Retirement rarely happens overnight. For many, it unfolds slowly — a shift in rhythm, a rethinking of what matters most, and perhaps, for the first time in years, the freedom to ask: Where do I actually want to live?

If that question has brought you to Valencia, you’re not alone. Every year, more and more retirees — from across Europe, North America, and beyond — start looking closely at this corner of Spain. Not because of a dream sold in glossy brochures, but because something about it feels livable. Real. Balanced.

At Livin’Valencia, we’ve had the chance to walk this path alongside many people who chose to retire in Valencia — people who wanted not just sun, but peace of mind. Not just a move, but a transition they could feel good about. If 2025 is the year you’d like to make that change, this guide is here to help you start preparing — calmly, practically, and with a clear sense of what’s ahead.

Why Valencia Makes Sense for Retirement in 2025

Valencia doesn’t compete for attention the way Madrid or Barcelona does. And maybe that’s exactly the point. It’s a city that seems to work quietly, without trying too hard — where things are functional, where public services run well, and where day-to-day life feels, quite simply, manageable.

The sun helps. So does the sea. But for many retirees, what stands out most is that you don’t need to choose between quality and affordability. You can live near the coast, have access to excellent healthcare, walk to the market, go to the theatre, and still keep your monthly costs under control. That kind of balance is getting harder to find — but it’s still very possible here.

You can read more in this blog post, which outlines the most important reasons retirees choose Valencia:
👉 6 Reasons Why Retiring in Valencia Could Be the Best Decision of Your Life

How Long Does It Take to Retire in Valencia?

Many people underestimate the timeline. The truth is, retiring abroad takes time — not because it’s complicated, but because doing it properly means planning ahead. If your goal is to be settled in Spain sometime in 2025, the ideal moment to begin preparing is now.

The timing depends largely on your residency status. For EU citizens, relocating to Valencia can be a relatively quick process — sometimes just a couple of months — as there’s no visa required. It’s mostly a matter of organising logistics, finding a place to live, and setting up essential services. For non-EU citizens, such as those from the UK, US, or Canada, the process usually takes around 6 to 9 months, as it includes gathering documents, applying for a visa, and waiting for approvals. In both cases, we support each step to make sure things move as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

What About Visas and Residency?

For most non-EU citizens, including those from the UK and US, the most common route into Spain for retirement is the Non-Lucrative Visa. It’s designed for those who are no longer working and can show that they have enough financial means to support themselves.

It begins in your home country, through the local Spanish consulate. And yes — it’s paperwork-heavy. But with the right guidance, it’s entirely manageable. You’ll need to prepare bank statements, secure private health insurance, gather medical and background certificates, and present a proof of address in Spain. After approval, you’ll enter the country and complete the local steps: residency card (TIE), address registration (empadronamiento), and NIE.

Key documents include:

• Proof of passive income or sufficient savings.
• Private health insurance that complies with Spanish requirements.
• A medical certificate and a background check.
• A Spanish address or accommodation contract.

We’ve walked through the full process in these guides, adapted to your specific nationality:
👉 Retire in Valencia from the UK: A Practical Guide
👉 Retire in Valencia from the US: A Realistic Guide

Where Should You Live? City Life or Coastline?

This is where it gets personal. Some people fall in love with the energy of Valencia city — the cafés, the walkability, the daily rhythm of neighbourhood life. Others prefer the slower, saltier air of the Costa Blanca, in towns like Denia, Jávea, Altea, or Alicante. And in between, there are residential areas like Godella, Rocafort, or La Cañada that offer space, quiet, and greenery just minutes from the city.

The good news? You don’t have to rush the choice. Renting first can give you breathing room. Buying, if done carefully, gives you long-term peace of mind. Either way, we help you explore options that match your lifestyle — not just your budget.

Rent or Buy? What Works in 2025

There’s no one right answer here. We’ve had clients rent for a year to test the waters, and others who knew from the first visit where they wanted to put down roots. The key is to avoid rushing — but also to make informed decisions when you’re ready.

If you plan to buy, our role is to make sure you don’t go through it alone. We’re not estate agents. We represent you — helping you understand market values, legal requirements, property conditions, and long-term suitability. We handle negotiations, paperwork, utilities, and if needed, renovations and rental management. And if you’re buying from abroad, we handle everything from video visits to post-sale follow-up.

You can explore our full services for retirees here:
👉 Our Services

What We Actually Do — and Why It Matters

People often ask what makes Livin’Valencia different. The answer is simple: we don’t just help you move — we help you live here.

That means we support your paperwork, yes — but also your questions. We help with the legal side, but also with finding the right neighbourhood. We assist with the house, but also with the little things: where to shop, how to register with a doctor, how to connect with the community.

We’ve built Livin’Valencia because we’ve lived this transition ourselves. And we know that what really matters isn’t the view from your terrace — it’s the peace of mind that someone is walking the path with you.

Thinking About 2025? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re already looking at flights or just starting to imagine what life here could be like, we’d love to hear from you. There’s no pressure, no obligation — just honest answers and clear guidance.

👉 Book a one-to-one video consultation — it’s free, and it’s focused entirely on you.
👉 Or contact us directly — and we’ll help you explore, step by step, whether retiring in Valencia in 2025 is the right move for your next chapter.