Spectrum IFA begins Employee Ownership for a Sustainable Future

By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 14th October 2025

14.10.25

Empowering People, Ensuring Continuity, and Deepening Commitment to Clients

At The Spectrum IFA Group, our success has always relied on our people, their expertise, dedication, and a shared belief in doing what is best for our clients. As a firm founded on trust, transparency and building long-term relationships, we recognise that sustainable growth depends not only on sound financial advice but also a solid grounding in joint ownership and responsibility.

Since its inception, Spectrum has aspired to share company ownership with its advisers and staff. Establishing a clear succession plan is essential, not only to ensure business continuity but also to provide long-term security for our advisers, employees, and most importantly, our clients.

Today, Spectrum’s advisers and staff collectively hold over 15% of the company’s share capital. This initiative reflects our belief that those who contribute daily to looking after our clients’ interests should also participate in the company’s growth. In 2026, Spectrum plans to increase employee and adviser equity participation to approximately 30%. Our longer-term intention is for advisers and employees to own 48% of the business, with the remaining 52% retained by the founders.

This approach demonstrates our commitment to creating a resilient, people-focused organisation where everyone has a vested interest in delivering exceptional advice and service. By aligning ownership with those who directly support our clients, we are securing our longevity whilst embedding the long-term continuity of relationships that help define our unrivalled service standards.

At Spectrum, we view this as more than simply an exercise in restructuring company ownership – it reflects of our core values. We are building an organisation that empowers people, rewards dedication, and safeguards the future security of our clients, advisers, and employees alike. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more sustainable Spectrum team for generations to come.

Modelo 720 Spanish Tax Form

By Jett Parker-Holland
This article is published on: 13th October 2025

13.10.25

When people move to Spain, they often expect challenges around property or residency, but one of the biggest surprises comes from the tax office. After settling in, most people become accustomed to the Spanish tax system; however, one common pitfall that British expats encounter is the requirement for a single tax reporting form, known as Modelo 720.

If you are based in the Costa del Sol region or are thinking of moving to Spain, please click here to contact Jett

If you are based in another country and would like to talk to an adviser, please click here

Importantly, this is not a tax bill; it is a declaration, but failing to address it correctly can still result in hefty penalties and unnecessary stress.

The Modelo 720 is an annual information return that Spanish tax residents must file if they hold certain assets abroad worth more than €50,000 in any of three categories: bank accounts, investments, and property. Once filed, it does not need to be submitted again unless your foreign-held assets increase by more than €20,000, or your wealth in another category exceeds the €50,000 threshold. It aims to give the Spanish tax authorities a clear picture of your worldwide wealth.

Importantly, the form itself does not create a tax liability, but it can leave you open to scrutiny, which is where the risk lies. Failure to declare or even minor errors can lead to fines, backdated tax assessments, and interest charges. Once you’re on Hacienda’s radar, future scrutiny tends to increase, which is a headache nobody wants when settling into life in Spain.

Many expats worry that the cash and investments they have held in the UK may pose a potential issue with the Modelo 720, and that failing to declare in previous years may prevent them from doing so now. The good news is that by structuring your finances in advance, you can avoid this problem altogether. Certain Spanish-compliant investment bonds are not classed as foreign assets for Modelo 720 purposes, meaning you don’t need to declare them. For those anxious about declaring, this can be a great opportunity to structure your wealth so that it does not need to be declared, thereby avoiding ongoing scrutiny.

Beyond avoiding declaration, a bond allows for tax-deferred growth within the bond, meaning that your wealth can continue to collect interest and benefit from favourable tax treatment on withdrawals. Spanish-compliant bonds are not just about avoiding taxes or declarations; they are about ensuring compliance with Spanish regulations. For many of my clients, transferring assets into a compliant bond is the single most significant step they take to streamline their financial life in Spain.

Modelo 720 may seem like a minor formality, but mishandling it can turn into an expensive problem. By structuring your wealth effectively, you can reduce the risk of fines while also gaining ongoing tax efficiency and estate planning benefits. If you are already living in Spain or planning a move, now is a good time to review your arrangements.

