Looking for British Expats in Valencia?

Thinking about moving to Valencia as a Briton? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what British expats in Valencia wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• The weather and outdoor life are the big draw. 94% of expats in Valencia rate the climate and weather positively and 93% getting around on foot or by bike, with 92% rating recreational sports.

• It's affordable and relaxed. 65% rate the general cost of living positively, and Britons describe a slow, laid-back, mostly outdoor life.

• Healthcare is excellent. 85% rate healthcare affordability positively (vs. 61% globally) and 84% the quality of medical care.

• It's safe and rich in culture. 92% rate personal safety positively and 79% culture and nightlife, and 81% are happy with life there.

• Bureaucracy is the biggest gripe. Just 23% of expats in Valencia find it easy to deal with local authorities, and Britons describe Catch-22 paperwork loops.

• Careers and pay are thin. Only 19% rate the local job market positively and 29% say the move improved their career prospects (vs. 55% globally).

• The language matters day to day. Just 36% find it easy to get by without Spanish, so official business trips people up.

• Locals can be hard to get close to. Making friends beyond a superficial level takes time, with strong family units and a conservative streak.

For Britons, Valencia delivers sunshine, affordability, healthcare, and a relaxed, walkable, outdoor life. The trade-offs are the bureaucracy, a weak job market, and the need for Spanish. It suits retirees and remote workers more than career-builders.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our British members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

InterNations is a place where British expats in Valencia exchange experiences and tips to support each other. Valencia, one of the most important Mediterranean port towns, can be a great place for expats - our community helps you make the most of your experience!

• Browse our Members Network to get to know Valencia’s British expats.
• Take part in our Expat Forums to obtain first hand tips from fellow British expats in Valencia.
• Use the Expat Guide for Valencia to find information on your host city.

Our community in Valencia is also very active offline. Our InterNations Ambassadors organize regular events and various expat activities, e.g. a dinner in Valencia’s hippest restaurant or an outing with other British expats to explore the amazing beaches of the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. These activities are a casual way to get to know expats from the UK in your local community as well as Brits in Spain nationwide. Interested? Simply become a member and we’ll be happy to welcome you among our Brits living in Valencia!