Expat Valencia – Living and Working in Valencia

European expatriates in Spain’s Valencia region who were under threat of losing free access to healthcare have won a partial reprieve.

Restrictions announced last month on the right to state healthcare provision were aimed primarily at non-working expats below pension age.

From June 5, foreign nationals not contributing to the Spanish social security system lost their right to healthcare in the region unless they had one of two forms:

• the E121, issued to British men at 65 and women at 60; or

• the E106, extending access to state health services for up to 2½ years after an individual ceases working. So if you go to spain make sure you take out travel insurance over 60 or you may pay dearly.

The British Embassy in Madrid advised individuals affected to buy private medical insurance.

Negotiations appear to be ongoing between Swiss champions Alinghi and challenger Oracle on the format of the next edition of the America’s Cup, days after the US team won a court ruling in their long-running legal battle.

Oracle and its representative, the Golden Gate Yacht Club, “remain committed to negotiate with the Defender, Societe Nautique de Geneve/Alinghi, a conventional mutual consent protocol for the next America’s Cup that would involve all teams,” the GGYC said in a statement Tuesday.

“This follows the April 2 decision of the New York State Court of Appeals confirming the Golden Gate Yacht Club as the Challenger of Record for the 33rd America’s Cup,” it said.

The owners of Oracle and Alinghi, Larry Ellison and Ernesto Bertarelli, “have communicated with each other since the court ruling.

Valencia is no longer the poor relation when it comes to comparing it with its bigger rivals of Madrid and Barcelona.

Catalan and Valencian may be the same to some, but people in this neck of the Spanish woods take pride in a culture and city they feel hasn’t been given its due attention.

At one time, this city on the Mediterranean coast was the most important city in Spain and one of the most vital in Europe. But time passed. Madrid became the big star. Seville was always sexy. And Barcelona staged a coming-out party with the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Now, suddenly, due to a tragic accident and some aggressive tourism marketing, the world is beginning to find out that this city can deliver a solid punch with a mixture of stunning new architecture and an alluring, historic centre with an elaborate series of courtyards, cafés, markets and countless churches.

We are not sure whether it is a Spanish thing or a Valencian thing but we thought you should all know that landlords in the city will rarely insist on a contract when you rent a room or an apartment. Thats great you might think, until you consider that it leaves you, the tenant, with no rights whatsoever!

Many private landlords don’t give a contract, so going through an agency ensures that you have the correct paperwork.  You will need this if you are studying or working in Valencia and are able to get any grant or funding towards accommodation! If you plan to stay for a while you may also prefer to have the peace of mind and tenant rights that a contract gives.

Studio flats in Valencia tend to work out more expensive than a three bedroom or four bedroom flat with extra rooms you can sublet.

So you have decided to live and work in Valencia? The first thing you need to organize is accommodation!

Expat accommodation in Valencia is becoming more plentiful, as the city adapts to hosting international events such as the America’s Cup and Formula One, as well as an increasing number of trade fairs and tourists that come for a holiday break in the sun.

As tourism in Valencia continues to grow, holiday apartments that offer a more independent accommodation are a popular option, and you are advised to book well in advance.

Several agencies specialize in short term apartment rentals, providing furnished and fully equipped apartments for days, weeks, or longer. Valencia apartments vary in quality, although any good agency will ensure that the requirements are met for a pleasant stay.

Even though Spain and the UK are in the EU and there is some cover with the EHIC card, it is still important to take out travel insurance if you are holidaying in Spain and useful to take out long term medical insurance if you are planning on becoming an Expat in the Valencia region.

There are many travel insurance providers now in the UK that cover all age rangers and policy prices have generally come down over time.

For general cover you might like to look at Travel Insurance Finder or if you are a senior citizen.

Budget airline Ryanair, the one that provides you with nothing but the seat and no leg room, has announced that it will be cutting services from UK airports to Valencia.

It has used the usual excuse of the global downturn as it’s main reason for snubbing the up and coming Spanish city.

There will still be flights to Alicante though as more and more sun seekers look to the Costa Blanca.

Thanks Michael!

You spend more than 183 days in Spain during one calendar year. You become liable whether or not you take out a formal residence permit (Residencia). These days do not have to be consecutive. You do not become resident for tax purposes until the morning of the 184th day.

Temporary absences from Spain are ignored for the purpose of the 183-day rule unless it can be proved that the individual is habitually resident in another country for more than 183 days in a calendar year.

It does not take long for the coastal breeze and easy-going, outdoor lifestyle of Valencia to work its magic. You could quickly find yourself under the spell, extending your stay , considering putting down roots and even setting up home.

Yet despite its relaxed atmosphere things are movin´ and a shakin´. Property prices have already rocketed and are tipped to increase. Several zones are either undergoing or lined up for development including plans for the main railway station and the Mestalla football stadium.

The Americas Cup and the arrival of The Pope Valencia is generally undergoing a make- over. So now is a good time to stake your claim on a place in the sun.

The teaching scene in Valencia seems to be pretty buoyant at the moment and lots of opportunities are out there for native speakers of English.

The scene in Valencia seems to be dominated by childrens’ groups but we have read that in-company adult teaching is possible if you have the right contats.

The minimum hourly rate is around euro 11.00 and if you can legally work in Valencia then you should not accept less money than that.

A good place to start is ESLCafe where there is a dedicated Spanish board with lots of information on teaching English in Valencia.