A Spanish-compliant product is (almost) a prerequisite for an expat investor in Spain; it is the cleanest way to stay on the right side of Hacienda while keeping your money working hard for you.

Questions about the Modelo 720? Contact Jett now

As a Chartered Wealth Manager with a master’s degree in Investment Management, I specialise in helping British expats in Spain manage pensions, investments, and tax-efficient structures. With years of experience advising across both the UK and Spain, I focus on making cross-border finances simple, compliant, and effective for the long term.

If you would like a confidential review of your situation or would like to explore your options, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Proper planning today can save you a great deal of time, money, and stress tomorrow.

Smart investing for expats in Spain

By Chris Burke
This article is published on: 13th October 2025

13.10.25

Regular saving & investing for Expats in Spain: A New Way to Build Your Future Wealth

For many of my clients here in Catalonia and across Spain, their wealth is locked away in their home/property. It’s a comforting form of security, however most people understand the need to make their surplus money and savings work for them —as the years are passing and the need to plan for future expenses and retirement are becoming ever more important.

If you are based in Barcelona or thinking of moving to Spain, please click here to contact Chris

If you are based in another country and would like to talk to an adviser, please click here

But here’s the challenge:
If you live in Spain, your options for tax-efficient long-term saving are extremely limited — unlike in the UK, where private pensions allow contributions of up to £60,000 per year with valuable tax relief.
So, what can you do if:

You don’t have a large lump sum to invest right now, but
You do have a monthly disposable amount that you could commit toward your financial future?

Until recently, the answer wasn’t encouraging. Most products available locally offered poor returns, high fees, and were designed to benefit the banks or institutions more than the investor.

That’s changed.
Today, we have a cost-efficient investment strategy that allows our clients to start with a modest initial amount and then add to it monthly — a plan that truly works in your favour.
Here’s why it’s such a powerful approach and can increase your wealth allowing your money to pay for future life goals:

1. Compounding Growth: Your Money ‘Making’ Money
When you invest regularly, your returns begin to generate returns — that’s the magic of compound interest.
For example:

Initial investment: €50,000
Monthly contribution: €1,000
Average annual return: 6%

Timeframe: 10 years
At the end of that period, your total balance could exceed €254,850.

The rule of 72 is a handy guide here: divide 72 by your annual return (72 ÷ 6 = 12 years), and you’ll see how long it takes to double your money. The longer you invest, the more powerful compounding becomes.

2. Smoothing Out Market Volatility (Dollar/Euro-Cost Averaging)
By investing a fixed amount every month, you buy more when prices are low and fewer when they’re high — automatically reducing your risk.

This strategy, known as dollar/euro-cost averaging, helps take the emotion out of investing and smooths out short-term market swings.

Over time, it leads to a lower average cost per unit and more stable growth.

3. Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market
Even professional investors can’t consistently predict when to buy or sell.

What matters most is staying invested — because missing just a few of the market’s best days can dramatically impact your long-term returns.

A disciplined monthly investment keeps you in the game and lets you capture long-term market growth without the stress of guessing when to act.

4. Builds a Strong Saving Habit
Treat your monthly investment like a bill — a payment to your future self.

This simple mindset creates powerful financial discipline and ensures you’re always moving closer to your goals, even when life gets hectic.

5. Your Money Working Harder — and Smarter
Regular investing means your money is always working for you.

Through dividends, interest, and capital growth, your returns compound over time — accelerating your wealth creation.

6. Protecting Your Wealth Against Inflation
Cash sitting in a bank account is losing value every year due to inflation.

Investing in assets such as stocks, bonds, or diversified funds gives your money a real chance to outpace inflation and grow in real terms.

7. Building Financial Independence

Consistent, long-term investing helps you create assets that generate income and give you freedom.

Whether your goal is a secure retirement, helping your children with education, or achieving financial independence, this strategy is designed to get you there — steadily and confidently.

