When the founders dream of starting a startup under the Mediterranean sun, I often think of Barcelona and Madrid. But more and more entrepreneurs are looking at Valencia-a city, which builds up a pulsating, fifth-friendly startup community.
It's not just about sunshine (although not hurt 300 days a year). It's about swing. The startup scene from Valencia is collaborative, affordable and always internationally. It is large enough to recognize the advantages of accelerated growth – in 2024 the ecosystem recorded growth of 15.45%compared to 2023.
And his sights are aimed at expanding its ecosystem exponentially into the future.
In 2024, the investment in the València program, which aimed at attracting foreign investments and entrepreneurs, led to more than 1,500 new jobs and achieved an economic impact of € 149 million over a period of two years. In order to strengthen its support for startups in the early stages, the city council of Valencia increased the promotion of seeds by 50%and increased the total number to € 600,000.
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This Mediterranean city has become a magnet for startups in AI and Big Data, Climate Tech, Mobility, Logistics, Health Tech and Gaming. With strong university talents, deep connections between Legacy Industries (such as shipping and food production) and regional government investments in F&E, Valencia quickly becomes a launch pad for mission-driven and growing companies.
In addition, the city starts a new initiative, the Urban Innovation Sandbox, which aims to offer companies, start -ups and academic institutions with space in order to test their inventions with optimized bureaucracy. These 'sandboxes' enable innovators to experiment under relevant or real conditions and to accelerate product development and market time.
And progress in connectivity will help to make it easier. The ValenciaPort supported by European financing was introduced at the end of last year a 5G network of EUR 6 million in order to provide safe connectivity for over 25,000 devices, including vehicles, sensors and drones.
It is also interesting to determine that 34% of the start-ups in Valencia have a co-founder of female co-founder who shows a promising growth of the female entrepreneurship that the ecosystem wants to promote in the growth of its community.
In addition, there is a relatively low cost of living, a strong talent pool that flows from local universities, and a highly shipable regulatory landscape.
Regardless of whether you are an EU founder who is looking for the sun and scale, or a non-EU entrepreneur who observes a soft landing in the Schengen zone, this guide collapses how you can move your startup in Valencia-from Administrative questions up to the break-in into the startup community as soon as you are there.
Practical guide to lay your startup in Valencia
EU founder: Residency and paperwork
If you come from the EU, it is uncomplicated to move to Valencia. The head office is the securing of your never (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) -a personal tax -id number that is necessary to open a bank account, sign rental contracts and register your business. If you stay for more than 90 days, you also need an EU registration certificate.
Choose the right structure
Spain offers two main business structures:
- Autónomo (sole owner): ideal for freelancers or solo founders. Beware of the income contribution (~ 300 €/month).
- Sociedad Limitada (SL): a limited liability company, the contact point for most startups. Minimum capital: 3,000 €
Tax and conformity
New companies enjoy a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% in the first two winning years (standard rate is 25%). VAT (IVA) is 21%, and if you hire, you must register with Spanish social security.
Visa routes for non-EU founders
If you move from outside of the EU to Valencia, you can ensure a residence permit-but Spain offers startup-friendly ways.
Entrepreneur visa (entrepreneur law)
This visa is tailored to innovative companies that contribute to Spain. Key requirements:
- Scalable business model with economic potential
- Solid business plan
- Proof of financing and health insurance
- Clean criminal record
You will first submit your plan to the Spanish Business and Trade Office. After approval, apply for the visa of your Spanish consulate of the local Spanish consulate.
Independent visa (autonomous)
Better suitable for freelancers or non -scalable companies. It requires a sustainable business plan, qualifications and financial means to support yourself.
health insurance
Spain needs private, no-copay and comprehensive health insurance for most visa applicants. Insurers such as Innoinsure are aimed specifically at startup founders and expats.
Step by step: Start of a company in Valencia
Regardless of whether you have arrived a local or new one, as you set up a business:
- Never get -your tax -id number for all official interactions.
- Choose the legal structure – Decide between Autónomo or SL.
- Register the company name – with Spain's commercial register.
- Open a bank account – essential for operations and deposit capital.
- Sign incorporation did – about the notary for SL companies.
- Get your CIF (company tax -id) – from the tax office.
- Register for social security – especially when employing employees.
Tap financing and support
Valencia is not just pretty beaches – it invests in brains.
- Ivace (Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness) offers grants and subsidies for innovations.
- Lanzadera, Spain's answer to Y Combinator, incubated hundreds of startups a year with funds and mentoring.
- Bigban Angels combines local startups with experienced investors.
The EU also offers broader support for Horizon Europe and related innovation grants.
Coworking and accelerator
- Wayco and Vortex offer dynamic work areas filled with founders.
- Lanzadera Accelerator, supported by Mercadonas founder, also offers office space.
In order to find out whether Valencia is the right place for a business, there is a great way to test the water, in checking the VDS 2025, which takes place from October 22nd to 23rd October. Every year, Valencia's own tech event combines over 1200 participants, both from the Tech community and abroad from Valencia to exchange ideas and build connections that shape the future shaped connections.
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