Living in Alicante
Everything you need to know about living in Alicante as a foreigner
Why move to Alicante?
Main advantages
- Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year
- Lower cost of living compared to other Spanish cities
- Large international community, facilitating integration
- International airport just 15 km from the center
- Excellent transport connections and services
Best areas for foreigners
Choosing the right neighbourhood is essential for your experience in Alicante.
Centro
The heart of Alicante, with a vibrant atmosphere and all services at hand. Rentals from 900€ for a one-bedroom apartment. Ideal for those who enjoy urban life.
San Juan Playa
Coastal area with one of the best beaches in the region. Perfect for families and sea lovers. Rentals from 1,200€ for a two-bedroom apartment.
Benalúa
Quiet residential neighborhood, well connected to the center. More affordable rentals, from 800€ for a one-bedroom apartment. Popular among young professionals.
Carolinas Altas
Traditional area of Alicante with an authentic neighborhood feel. Rentals from 700€ for a one-bedroom apartment. Good transport connections and local services.
Cost of living: Real prices 2026
Housing rental
One-bedroom apartment in the center: 900-1,200€/month. Two-bedroom apartment in the outskirts: 800-1,000€/month. Shared room: 400-600€/month. Specific data for Alicante.
🏢Property purchase
Average price per m² in Alicante: 2,500-3,000€. City center more expensive than outskirts. 2026 trends indicate a slight increase due to demand.
🛒Food and groceries
Weekly supermarket (2 people): 80-100€. Meal at a budget restaurant: 12€. Menu of the day: 15€. Coffee: 1.50€.
🚗Transport
Bus/tram ticket: 1.50€. Monthly pass: 40€. Taxi start: 4€. Gasoline per liter: 1.60€. Data from Alicante.
Climate
Alicante has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 12°C in winter to 30°C in summer. Rainfall is scarce, concentrated in autumn. The best time to enjoy the city is spring and autumn.
💡Utilities (water, electricity, internet)
Electricity + gas (70m² apartment): 100-150€/month. Internet: 30-50€/month. Water: 20-30€/month. Mobile: 20€/month.
Your first 30 days in Alicante
Step-by-step guide for your first month. Don't waste time: follow this plan.
Week 1: Documentation and registration
Organize a folder with documents. Make an appointment for registration at Alicante City Hall. If you have a residence visa, make an appointment for TIE.
Week 2: Health and housing
Attend the registration appointment. Research healthcare access (health center in Alicante). If temporary, look for private insurance.
Week 3: Bank account and rental
Open a Spanish bank account (banks in Alicante: Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank). Look for permanent housing on portals or local groups.
Week 4: Integration and support network
Visit migrant support associations in Alicante (see integration section). Enroll in a Spanish course. Review the month.
Essential procedures
Settling legally in Spain requires completing several procedures.
- 1
Step 1: Request registration at the Alicante City Hall. Bring passport and rental contract.
- 2
Step 2: Make an appointment to obtain the NIE at the Alicante Police Station.
- 3
Step 3: Open a bank account at a local branch (Santander, BBVA, etc.)
- 4
Step 4: Registration at Alicante City Hall (Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 1)
- 5
Step 5: TIE application at Foreigners Office (Calle Ebanistería, 4)
💡 Recommendation: Procedures can be complex. We connect you with specialised professionals who speak your language.
Request contact →Consulates and embassies
Foreign consulates in Alicante or province offer services to citizens of their countries. Some procedures require going to the consulate in Madrid or major capitals.
Germany / France / Netherlands
Honorary consulates or agencies (verify according to country)
Search on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs websiteLatin American countries
Some have honorary consulates. Many refer to Madrid/Barcelona
Search 'Consulate of [country] in Spain'Basic documents for consular procedures
- • Passport or identity document
- • Specific forms for the procedure
- • Passport-sized photographs
- • Proofs (depends on the procedure: registration, qualification, etc.)