In Summary

You don’t need a fortune to start — just commitment, consistency, and a smart structure.
Our investment strategy gives you the flexibility to start small, save a sizeable monthly disposable amount, and build meaningful wealth over time — without the high costs or complexity of traditional financial products.

If you’re an expat in Spain ready to make your money work harder for your future, now is the time to act.

Ready to see how this could work for you?
Get in touch for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about building your financial future in Spain – NOTE, a minimum saving amount of €1,000 per month applies.

If you would like to have an initial consultation to explore your personal situation, you can do so here.

Click here to read independent reviews on Chris and his advice.

The Beckham Law advantage

By Chris Burke
This article is published on: 9th October 2025

09.10.25

How expats in Barcelona/Spain can save, invest, reduce future taxes and build wealth smartly

Barcelona/Spain continues to attract top international talent — entrepreneurs, digital professionals, and executives who want to enjoy life in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities while advancing their careers. But moving to Spain comes with financial questions:

If you are based in Barcelona or thinking of moving to Spain, please click here to contact Chris

If you are based in another country and would like to talk to an adviser, please click here

How can you structure your income efficiently, save for the future, and make your money work harder for you?

Enter the Beckham Law — a powerful tax regime that, when used strategically, can form the foundation for long-term wealth building.

What Is the Beckham Law?

Originally introduced in 2005 (and famously used by David Beckham during his time at Real Madrid), the Beckham Law — officially known as the Special Expat Tax Regime — allows qualifying foreign workers in Spain to be taxed as non-residents for a period of up to six years.

That means:

You pay 24% tax on Spanish employment income up to €600,000 (€47% above that).
Foreign income and gains are exempt — in other words, you’re not taxed in Spain on your worldwide income.

For professionals relocating to Barcelona/Spain, that’s a huge opportunity.

It provides a window of time to optimise your finances, save aggressively, and invest smartly before you transition into the standard Spanish tax system/move elsewhere.

The Challenge: Saving and Investing in Spain

While the Beckham Law provides tax advantages on income, the options for medium/long-term saving and investing in Spain are limited — especially compared to the UK or other countries with flexible private pension systems.

Spanish banks are generally perceived to offer higher-cost products and traditional pension plans have minimal contribution and tax advantages.

So, what can you do if you want to make the most of your time under the Beckham regime and then very importantly make sure you are highly tax efficient for when it ends and you either stay in Spain or leave?

The Opportunity: Strategic International Investing

This is where smart financial planning makes all the difference.
I help clients in Barcelona/Spain build international investment structures that are:

Tax-efficient under the Beckham regime,
Flexible, allowing monthly or lump-sum contributions,
Transparent and low-cost, focused on long-term growth rather than bank fees,
And fully compliant with Spanish and international regulations.

This approach allows you to save regularly and grow your capital while enjoying the tax benefits available to you during your time in Spain.

How Regular Investing Builds Wealth

You don’t need to start with a fortune — consistency is what counts.
Here’s a simple example of what steady investing can achieve:

Initial investment: €50,000
Monthly contribution: €1,000
Average annual return: 6%
Duration: 10 years

At the end of that period, you could have over €254,850 — thanks to the power of compound growth. Regular saving smooths out market volatility, creates financial discipline, and puts time on your side.

Why Act Now

The Beckham Law is temporary — and the clock starts ticking the day you qualify.

The earlier you begin saving and investing during your residency, the more you can take advantage of the reduced tax burden and compounding returns.

Once your six-year window closes, your tax position changes — so using that time effectively can make a massive difference to your long-term wealth.

Your Financial Strategy in Barcelona

If you’re an international professional living or working in Barcelona, your financial situation is unique — and it deserves a tailored plan.
With the right structure in place, you can:

Enjoy the benefits of the Beckham Law,
Build investments that grow efficiently,
Protect your assets,
And lay the foundation for lasting financial independence.

