valencia, Europe

Visa Options

Different Valencia Visa options are available

• Tourist Visa Spain is part of the Schengen Zone, allowing visa-free travel for up to 90 days for citizens of many countries, including the EU, the US, Canada, and Australia. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) Spain does not provide a visa-on-arrival option. Verify your visa requirements before departure.
• Digital Nomad Visa Spain offers a Digital Nomad Visa under its Startup Act, ideal for remote workers. This visa allows stays of up to 12 months, with potential extensions. Proof of remote work, income requirements, and health insurance are necessary for application.

Necessary details are available on Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website.

Average Cost of Living

Accommodation

• Budget: Shared apartments ($327-$545/month).
• Mid-Range: One-bedroom apartments ($654-$981/month).
• Luxury: High-end properties in areas like Eixample ($1308+/month).

Food

• Budget: Tapas and menu del día ($11-$16meal).
• Mid-Range: Restaurants serving paella or regional cuisine ($27-$43/meal).
• Luxury: Fine dining experiences ($87).

Transportation

• Public Transport: $2 per trip or $44 for a monthly pass.
• Cycling is popular, with rental services available.

Healthcare

• Spain offers high-quality public and private healthcare. Expats are encouraged to have private insurance ($54.50-$109/month).

Climate & Weather

Valencia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.

• Spring (March-May): Pleasant, with blooming flowers 59°F – 72°F (15°C-22°C).
• Summer (June-August): Hot and sunny, perfect for beaches 77°F – 95°F (25°C-35°C).
• Autumn (September-November): Mild and breezy 65°F – 75°F (18°C-25°C).
• Winter (December-February): Mild and sunny 50°F – 65°F (10°C-18°C).

The best times to visit are spring and autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

Landscape

• Beaches: Malvarrosa and El Saler offer golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
• Gardens: Turia Gardens, a reclaimed riverbed, is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
• Mountains: Explore the nearby Sierra Calderona for hiking.
• Architecture: From Gothic cathedrals to the futuristic designs of Santiago Calatrava.

Things to Do in Valencia

• Heritage Sites: Visit La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Valencia Cathedral.
• Adventure Activities: Try paddleboarding at the beach or hiking in the nearby mountains.
• Nightlife: Head to Russafa for trendy bars or El Carmen for a lively, eclectic vibe.
• Wellness Retreats: Enjoy yoga sessions in Turia Gardens or spa treatments in luxury resorts.
• Shopping: Explore the Central Market for local produce or Colón Market for high-end shopping.

Lifestyle

Life in Valencia revolves around its vibrant neighborhoods, outdoor cafes, and community events. The city’s relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle includes siestas, late-night dinners, and a strong emphasis on family and friends.

Expats find it easy to integrate through language exchanges, cultural festivals, and local meetups. Learning Spanish (and Valencian, the regional language) enhances the experience.

Other Important Locations in Spain

• Barcelona: Famous for Gaudí’s architecture and a lively arts scene.
• Madrid: The cultural and political heart of Spain.
• Seville: Known for flamenco dancing and historic sites like the Alcázar.
• Granada: Home to the stunning Alhambra Palace.
• Bilbao: Renowned for the Guggenheim Museum and Basque cuisine.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Shared apartments in suburban areas (€300-€500/month).
• Mid-Range: Modern apartments in popular neighborhoods (€600-€900/month).
• Luxury: High-end apartments or villas in exclusive areas like El Cabanyal (€1200+/month).

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

Valencia’s coworking spaces cater to remote workers and entrepreneurs:

• Vortex Coworking: Stylish and centrally located ($150-$210/month).
• Wayco: Offers flexible plans and networking events ($20/day or $210/month).
• Monday Innovation: A modern space with private offices ($250+/month).

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi: Valencia has excellent internet connectivity, with many cafes and public spaces offering free Wi-Fi. Most accommodations include high-speed internet as part of their amenities.
• SIM: Local SIM cards from companies like Movistar, Vodafone, or Orange are easily available at stores and kiosks. Activation is quick, but you’ll need an ID for registration.

Volunteering Opportunities

• Teach English: Volunteer in local schools or community centers.
• Environmental Projects: Join beach cleanups or park conservation efforts.
• Cultural Exchange: Assist in organizing local festivals or events.

. You can find details of different volunteering opportunities at www.volunteerhq.org or https://www.goabroad.com/volunteer-abroad/search/spain/valencia/volunteer-abroad-1

Local Employment Options

• Teaching English or other languages.
• IT and tech roles in startups.
• Tourism-related jobs like tour guides or hotel staff.

Real Estate Investment Options

• Residences: Buy apartments in the city center or near the beach.
• Commercial Properties: Invest in retail spaces in tourist-heavy areas.
• Vacation Rentals: Properties in Malvarrosa or El Saler are popular among tourists.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Valencia’s start-up ecosystem is flourishing, supported by accelerators like Startup Valencia and initiatives like Lanzadera. Key sectors include tech, green energy, and agri-food industries. The city’s affordable cost of living and quality of life attract entrepreneurs from around the world.

Business Setup Process for Expats

1. Choose a Business Structure
   Decide on the type of business entity that suits your needs. Common structures in Spain include:
   • Autónomo (Self-Employed): Ideal for freelancers and small-scale business owners.
   • Sociedad Limitada (S.L.): A Limited Liability Company, suitable for medium to large businesses.
   • Sociedad Anónima (S.A.): A Public Limited Company, typically for larger corporations.

1. Obtain an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero)
   The NIE is a Foreign Identification Number required to conduct any financial activity in Spain, including setting up a business. You can apply for an NIE at a Spanish consulate in your home country or at an immigration office in Spain.

1. Register Your Business Name
   Reserve a unique name for your business through the Central Commercial Registry (Registro Mercantil Central). This ensures your chosen name is not already in use.

1. Open a Spanish Bank Account
   Open a business bank account in Spain. For entities like S.L. or S.A., you’ll need to deposit the required share capital:
   • For an S.L.: $3,100 minimum.
   • For an S.A.: $62,000 minimum (25% of which must be paid upfront).

1. Draft and Legalize Company Documents
   Prepare the necessary documentation, including:
   • Articles of Association (Estatutos Sociales).
   • Company bylaws.
     These must be notarized by a Spanish notary.

1. Register with the Tax Authorities (Agencia Tributaria)
   Obtain a CIF (Código de Identificación Fiscal), a tax identification number for your company. This allows your business to operate and pay taxes legally in Spain.

1. Social Security Registration
   Register your business with the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (General Treasury of Social Security) to ensure compliance with employment laws and social security contributions.

1. Obtain Licenses and Permits
   Depending on the nature of your business, you may need specific permits or licenses, such as:Health and safety permits, Environmental Permits, Local operating licenses
2. Hire an Accountant or Legal Advisor
   Navigating Spanish tax laws and business regulations can be complex. It’s advisable to work with a local accountant or legal advisor who can help with compliance, payroll, and other administrative tasks.

1. Join Business Networks and Communities
   Valencia has a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Joining networks like Valencia Startup Hub or attending business events can help you connect with other entrepreneurs and access resources.

Business Opportunities

• Tourism: Boutique hotels, guided tours, or unique experiences for travelers.
• Food & Beverage: Specialty cafes, tapas bars, or international cuisine.
• Tech Startups: Solutions in sustainability, e-commerce, or app development.
• Real Estate: Property management or vacation rentals.