FAQ: Immigration and Housing Services in Spain for Non-EU Citizens
Livin'Valencia - FAQ: immigration and housing in Spain

Visas and Immigration

Q. Do you handle the visa process directly?
A. No. Immigration law in Spain is strictly regulated. We do not prepare, sign, or submit visa applications. Instead, we work with trusted, licensed immigration lawyers who handle all legal steps. Our role is to assist, organize, and coordinate your visa pathway with housing, schools, and the rest of your relocation timeline, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Q. Which visas can you support?
A. We coordinate immigration and housing under several common visa routes: the Digital Nomad Visa (applied for in Spain and valid for three years before renewal), the Non-Lucrative Visa (applied for at the Spanish consulate in your home country), family reunification when one partner holds EU citizenship, and work visas when an employer sponsors the move. Our partner lawyers guide the legal side while we align housing and settling-in services around the visa process.

Q. Can we start the visa process in Spain or must it be from our home country?
A. It depends on the visa. The Digital Nomad Visa can usually be applied for in Spain, while the Non-Lucrative Visa must be applied for in your country of residence. We explain the differences and coordinate with our partner lawyers.

Q. What if my visa is rejected?
A. Rejections are rare when applications are well-prepared. By working with specialized lawyers and our team, risks are reduced. If a rejection happens, we help you evaluate alternatives such as the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or family reunification depending on your case.

Timeline and Planning

Q. How does the relocation timeline usually look?
A. Most relocations begin 6–9 months before arrival. The first step is choosing the right visa path and gathering documents. In parallel, we prepare housing and school strategies (if relevant). Once approvals are near, we finalize rentals or purchases and schedule post-arrival administration. Most people feel “at home” within three to six months.

Q. How far in advance should we contact you?
A. Ideally 6–9 months before your planned move. This gives enough time to prepare documents, start the visa process, and plan housing. But even if your timeline is shorter, we can help. Just expect fewer options and tighter deadlines.

Q. What happens after we arrive in Spain?
A. Relocation doesn’t end at the airport. We support you through residence cards (TIE), padrón registration, banking, utilities, private health insurance, and community integration. You will always know what comes next, and you won’t face Spanish bureaucracy alone.

Housing and Pets

Q. Can you help us find a home while the visa is being processed?
A. Yes. Housing is one of the pillars of our service. We tailor searches to your needs, renting or buying, city or suburbs, lifestyle-driven or retirement-friendly. We also make sure pet-friendly options are prioritized, since housing with pets can be more difficult. We accompany visits, review contracts, and negotiate on your behalf.

Q. What if we want to buy instead of rent?
A. Buying is possible from day one. We act as independent buyer advisors, managing property search, negotiations, due diligence, and notary steps. Many people rent first, but if you are ready to buy, we guide you through safely.

Q. Is housing more difficult if we have pets?
A. Yes, especially for rentals. Many landlords prefer tenants without pets, which reduces your options. We know how to navigate this market, find pet-friendly properties, and negotiate terms, so you can bring your pets without stress.

Q. Do you also help with pets beyond housing?
A. Yes. Pets are family, and Spain requires microchips, vaccinations, and health certificates. We help you prepare before departure and assist with registration once you arrive.

Schools and Families

Q. What about schools for our children?
A. Education is often central to relocation decisions. We support you in exploring international, bilingual, or local schools, explain requirements and deadlines, and arrange visits or introductions. The goal is to secure a place without last-minute pressure and to make your children’s transition as smooth as possible.

Q. Do children need to attend international schools for visa purposes?
A. Not always, but many families choose international or bilingual schools at the start. We help you balance continuity with integration, depending on your children’s ages and needs.

Retirees and Professionals

Q. Can retirees use your services even if they don’t need schools?
A. Yes. Retirees are often our clients. We focus on securing the right visa (usually the Non-Lucrative Visa), healthcare, housing in quieter areas, and all administrative steps. Even without schools, the process is full of details that are easier with a trusted partner.

Q. Do you also support corporate or professional relocations?
A. Yes. We design packages for companies moving employees to Spain, as well as individual professionals relocating independently. This includes visa coordination through lawyers, housing, admin, and integration support.

Q. What if we don’t speak Spanish?
A. That’s not a problem. We handle communication with authorities, landlords, schools, and providers. We also introduce you to local resources and networks so you feel supported until you build your own confidence with the language.

Finances and Fees

Q. Do you also help with banking and finances?
A. Yes. We assist with opening Spanish bank accounts, setting up online banking, and introducing you to a tax expert for your first free consultation. Understanding finances early helps avoid surprises.

Q. How do you charge for your services?
A. We work on fixed-fee packages. This means no hidden costs or commissions. Because visa support through our partner lawyers is included, you know your full relocation budget upfront.

Why Livin’Valencia

Q. Why should we work with Livin’Valencia instead of organizing each service separately?
A. Because everything is centralized. One plan, one point of contact, and one fixed fee. Visa coordination with lawyers, housing search, school support, and post-arrival administration are all integrated. This gives you peace of mind, cost control, and a smoother experience than piecing services together from different providers.

Q. What makes your approach different?
A. We are independent advisors, not sales agents. We don’t earn commissions from landlords or sellers. We work only in your interest. We also live here ourselves, know the system from the inside, and have helped countless international families, retirees, and professionals. Our trusted network of lawyers, notaries, schools, insurers, and service providers is at your disposal—without you having to manage multiple relationships alone.

Q. Do you stay in touch after everything is complete?
A. Yes. Many clients remain in touch with us for years. We help with renewals, connect them to local networks, and are always available for advice. Relocation is not just a transaction—it’s a relationship.

Take the first step

Immigrating to Spain and settling in Valencia, whether as a family, a retiree, or a professional, isn’t only about documents or housing. It’s about creating a secure, welcoming life without unnecessary stress. With Livin’Valencia you have one partner, one plan, and one trusted network guiding you through every step.

Book your free consultation today and let’s map out your move with clarity, care, and confidence.

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