Tax Efficient strategy

When on the Beckham Law you have almost a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to get financially organised, reduce future taxes and mitigate/eradicate profits on current gains, potentially increase wealth substantially and set yourself up for the rest of your life financially – You just need the right advice, financial partner and strategy to help you do this, someone with years of experience helping clients achieve this.

Ready to make the most of your time under the Beckham regime?

I help expats in Spain take control of their finances — with transparent advice, efficient investment strategies, and a long-term view of wealth creation.

Contact me today

For a confidential, no-obligation chat about how to save, invest, and build your financial future in Barcelona.

If you would like to have an initial consultation to explore your personal situation, you can do so here.

Click here to read independent reviews on Chris and his advice.

Le Tour de Finance France October 2025

By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 8th October 2025

08.10.25

As an expat, do you make the most out of your finances?

Are you an expat living in France, or considering the move? Managing your finances across borders can feel daunting – tax rules, inheritance laws, pensions, investment accounts… there’s a lot to get right. That’s exactly why we’re inviting you to Le Tour de Finance – two dynamic, expert-led seminars designed to guide expats like you through the ins and outs of financial planning in France.

Each event features a panel of financial specialists who will break down complex topics like Assurance Vie, cross-border tax obligations, pensions / QROPS, investment opportunities, estate planning, and more. Whether you’re already in France, or planning to relocate, these sessions will help you safeguard your wealth, optimise your tax strategy, and make confident decisions for the future.

When:

Chateau Val Joanis, Pertius, 84120 — 21st October 2025
Chateau de la Begude, Valbonne, 06560 — 22nd October 2025

Two convenient locations, same powerful content. The format combines expert presentations with opportunities to ask questions, network with other expats, and hear real-world insight from people navigating similar paths.

Why attend?

Because doing your financial planning well as an expat isn’t just about avoiding mistakes—it’s about gaining advantages. With the right advice, you can reduce your tax burden, ensure your investments are legal and efficient on both sides of the border, and protect your family’s future.

Space is limited. If you’re serious about making the most of your finances in France, these seminars are not to be missed.

Register today via Le Tour de Finance, and give yourself peace of mind – so your money works as hard as you do.

Taxation & Finance Seminars in Portugal

By Portugal team
This article is published on: 7th October 2025

07.10.25

Mastering Tax and Finance

Join our Essential Insights Seminar

Wednesday 15th October & Thursday 16th October

The seminar presented by the local team from The Spectrum IFA Group with special guests from Rathbones and Utmost Wealth Solutions will cover important areas such as:

Non Habitual Residence (NHR) and NHR 2.0: latest updates and available options
End of NHR: planning considerations
Residency rules: day counting and reporting obligations
UK Inheritance Tax (IHT): new Long-Term Residence Rules, strategies to reduce exposure, and effective gifting
Portugal & UK budgets: key updates and implications for expatriates
Pensions and retirement: recent changes, planning options, and making your income last
Market insights from Rathbones: current issues in investment and currency markets, and a 2026 and beyond outlook

The session will finish by looking at some case studies and then an open Q&A session, where attendees can ask the panel about specific subjects relevant to their own circumstances.

Financial seminars Portugal Iberostar Collection (Lagos)

Wednesday 15th October
10am-12.30pm
Iberostar Collection (Lagos)

Financial seminars Portugal Conrad Algarve Hotel

Thursday 16th October
10am-12.30pm
Conrad Algarve (Quinta do Lago)

Book your place for the seminars here

Financial update France October 2025

By Katriona Murray-Platon
This article is published on: 6th October 2025

06.10.25

France has a new prime minister (again), actually – no we don’t – another one gone! However, time is of the essence to ensure that the Finance Law is approved and passed into law by the end of the year. Prior to the government reshuffle, there was a plan to freeze the tax rates at their current level and not adjust them in line with inflation as has been done in the past few years.

If you are based in Poitou Charentes, Limousin & Aquitaine regions or thinking of moving to France, please click here to contact Katriona

If you are based in another country and would like to talk to an adviser, please click here

There was also a plan to set the 10% abatement on pensions at a maximum of €2000 per pensioner rather than the current maximum of €4399. Whether these measures will be adopted into law by the end of year, only time will tell.

