Frequently Asked Questions

Moving to Valencia is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from individuals and families planning their move to Spain.

Ready to Move to Valencia?

Whether you’re still exploring options or already have flights booked, our team can help you create a realistic plan for your move.

Book a Strategy Call and get personalized guidance on:

• Visas

• Housing

• Schools

• Neighborhoods

• Timeline planning

• Budget expectations

About LaVidalencia

What is LaVidalencia?

LaVidalencia is a Valencia-based relocation consulting company that helps individuals and families move to Valencia, Spain with confidence.

We provide guidance on housing, schools, visas, neighborhood selection, and settling into life in Valencia. Our goal is to help you avoid common mistakes, reduce stress, and make informed decisions throughout your move.

Do you actually live in Valencia?

Yes.

Our team lives in Valencia and has personally relocated our own families to Spain. Everything we teach clients comes from direct experience combined with years of helping other families navigate the relocation process.

Are you immigration attorneys?

No.

We are relocation consultants, not immigration attorneys.

We help clients understand the process, organize documentation, coordinate with legal professionals, and avoid common mistakes. When legal advice is needed, we connect clients with trusted immigration attorneys and specialists.

How many families have you helped?

Our team has provided hundreds of relocation consultations and has helped families from across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries successfully transition to life in Valencia.

Working With Us

What happens during a Strategy Call?

A Strategy Call is usually the best place to start.

During the call, we’ll discuss:

• Your goals and timeline
• Visa considerations
• Housing plans
• School options
• Neighborhood preferences
• Budget expectations
• Recommended next steps

The goal is to create a realistic roadmap for your move.

Can you help if I haven’t decided which visa to pursue?

Absolutely.

Many clients contact us before they have selected a visa pathway. We help explain the most common options and connect you with legal professionals who can advise on your specific circumstances.

Can you help before I move to Spain?

Yes.

Most of our clients begin working with us months before they arrive in Valencia.

Can you help after I arrive?

Yes.

Many clients continue working with us after arrival for assistance with housing, schools, local registrations, and settling into daily life in Valencia.

Who will I work with?

LaVidalencia is a team of relocation specialists.

Depending on your needs, you may work with Amanda, Cory, Claudio, or multiple team members throughout your relocation journey.

Our goal is to match you with the best expertise for your specific situation.

Housing & Neighborhoods

Do you find apartments for clients?

Yes.

Our Guided Flat Finding service helps clients understand the rental market, identify suitable neighborhoods, evaluate listings, communicate with agents, and avoid common pitfalls.

Are you real estate agents?

No.

We are relocation consultants and housing strategists.

Our focus is helping clients make informed decisions and successfully navigate the housing process rather than acting as traditional real estate agents.

Can you attend apartment viewings?

Depending on the service package selected, yes.

We can provide varying levels of support, including property evaluations, neighborhood guidance, and in-person assistance.

How much money should I budget when renting in Valencia?

Most renters should expect some combination of:

• First month’s rent
• Security deposit
• Possible agency fees
• Possible landlord insurance requirements

Requirements vary depending on the property, landlord, and your personal circumstances.

What neighborhoods do you recommend?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

Popular neighborhoods include:

• Ruzafa
• El Pla del Real
• Benimaclet
• Campanar
• Benicalap
• Patraix
• La Saïdia
• El Cabanyal

The right neighborhood depends on your budget, lifestyle, family needs, school preferences, commute requirements, and personal priorities.

Can you help us buy a property in Valencia?

Yes.

We help clients understand the home-buying process in Spain and can connect them with trusted real estate professionals, mortgage brokers, attorneys, and property specialists.

We also provide strategic guidance to help clients determine whether renting or buying makes the most sense for their situation.

Schools & Education

Can you help us choose a school?

Yes.

School selection is one of the most important decisions many families make.

We help clients understand:

• Public schools
• Concertado schools
• Private international schools
• Montessori schools
• British curriculum schools
• American curriculum schools

Will you help us contact schools?

Yes.

Depending on your service package, we can assist with school research, introductions, application planning, and understanding enrollment timelines.

How far in advance should we start researching schools?

Ideally, families should begin the process six to twelve months before relocating.

That said, we’ve helped many families successfully navigate much tighter timelines.

Visas & Immigration

Which visa is best for Americans moving to Spain?

There is no single best visa for everyone.

Common pathways include:

• Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
• Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
• Student Visas
• Family Reunification

The right option depends entirely on your individual situation.

Do you submit visa applications?

No.

We do not file immigration applications.

Instead, we help clients understand the process, prepare documentation, coordinate timelines, and work alongside trusted immigration professionals.

Can you recommend immigration attorneys?

Yes.

We maintain relationships with experienced immigration professionals who regularly assist international families relocating to Spain.

Can you help with empadronamiento, TIE appointments, and settling in?

Yes.

Many clients need support after arriving in Spain.

We can help guide you through common administrative processes such as:

• Empadronamiento

• TIE appointments

• School enrollment

• Healthcare registration

• Banking

• Mobile phones

• Day-to-day setup

Availability depends on the services selected.

Life in Valencia

Why do so many families choose Valencia?

Valencia offers a combination that is difficult to find elsewhere:

• Lower cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona
• Excellent public transportation
• Mediterranean beaches
• Family-friendly neighborhoods
• Strong international community
• Outstanding food culture
• High levels of safety
• Exceptional quality of life

Do I need to speak Spanish before moving?

No.

Many clients move before becoming fluent.

However, learning Spanish will significantly improve your long-term experience and help you integrate more deeply into local life.

Is Valencia safe?

In our experience, Valencia feels remarkably safe compared to many large cities in the United States.

Violent crime is relatively uncommon. Like many European cities, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in tourist areas, so common-sense precautions are still important.

Pricing & Expectations

Why should I hire a relocation consultant?

International moves involve hundreds of decisions and countless moving pieces.

Clients typically hire us to:

• Save time
• Avoid costly mistakes
• Gain local knowledge
• Reduce stress
• Build confidence throughout the process

What services do most families purchase?

Most clients begin with a Strategy Call.

From there, common services include:

• Guided Flat Finding
• School Finding & Coaching
• Visa Planning & Coordination
• Neighborhood Walking Tours

We help determine which services make the most sense based on your situation.

What is the best first step?

Book a Strategy Call.

We’ll discuss your goals, timeline, family situation, and priorities, then help you determine the best path forward.

Ready to start planning your move to Valencia?