Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city. It has sunshine for most of the year, a long city beach, a historic centre and the famous City of Arts and Sciences. Living costs are lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, which is why more and more people are moving to Valencia from the UK. Here are our practical tips for moving to Valencia from the UK in 2026.
1. Check your visa or residence route first
UK nationals can visit Spain for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. To live in Valencia, you need the right visa or residence permit, for example for work, a non-lucrative (retirement) visa or a digital nomad visa. Start with the GOV.UK guide to living in Spain, and sort your visa before you book your removal date.
2. Plan your paperwork for when you arrive
Leave time in your first weeks for the local admin:
- Empadronamiento: register on the town hall’s population register (the padrón). You’ll need it for many other steps.
- TIE: your residence card. GOV.UK explains the process in its guide to registering as a resident and getting a TIE.
- Healthcare: register through your job, or arrange private cover if your visa needs it.
- Driving licence: once you become resident, check the GOV.UK rules on how long you can drive on your UK licence and when you need to exchange it.
3. Book your removal around the busy months
Summer is the busiest time for moves between the UK and Spain. Valencia also gets very busy during Las Fallas in March, when many streets in the centre close. If your dates are flexible, a spring or autumn move is usually easier. Book your removal as soon as you have a moving date and an address.
4. Plan van access in the old town
The historic centre (Ciutat Vella, including El Carmen) has narrow streets, pedestrian areas and very little parking. Many flats are in older buildings with small lifts or no lift at all. Measure large furniture before moving day, and ask your landlord about access. Valencia has also approved a low emission zone (Zona de Bajas Emisiones), so check the latest rules on the Valencia City Council website.
When you move with MoveDay Removals, we plan the right vehicle and access for your street before moving day, so there are no surprises.
5. Get the customs paperwork right
Since Brexit, household goods going from the UK to Spain cross an EU customs border. You’ll need a detailed inventory and the correct declarations. If you’re moving your normal residence to Spain, you may be able to bring your personal belongings in without paying import duty, as long as you meet the conditions. Read our UK Customs Guide 2026, or let our customs team handle the forms for you.
6. Choose your neighbourhood
- Ruzafa (Russafa): lively, full of cafés and markets, and popular with expats.
- El Carmen: the historic old town, full of character but tricky for vans.
- El Cabanyal and Malvarrosa: by the beach, with colourful old houses and new flats.
- Benimaclet: relaxed and close to the universities.
- Campanar: modern and green, with good schools. Popular with families.
7. Make the most of the city
Valencia is easy to get around by metro, tram and bike. The Turia Gardens, a 9 km park in the old riverbed, cross the whole city. Join local expat groups before you move to get tips on renting, schools and paperwork. See our post on why joining expat communities before moving to Spain is a great idea.
Moving to Valencia? We can help
MoveDay Removals moves families and businesses between the UK and Spain, with full and part loads, and we can take care of the customs paperwork too. See our moving to Spain page or get a free quote.
Website: https://movedayremovals.com
Phone: 07378 626882
Email: office@movedayremovals.co.uk
This article is general guidance, correct as of October 2026. Rules and requirements can change, so always check the latest information on GOV.UK and with the Spanish authorities before you move.