New in Valencia: your first month

Your first month, step by step

1. Week 1

   Padrón: register at your address

   Registering on the padrón (alta en el padrón) is free and is the first step for the health card and other procedures. Book an appointment (cita previa) online or by calling 010, then go to any padrón office: the City Hall (entrance at C/ Periodista Azzati 2), OAC Tabacalera or one of nine Juntas Municipales, 8:30–14:00. Bring a valid passport or residence card and, if you rent, a lease of more than 6 months signed by everyone in it plus your last rent receipt; if you live in someone else's home, the owner's authorisation form. Documents must be in Spanish or Valencian, or come with a sworn translation.

   Padrón registration, PA.GP.11 (València City Council) · Padrón offices · Appointments · Padrón certificate

2. Week 1

   A SUMA card for metro, bus and tram

   SUMA tickets work on Metrovalencia, EMT buses, MetroBus and Renfe Cercanías. Until 31 December 2026 they are discounted: SUMA 10 (10 trips) costs €5.40 for one zone and the SUMA Mensual €21 a month for one zone; under-31s pay €14.90 for the monthly Móbilis30 / SUMA Mensual Jove (residence certificate needed if you are a foreigner). The card itself is extra: €2.20 for the anonymous plastic card, €4.40 personalised. EMT also has its own Bonobús. For short trips, Valenbisi is the city's bike share: the first 30 minutes of each trip are free with a pass, and you sign up on its website or app.

   Metrovalencia fares · Temporary discounts 2026 · Móbilis30 / SUMA Mensual Jove · EMT fares (València City Council) · Valenbisi

3. Week 1

   Phone: SIM or eSIM

   In Spain you need an identity document to buy a prepaid SIM: operators must register the buyer's name, nationality and ID number. Prepaid users have the same rights as contract users, keeping your number when you switch operator takes one working day, and you can cancel at any time with two working days' notice. The government's telecom user office explains your rights and takes complaints.

   Prepaid SIM registration, Ley 25/2007 (BOE) · Mobile users' rights (Ministry)

4. Week 1

   Safety basics

   Save 112, the European emergency number, and 092 for València's Policía Local. Beaches have lifeguards at Malva-rosa and Cabanyal only from 1 June to 15 September, 10:00–20:00: outside that season, swim with extra care.

   Policía Local, emergencies (092) · Beach service 2026

5. Weeks 1–2

   NIE, EU certificate or residence card

   Foreigner procedures are handled by Spain's National Police. EU and EEA citizens staying more than three months apply in person for the EU registration certificate (form EX18, fee €12), which shows your NIE; other procedures include the NIE on request (EX15, €9.84) and the first residence card (TIE). Pick the exact procedure there and download its form before you go.

   National Police, foreigner procedures · EU registration certificate (EX18) · Fees

6. Weeks 2–3

   Health card (SIP)

   The SIP card gives you access to public healthcare in the Valencian Community. If you are registered with Social Security, go to your nearest health centre with a padrón certificate (valid 6 months) and the INSS document recognising your right to healthcare. You can also apply online with a digital certificate or Cl@ve.

   SIP card procedures (Generalitat Valenciana) · SIP card FAQ

7. Weeks 2–3

   Open a basic payment account

   Anyone legally resident in the EU, even without a fixed address, can open a basic payment account. Its fee is capped at €3 a month and it includes cash deposits and withdrawals in euros, debit card payments and 120 payments a year within the EU.

   Basic payment account (Banco de España) · Fees

8. Weeks 3–4

   Your first plan to meet people

   Get the free municipal library card, ask CAI-PANGEA, the city's immigration centre, about its welcome course (Escuela de Acogida), or sign up for a Universitat Popular course. Or go to one of the events below: they are picked because it is easy to go alone and talk to people.

   Library card · CAI-PANGEA · Universitat Popular

Rules change: always confirm on the official page before you go.

Free public places to start

Municipal libraries, services, parks and museums in Valencia, each with its official page. Hours change: check the page before you go.

• Bibliotecas Municipales de València

  The municipal library card is completely free: fill in the form and bring a photo and your DNI, NIE or passport; it lasts 5 years. Libraries also run cultural activities; check the timetable page before you go.

• CAI-PANGEA, Centro de Atención a la Inmigración

  The city council's centre for migrants (C/ Pozo s/n): information, legal advice and the Escuela de Acogida welcome course. Walk-in information Monday to Thursday 8:30–13:30, or by phone Monday to Friday.

• Universitat Popular

  The city's adult education courses: €25 for basic courses and €55 for the rest for the 2026/27 year, with no monthly fees. Remaining places can be booked online until groups are full: a simple way to meet neighbours.

• Jardí del Túria

  The park along the old Turia riverbed crosses the city: free entry and it never closes. Walk, run or cycle it on your first weekend.

• Museos y monumentos municipales

  València's municipal museums and monuments are free on Sundays and public holidays. Check the page for each venue's hours.

• Agenda cultural de València

  The city council's culture agenda: exhibitions, concerts, guided visits and activities, many of them free. Good for finding something to do near you.

This week: events to go to alone

No upcoming events right now.

Got through a piece of paperwork? Make a card to celebrate →

New in Madrid · New in Barcelona · New in Lisbon · New in New York · New in Paris · New in Toulouse · New in Lyon · New in Helsinki · New in Bilbao · New in Porto