Moving to Alicante? Here's Everything British Expats Should Know
If you’re dreaming of a new life chapter that involves sun-drenched shores, year-round warmth, and a vibrant community, you may want to direct your sights to Alicante, Spain. This charming coastal city in Costa Blanca, only an hour and fifteen minutes away from Barcelona by air, is a haven for expats wanting to embrace a lifestyle that balances work, rest, and play.
Let's delve into why!
Considering the Move to Alicante
Alicante's heritage as a bustling port for various civilizations has left a lasting mark on its stunning landscapes. Nestled at the foot of the Castle of Santa Barbara on Monte Benacantil, this port city is home to breathtaking castles, basilicas, monasteries and forts — set against the picturesque backdrop of water and mountains.
If you are a UK citizen, you'll be relieved to know that starting a new life in Alicante is quite smooth. With its large expat community and cosmopolitan city centre, you’ll find plenty of English speakers, especially in the surrounding towns and villages. This welcoming environment makes it easy to settle in and embrace the charm of Alicante’s vibrant culture.
Once you decide to make Alicante your home—whether it's for work, study, or retirement—understanding the legal and logistical aspects of your move is essential.
Gentlevan Removals provides comprehensive guides for UK citizens, covering everything from visa processes to customs requirements. Planning ahead ensures a seamless transition, allowing you to fully enjoy not just Alicante’s stunning scenery but also its relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Alicante
If you’re still unsure about making the move, we have gathered all the positive and negative factors you should consider before deciding.
The Pros
Easy Access
Alicante is a popular destination well-connected by sea, land, and air. There are plenty of direct flights from London to Alicante, especially during peak seasons like summer.
It takes just two and a half hours by plane to reach Alicante from the UK. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train connecting London to the Alicante Terminal. Getting around the city is also easy, thanks to a variety of transportation options.
Low Crime Rate
Alicante and the wider Alicante province have a lower crime rate than other European cities. Alicante is generally safe for both locals and expats. However, as with any city, staying vigilant and taking standard precautions can help you avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing.
Fine Weather
Alicante has a Mediterranean, semi-arid climate, which means lots of sun, limited rain, and mild winters. The year-round temperature is consistently warm at about 20 degrees and is balanced by the sea’s high heat capacity. This sunny city gives you plenty of time to frolic on its 15-kilometre beach or enjoy the scenic outdoors.
Stunning Scenery
Alicante's rich history as a trading port is reflected in its timeless architectural treasures and historic charm. The city offers a unique blend of old and new, with natural landscapes, historic old towns, a bustling marina, and vibrant urban spots filled with modern cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Economy
Alicante’s economy has evolved from its early reliance on tourism and trade to become a diversified hub for global and allied companies across various sectors, including manufacturing, financial services, digital technology, real estate, and research. With its advanced transportation infrastructure, the city remains a vital logistics hub serving Europe and beyond.
Employment Opportunities
Alicante offers numerous English-speaking job opportunities for both locals and expats in industries such as retail, healthcare, software, automotive, real estate, and finance. As a UK expat with a valid residence and work permit, you’ll find many career options to join Alicante’s dynamic workforce.
With over 25,000 companies operating in the area, Alicante provides ample opportunities to build a fulfilling career while enjoying its vibrant lifestyle.
Healthcare
Spain’s public healthcare system is mostly tax-funded. It is one of the best healthcare systems in the world and provides its residents with wide coverage and access to high-quality medical care and facilities. Many residents supplement it with private health insurance for specialized medical needs like dental care.
Relatively Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Alicante is around €1,360 (£1,085), including rent for a single person per month. This is lower than the cost of living in the UK, which is about £1,730. The amount you need to live comfortably in Spain is close to the world’s average and can be covered by the average monthly salary after tax.
High Life Expectancy
Perhaps it's the relaxing environment, the strong sense of community in the villages, the Mediterranean cuisine, or the quality healthcare, but Spanish residents enjoy a high life expectancy of 83.5 years, comparable to the UK's 82 years.
The Cons
Language Barriers
While English is widely spoken in large expat communities, most locals speak Spanish, and most signs and directions are also in Spanish. As a British expat, you may find it hard to adjust to communicating with service personnel in shops.
Large Crowds During Peak Season
Alicante is a popular holiday destination, usually packed with tourists over the summer and other holiday season visitors. If you find the influx of visitors overwhelming, avoid tourist spots and shopping streets during peak days and hours and use alternative routes for work and errands.
Bureaucracy in Government
The amount of paperwork needed to settle in Spain can be overwhelming for expats. From acquiring the necessary documents before and after arrival to the requirements for opening a bank account, you need to fully comply in order to make your move both legal and convenient.
Remember to get your residence permit or Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (TIE) within 30 days of your arrival. Also, you will need a foreigner tax identification number (NIE) and city hall registration to obtain your certificado de empadronamiento.
Tips to Make Your Transition Smoother
Moving to Alicante—whether for work, to join a loved one, or to retire—can feel overwhelming. However, with the right planning and approach, you can ease the process and enjoy a stress-free experience.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth transition and integration as you say hola to sunny and vibrant Alicante.
Know What Visa Suits You
Depending on your status and purpose (work, study, or retire), there is a specific visa you need to obtain. Retirees and those who can sustain living in Spain without working may apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa, while highly skilled professionals may qualify for a Blue Card. The Golden Visa may apply to those who intend to invest significantly in Spain, like buying a house. There is also the Digital Nomad Visa for freelance digital workers.
If you are moving for work, you will need to have a job offer in Spain, and your employer or potential employer should apply for your work permit. After this, you will need to apply for a work visa at the Spanish Consulate in the UK.
Plan for the Logistics of Your Move
Depending on the purpose and length of your stay, it’s best to plan and arrange how to transport your belongings to your new home in Alicante. This is a process that can get overwhelming, considering Spain’s customs requirements and procedures. To know more about these, you can visit the EU website or consult with an immigration agent.
For your belongings, Gentlevan Removals can help you navigate the process with expert services such as packing, shipping, or storing.
Acquire Private Health Insurance
Apart from your public healthcare insurance, which you automatically have once employed in Spain, having private health insurance can also help with your visa application. Some residence permits actually require private insurance, especially if you are not already employed upon arrival.
Find a Home
There are plenty of properties available for sale or rent in Alicante City and the greater Alicante province. Renting a 2-bedroom flat in the city centre averages around €1,200, while studio flats further from the town centre can cost as little as €450.
If you’re planning a permanent move and looking to buy a home, the average price per square metre in the city centre is €2,588. For more affordable options, properties on the outskirts are priced at around €1,700 per square metre. Prices vary depending on the location, size and features of the property.
Learn the Language
Alicante’s official languages are Spanish and Valenciano, and while English is widely spoken in expat communities, it is still wise and convenient to learn basic Spanish to converse with locals. This will help you integrate more easily and develop a network among both locals and expats.
There are also language schools in Alicante that offer Spanish courses for all levels.
Let Gentlevan Removals Assist You With Your Move
Thinking about moving to Spain? Let us help make the process smooth and worry-free.
At Gentlevan Removals, our team of removal experts ensures your move is stress-free with top-quality removal services, eco-friendly packing options, and friendly, efficient customer support. Whether you’re moving within the UK or to Europe, you can count on us to take great care of your belongings—packing, shipping, or even storing them safely in the UK while you’re away.
Contact us today for a free online quote.