According to a study published by the French National Statistics Body (INSEE, Focus 354), in 2024, 78% of French residents have a Livret A Savings account, compared with 42% who have an assurance vie and 27% that have a property savings plan (PEL/CEL). Only 19% of French residents have a retirement account (PER) and only 16.5% are part of an employer’s savings plan. Clearly the French prefer to keep their investments in assurance vies rather than in share accounts since only 9.8% of French residents have PEAs and only 9.6% have ordinary share accounts (compte titres). With the interest rate for the Livret A now at only 1.7%, this means that a large amount of French savings is not protected from inflation. Since money in an ordinary share account is subject to both tax and social charges, it is more tax efficient to invest in either an assurance vie or a PEA.

After another hot and dry summer, which has affected ground conditions in many areas, a decree has been published on 6th September 2025, which grants a subsidy to property owners in 11 departments to diagnose and remedy the potential damage of clay soil shrinkage and expansion.

This financial assistance could cover up to 90% of the costs up to a maximum amount of €2 000 for a “vulnerability diagnosis” of the property and up to 80% of the work costs up to a maximum amount of €15,000. Both will be means tested.

This autumn child care benefits (“complement de libre choix du mode de garde” or CMG) are changing. The CMG is a family benefit which covers part of the costs of a child being looked after by a carer (assistante maternelle) or at home by a nanny employed directly by the parents. This benefit is being amended in order to better assist families in certain situations. From 1st September 2025, the amount of this benefit will also change. In particular, single parents can now receive CMG until their child is 12 years old instead of 6 years old previously. From 1st December 2025, for parents with shared custody of their child, each parent can receive CMG under certain conditions. The calculation of the amount of benefits will be done automatically by Urssaf on the Pajemploi website and families will be informed of the new amount of benefits they will receive in the September 2025 declaration.

The Taxe Foncière statements are now available on your online account on the impots.gouv.fr website. You have until 15th October to pay the tax or20th October if you pay online. If you are already paying your taxe foncière monthly and the amount is higher than last year, then you will pay your regular amount on 15th October and the excess on 15th November.

Most people will have noticed an increase in their tax foncière of 1.7% due to the annual revaluation of the rental value which is the basis on which this tax is calculated.

There may also be an additional increase if your local council has voted for one. Other subsidiary taxes such as the tax to manage aquatic areas and the prevention of flooding may also have increased in certain areas. As for the tax for the refuse collection, a table produced by the Environmental and Energy efficiency (Agence de l’environnement et de la mâitrise de l’energy) published in Le Monde newspaper on 25th August showed that more than half of local authorities charge more than what it actually costs them to collect and treat the rubbish. If your tax foncière seems excessively high this year, it may be worth raising this issue with your local council.

If you have any questions on your financial situation in France, or know someone who does, please do get in touch and I would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation, phone or video call.

Driving in Spain as an expat

By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 4th October 2025

04.10.25

What you need to know about licences and rules

If you’re planning to drive in Spain as an expat, there are a few important things to know before hitting the road. From converting your license to understanding local rules, here’s a complete guide to make the process easier.

If you are based in the Costa Blanca region or thinking of moving to Spain, please click here to contact Matthew

If you are based in another country and would like to talk to an adviser, please click here

Can You Drive on Your Current Licence?

EU/EEA Drivers: You can use your existing licence, but you may need to exchange it after two years of residency.
Non-EU Drivers: You can usually drive with your foreign license for up to 6 months after becoming a Spanish resident. After that, you must get a Spanish licence.
UK Drivers Post-Brexit: UK licences are no longer automatically valid beyond 6 months, but there’s a process to exchange without retaking the test (if done within the allowed timeframe).

