Settling in Valencia in 5 key stepsAre you about to join the ranks of expats in Valencia? Before you can enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of this beautiful Spanish region, get ready for the maze of administrative formalities. To make things easier for you and avoid pitfalls, here are the 5 essential steps to take to ensure your expatriation to Valencia goes as smoothly as possible!
1. Get your NIE, the key to Valencia
The first thing to do when expatriating to Valencia, and not the least: get your NIE (Numéro d’Identification d’Etranger), because without this precious sesame, you’ll be virtually paralyzed in Spain. Essential for working, opening a bank account, subscribing to a telephone service, renting or buying a home, and even buying a car, the NIE is your passport to Spanish life. We strongly advise you to apply for it at your nearest Spanish consulate, even before you set foot on Spanish soil. And if Valencia is to be your home for more than three months, don’t forget to apply for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union, commonly known as the little green resident’s card.
2. Have a Spanish bank account
The second thing you need to do as an expat in Spain? Open a local bank account, essential for paying your daily bills like gas, electricity or telephone. To do this, you’ll need to bring your ID card, your NIE, your TIN number (your French tax number) and your social security number.
Among banks, we recommend Sabadell, for several reasons: contracts are available in French, as are the online interface and customer service, not to mention the possibility of opening a commission-free account, subject to certain conditions.
3. Find a home in sunny Valencia
Valencia, with its Mediterranean climate, is even more pleasant when you have somewhere to put your suitcases at the end of the day, but it’s a bit complicated… Fortunately, there are temporary solutions such as Airbnb, hotels, or even medium-term rentals, which will allow you to take your time and choose the ideal accommodation for your move to Valencia without rushing.
4. Registering with the town hall (empadronamiento)
Now that you have your NIE and your pied-à-terre, the next step is the empadronamiento, i.e. your registration on the lists of the municipality where you live. This document is essential for a whole series of administrative formalities, such as registering with a health center, enrolling your children in school, and obtaining a green resident’s card. Fortunately, technology has made life easier: this process can often be completed online, thanks to your digital certificate.
5. Connecting via a Spanish telephone line
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to market players: Orange, Movistar, Ono, Vodafone… they all offer a wide range of options, including ADSL, fiber optics and various mobile packages. Admittedly, rates may seem higher than in France, with services that sometimes leave something to be desired. This is one of the small sacrifices you have to make to enjoy Spanish life. To get your line, don’t forget your NIE and your local bank account!