Europe is attractive for expats because it ticks many boxes that foreigners seek after retirement.
Starting a new life on Spanish soil requires thorough preparation, and choosing the right area is a crucial part of the process.
James Blick, a YouTuber who owns the account Spain Revealed, has shed light on the different destinations that make good homes for expats.
In a recent clip, the content creator touched on several reasons Valencia has become an expat hotspot.
Valencia is a great place for expats
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“It’s in the Mediterranean, it’s historic, plus the local food is fantastic,” explained Blick.
“Valencia, a city of almost 8,000 inhabitants on the country’s east coast is consistently rated as an expat favourite in Spain and the world.”
It is one of few cities in Spain where foreigners do not form expat bubbles but rather integrate into the local community.
This is because newcomers tend to feel right at home living among locals who share a similar economic status and lifestyle.
While the areas at the centre of Valencia are most popular, many digital nomads choose to live by the beach instead.
“With 300 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of 19°C, Valencia is a city made for enjoying the outdoor life, especially in autumn,” noted travel experts at Visit Valencia.
What you need to know
Expats hoping to move to Spain from outside of the EU/EEA are required to have a visa, with several options available to them.
After the paperwork has been acquired, travellers need to get a temporary residence permit. Only after five years of temporary residence do they become eligible for permanent residency.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office explained: “Before you move to Spain you must apply for the appropriate visa from the Spanish consulates in London or Edinburgh, or the Spanish consulate in Manchester […].
“You must apply for your residence document as soon as you arrive in Spain. Your children must also be registered with their residency documents.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Valencia is one of the most affordable destinations for expats
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Despite being an idyllic country for expats, James warned that tourism is slowly changing Spain.
“When I moved to Spain I fell in love […] with Madrid,” James declared in the clip. Over time, however, the expat’s admiration has given way to frustration.
“In short what I loved was Madrid’s idiosyncrasy, but over the years I’ve watched as that idiosyncrasy has been eroded,” he explained.
“A lot of chains and franchises have moved in and a lot of [….] neighbourhood shops have been pushed out.”
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