How to Exchange Your Licence for a Spanish One

You’ll need:

Valid foreign driving licence
Proof of residency (padrón certificate)
Passport/NIE
Medical check at an authorized center (psicotécnico)
Passport-size photos
Application fee (around €28)

Appointments are booked through the DGT website (Spain’s traffic authority).

Driving Rules Expats Should Know

Speed limits: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 30 km/h in many urban areas.
Always carry: licence, insurance, car papers, high-vis vest, and warning triangle.
Using your phone while driving—even on speaker—can result in heavy fines unless hands-free.
Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l (lower than in some countries).

Insurance and Car Registration

If you bring your own car from abroad, you’ll need to register it in Spain and pay the relevant taxes. This can be complex—many expats hire a gestor to handle the process.

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Transition

Sorting out your driving documents is just one part of settling in Spain. Managing taxes, pensions, and investments under Spanish rules is another big step—and getting it right early can save you stress and money later.

As a financial planner with The Spectrum IFA Group here in Valencia, I help expats like you plan smart so you can enjoy life without financial worries.

If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat about setting up your finances for life in Spain, feel free to get in touch. It’s all about making sure you can enjoy everything Valencia has to offer—without financial stress.

The Spectrum IFA Group Malta

By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 30th September 2025

30.09.25

Trusted Financial Planning Across Europe

For over two decades, The Spectrum IFA Group has been a leading name in financial planning and wealth management for expatriates across Europe. With offices in key locations, Spectrum has built its reputation on providing clear and impartial client-focused advice.

If you are based in Malta or thinking of moving to Malta, please click here to contact our local team

If you are based in another country and would like to talk to an adviser, please click here

The firm’s strength lies not only in its breadth of services – from pensions and tax planning to investments and wealth protection, but also in the people who deliver that advice.

Spectrum’s advisers are more than just professionals; they are trusted partners who build lasting relationships with clients by understanding their unique financial circumstances. In a world where financial landscapes can shift rapidly due to regulation, taxation, and market movements, Spectrum’s advisers deliver clarity, peace of mind, and long-term stability. The group’s success is rooted in a culture of collaboration, shared values, and a deep commitment to looking after their clients.

Within this framework, two individuals stand out in Malta for their dedication and complementary strengths: Craig Welsh and Jozef Spiteri. Together, they exemplify Spectrum’s blend of tradition and innovation.

Craig Welsh – Experience and Leadership
Craig has been at the heart of The Spectrum IFA Group since 2006, playing a pivotal role in shaping its culture and success. With nearly twenty years of experience in European financial services, his career began in Amsterdam, where he made an immediate impact in the Dutch market. His reputation was built on providing advice that was not only technically precise but also personally tailored – qualities that remain central to his approach today.

In 2017, Craig relocated to Malta to take on new responsibilities, combining client-facing financial planning with the management and oversight of Spectrum’s local operations. His leadership in Malta has ensured that clients continue to benefit from the highest standards of service, while also supporting the firm’s wider growth in the region.

Craig’s long-standing tenure with Spectrum is a testament to his commitment—not only to his clients but also to the company itself. His journey reflects the close-knit, supportive culture of Spectrum, where advisers thrive as part of a collaborative and values-driven team. For Craig, Spectrum is more than a workplace; it is a professional family built on trust, integrity, and a shared purpose.

Jozef Spiteri – Fresh Perspective and Drive
Joining the Malta team in 2021, Jozef brought with him a strong background in finance and a passion for helping people make well-informed financial choices.

From the outset, his energy and fresh perspective have been invaluable to Spectrum’s growth in Malta.

Jozef’s approach centres on accountability, professionalism, and a personal dedication to every client relationship. He has quickly built a positive profile in the local market, becoming a trusted adviser to those seeking guidance in areas such as investments, pensions and cross-border financial planning. His ability to combine technical expertise with a genuine interest in people’s lives makes him a natural fit for Spectrum’s ethos.

Together with Craig, Jozef forms part of a dynamic team that balances experience with innovation—offering clients the reassurance of established expertise alongside the agility of fresh ideas.

