Retiring In Valencia Spain

Retiring In Valencia Spain

Retiring In Valencia Spain

Who would have thought that I would be retiring in Spain and/or living in Valencia, a city known for its cultural attractions, Mediterranean food, renowned sunny weather and beautiful beaches.  It was just a dream when I was younger, well thanks to my oldest son and his family – my dream has come true! 

I retired a little early so that I could help with my four grandchildren.  I was totally surprised when my son and daughter-in-law shared that they wanted to move and live in Spain.  I have to admit that I was a little shocked but also kind of excited at the thought. Let’s look at how my journey began and what I had to do to move to Spain.

Why Retire In Valencia?

My son and wife had been thinking about relocating to somewhere in Europe for a while.  They had done their research, narrowed it down before explaining what Valencia offered their family compared to other European countries.  I have listed a few of the factors which influenced my family to move to Valencia and me to retire to Spain.

1. Climate: Valencia has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, making it an ideal place to retire for those who prefer a warm and sunny climate.
 
2. Cost of living: Compared to other major cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona, Valencia has a lower cost of living in Spain. 

This means that your retirement savings can go further, allowing you to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
 
3. Healthcare: Spain has a renowned health system, and Valencia is no exception. The city boasts excellent public and private hospitals and medical facilities, ensuring that you will have access to high-quality healthcare services during your retirement.
 
4. Outdoor activities: Valencia is surrounded by natural beauty and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. From the beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coast to the picturesque mountains nearby, retirees can enjoy hiking, cycling, water sports, and more.
 
5. Cultural attractions: Valencia is rich in cultural heritage and has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene. The city is known for its stunning architecture, including the famous City of Arts and Sciences complex, as well as numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and opera houses.
 
6. Gastronomy: Spanish cuisine is renowned worldwide, and Valencia is no exception. The region is famous for its paella, fresh seafood, and local wines. Retiring in Valencia means having easy access to delicious food and enjoying a culinary experience like no other.
7. Expat community: Valencia has a thriving community of expats, with people from all over the world choosing to retire here. This can make it easier to integrate into the local community, find like-minded individuals, and participate in social events and activities.
 
8. Transportation: The transportation system in Valencia is well-developed and efficient. The city has an extensive network of public transport consisting of buses, trams, and metro lines, making it easy to get around without a car. Additionally, Valencia has an international airport with regular flights to various European cities.
 

Decision Made - Important Steps Visa And Application 

As many of you know, if you are traveling to foreign countries for less than 90 days, you just need a current passport.  If you plan to stay more than 90 days, you must check into the various Visas available.  

As I stated above, my son and daughter-in-law did their research, a very thorough job of it, which made it very easy for me.  Since we were planning to live in Spain, we applied for a non-lucrative visa.

A non-lucrative visa is a visa that allows you to live in a foreign country without the intention of working or earning an income. 

Each country has its own specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a non-lucrative visa, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you meet all the necessary criteria.
Some countries might require proof of income or savings to ensure that you can support yourself financially during your stay. Others might ask for medical insurance coverage or even a clean criminal record. Make sure you have all your ducks in a row before you start the application process.
 
The application process can be a bit daunting, but with a little bit of patience and organization, you’ll be able to navigate through it. 

You’ll usually need to submit a bunch of documents, such as your passport, a completed application form, proof of income or financial stability, and any other supporting documents required by the country you’re applying to. You might also need to attend an interview or provide additional information, so be prepared for that.
 
Once you have all your documents ready, you’ll need to submit your application to the appropriate authorities. This can usually be done online or at an embassy or consulate. Then, all you have to do is wait for the decision. It can take some time, so be patient and try not to stress too much. 

We completed all of the paperwork needed and scheduled an appointment at the Spanish Consulate in Chicago.  It took just over two hours because we had seven people – 3 adults and 4 children.  We each had to be present for this meeting.  Thank goodness my daughter-in-law is organized because it was a lot of paperwork to go through and very stressful at times.  We were very relieved and happy when we got our acceptance letter.

Adjusting To Life In Spain

Living in Spain has been unbelievable.  I am always surprised at the number of expats retiring to Spain, especially those who have chosen Valencia as their home.  Many expats in Valencia have commented not only on the cost of living here but the standard of living as well.  

We, as a family chose to live close to the city center yet close enough to the Turia.  It’s a great compromise because we have very active children and three dogs!  

We have also gotten spoiled by city living where everything is within walking distance.  The public transportation, whether it’s the bus or metro system, is great for getting to those areas that are farther out or perfect for those crazy days when you need a walking break because of your active grandchildren.

I have always been fascinated by art and architecture, so I love what Valencia’s old city and various museums have to offer. You’ll find that Valencia is one of the best places to leisurely stroll and take in all the beautiful historic sites.  

You can learn a lot from the people in Valencia, their lifestyle and how they embrace the pace of life in this wonderful city.

Overall, I feel that retiring in Valencia, Spain has offered me a higher quality of life, a lower cost of living compared to other major Spanish cities, and a wider range of cultural, culinary, and recreational opportunities. I say that the research my son and wife did definitely ensured that we as a family, would have a smooth transition which has enabled us to fully enjoy all that Valencia has to offer.

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