Immigration Consultancy Valencia | NIE

We help with NIE, registration, residence permit and degree validation in Valencia. Immigration support for foreigners settling in Spain.

Frequently asked questions

What are the legal requirements for relocating to Valencia?

Non-EU citizens need a visa before arrival. Once in Valencia, everyone must obtain a NIE (foreigner identification number), register on the padrón at the town hall, and non-EU residents must collect their TIE residence card within 30 days. EU citizens register at the police for a green certificate.

Is it hard for a US citizen to move to Spain?

Not hard, but it takes planning. Americans need a visa for stays over 90 days. The most common routes are the non-lucrative visa (for retirees and those with passive income) and the digital nomad visa (for remote workers). Processing takes two to four months through a Spanish consulate.

How difficult is it for a UK citizen to move to Spain after Brexit?

Since Brexit, British citizens need a visa to live in Spain, like any non-EU national. The non-lucrative visa and digital nomad visa are the main options. Applications go through the Spanish consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh and take around two to three months. The Golden Visa closed in April 2025.

How much money do I need in the bank to move to Spain?

For the non-lucrative visa, Spain requires proof of roughly €28,800 per year for the main applicant plus about €7,200 per dependant, shown in savings or passive income. Beyond visa requirements, budget €5,000–8,000 for deposits, agency fees, first month's rent and setup costs.

What is the 2-year rule in Spain?

It usually refers to the two-year residency requirement for citizens of Latin American countries, Portugal, the Philippines and others to apply for Spanish nationality. For everyone else, nationality requires ten years of legal residency. It is unrelated to visas or renting.

Can I live in Spain permanently if I buy a property?

No. Since April 2025, buying property no longer provides residency rights in Spain. You still need a visa such as the non-lucrative or digital nomad visa. Owning a home helps prove accommodation for your application but doesn't replace it.