The Spectrum IFA Group – A Shared Mission

Craig and Jozef’s work in Malta highlights the very qualities that have made The Spectrum IFA Group so successful across Europe: professionalism, integrity, and above all a commitment to clients’ financial wellbeing. They embody both the enduring values and the forward-looking energy of the firm.

Spectrum’s advisers are supported by an extensive network of colleagues, knowledge-sharing, and resources that span multiple European countries. This collaborative environment allows them to deliver advice that is not only localised to Malta but also informed by wider European expertise.

In summary, The Spectrum IFA Group continues to thrive by combining experience, innovation, and a client-first philosophy. Through the work of dedicated professionals like Craig Welsh and Jozef Spiteri, Spectrum remains a trusted partner for expatriates and international clients across Europe, offering clarity and confidence in a complex financial world.

The Cost of Living in Valencia

By Matthew Green
This article is published on: 29th September 2025

29.09.25

How to Budget for Your New Life

Valencia is one of Spain’s most attractive destinations for expats—and for good reason. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and affordable lifestyle compared to other European cities, it’s no wonder so many people choose to call it home. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to understand what life in Valencia really costs and how to plan your budget.

If you are based in Valencia or thinking of moving to Spain, please click here to contact Matthew

If you are based in another country and would like to talk to an adviser, please click here

Housing Costs

Accommodation is likely to be your biggest monthly expense. Valencia offers a wide range of housing options, from modern apartments in the city center to charming villas on the outskirts.

City Centre: Expect to pay €900–€1,300 per month for a two-bedroom apartment in areas like Ruzafa or El Carmen.
Suburban or Coastal Areas: Prices drop as you move away from the center—€700–€900 can get you a similar apartment in quieter neighborhoods or near the beach.
Buying Property: Valencia is still more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid, with prices averaging €2,000 per square metre, but the market is heating up.

Tip: Factor in community fees (for building maintenance), property taxes, and if renting, a deposit (usually one or two months’ rent).

Food and Entertainment

Spain is famous for its food culture, and Valencia doesn’t disappoint. From traditional paella to modern tapas bars, eating out can be surprisingly affordable compared to Northern Europe or the US.

Groceries: A weekly shop for two people costs around €50–€70 at local supermarkets.
Dining Out: A menu del día (three-course lunch) costs €10–€15, while dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant might be €40–€60.
Coffee & Drinks: Coffee is usually €1.50–€2, and a glass of wine is often under €3.

Entertainment such as cinema tickets, concerts, and cultural events are also reasonably priced – expect €8–€10 for a movie ticket.

Education and Transport

If you have children, education will be a key factor in your budget.

Public Schools: Free for residents, though lessons are mainly in Spanish and Valencian.
Private Schools: Fees start at around €300 per month.
International Schools: For English-language or IB programs, expect €700–€1,200 per month per child.

Transport is another area where Valencia shines:

Public Transport: A monthly metro/bus pass is about €40.
Driving: Fuel is currently around €1.60 per liter, and parking in the city can be challenging and costly.

Hidden Costs Expats Often Overlook

Many new arrivals forget to budget for these:

Healthcare Insurance: If you’re not eligible for public healthcare, private plans start at €50–€100 per month.
Taxes: Wealth tax, property tax (IBI), and possible double taxation issues—always check your situation before moving.
Paperwork & Administration Fees: NIE registration, residency paperwork, translations, and notary costs can add up.
Home Setup Costs: Furniture, appliances, and deposits for utilities.

Final Thoughts

Valencia offers a fantastic quality of life at a relatively affordable price, but like any move, planning ahead is key. Create a realistic budget, understand where your biggest costs will be, and allow some flexibility for the unexpected.

As a financial planner with The Spectrum IFA Group here in Valencia, I help expats like you plan smart so you can enjoy life without financial stress.

If you’d like a free, no-obligation chat about setting up your finances for life in Spain, feel free to get in touch. It’s all about making sure you can enjoy everything Valencia has to offer—without financial stress.