Work and entrepreneurship
Main sectors
Where to find employment
- → Infojobs, Indeed, LinkedIn
- → SEPE office in Alicante
- → Temporary employment agencies (ETT): Adecco, Randstad
- → Personal networks and Facebook groups in Alicante
- → Sector-specific portals [if applicable]
Start a business
- 💼 Register as self-employed: ~250€/month fee
- 💼 Chambers of Commerce in Alicante/province offer advice
- 💼 Coworkings in Alicante: [mention one if known or say 'growing']
- 💼 Resources: INFO (Murcia) or IVACE (Valencia) depending on province
- 💼 Business plan essential before starting
Entry conditions to Spain
Without visa
- ✓ EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: free movement
- ✓ Many Latin American countries: up to 90 days in 180 days without a visa
- ✓ You must carry: valid passport, return ticket, accommodation proof, financial means (min 100€/day, first day 900€), medical insurance 30,000€
With visa
- → If your country requires a Schengen visa: process it at the Spanish consulate
- → Long-term visas (residence): studies, work, non-lucrative, family reunification
- → Once in Spain, collect TIE within 30 days
Required documents
- 📄 Valid passport (min 3 months after planned departure)
- 📄 Round-trip ticket (or exit from the Schengen area)
- 📄 Accommodation reservation or invitation letter
- 📄 Medical insurance with 30,000€ coverage
- 📄 Proof of financial means
- 📄 Visa (if applicable)
Border crossing risks
Common mistakes
- ⚠️ Not carrying a return ticket within 90 days
- ⚠️ Unable to demonstrate financial means
- ⚠️ Inconsistencies between your story and documents (saying 'tourism' but carrying a CV)
- ⚠️ False or unconfirmed hotel reservations
- ⚠️ Passport about to expire
What NOT to do
- ✗ Do not lie about the purpose of the trip
- ✗ Do not enter with a work contract if coming as a tourist
- ✗ Do not use false or manipulated documents (serious crime)
- ✗ Do not argue with the border agent
- ✗ Do not travel without medical insurance if mandatory
Advice
- ✓ Carry copies of all documents (physical and digital)
- ✓ Answer questions clearly and coherently
- ✓ If detained, request to speak with a lawyer and contact your consulate
- ✓ Know your rights: right to an interpreter, explanation, assistance
- ✓ In case of denial, you can file appeals
Legal residency and nationality
Types of residency
- 1Temporary residence (1 year, renewable): studies, work, family reunification, non-lucrative
- 2Renewed temporary residence (2 years): after the first year
- 3Long-term residence (5 years): after 5 years of continuous legal residence
- 4Social integration: 3 years in Spain + work contract + ties
- 5Labor integration: 6 months worked (even without papers, difficult to prove)
Nationality process
- 🏛️ After 10 years of legal residence (general rule)
- 🏛️ After 2 years for Ibero-Americans, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal
- 🏛️ After 1 year for those born in Spain, refugees, married to a Spaniard
- 🏛️ Requirements: clean criminal record, DELE A2, CCSE, integration
- 🏛️ Advantages: EU citizenship, freedom of movement, voting rights
Practical integration
Support associations
- 🤝 Asti-Alicante
- 🤝 Cruz Roja Alicante
- 🤝 Social services of Alicante City Hall
- 🤝 Fundación Cepaim
- 🤝 Other local NGOs
Language courses
- 📚 Escuela Oficial de Idiomas (EOI) in Alicante
- 📚 Free courses at Alicante City Hall
- 📚 NGOs: Cruz Roja, migrant associations
- 📚 Private academies
- 📚 Language exchanges in cafes and cultural centers
Useful apps
- 📱 Mi Carpeta de la Seguridad Social (employment history)
- 📱 Digital Certificate / Cl@ve (online procedures)
- 📱 Google Maps / Moovit (Alicante transport)
- 📱 Idealista / Fotocasa (housing)
- 📱 Local public transport app if available
Online communities
- 🌐 Facebook groups: 'Foreigners in Alicante', 'Latinos in Alicante'
- 🌐 Expats forums and blogs in Spain
- 🌐 Reddit: r/IWantOut, r/Spain
- 🌐 WhatsApp or Telegram groups of your nationality
Checklists
Before travelling
- ✅ Visa approved (if applicable)
- ✅ Valid passport (min 6 months)
- ✅ Medical insurance contracted (30,000€)
- ✅ Round-trip ticket
- ✅ Accommodation reservation for first days
- ✅ Apostilled and translated documents
- ✅ Initial budget calculated
- ✅ Emergency contacts (consulate, lawyer, family)
First days
- ✅ Make registration appointment
- ✅ Make TIE appointment (if you have a residence visa)
- ✅ Search for permanent accommodation
- ✅ Locate health center
- ✅ Open a Spanish bank account
- ✅ Buy a Spanish SIM card
- ✅ Get oriented in the city (transport, supermarkets, services)
Procedures
- ✅ Registration completed
- ✅ TIE collected (if applicable)
- ✅ Registered with Social Security (if working)
- ✅ Rental contract signed
- ✅ Utilities set up (electricity, water, internet)
- ✅ Health card requested
- ✅ Digital certificate or Cl@ve obtained
Integration
- ✅ Enrolled in a Spanish course
- ✅ Visited support association
- ✅ Joined a local group or community
- ✅ Familiar with neighborhood services
- ✅ Established routine
- ✅ Basic social network created
- ✅ Leisure activities identified
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to move to Alicante?
To move to Alicante, consider an initial budget of 3,000-5,000€ to cover: deposit (1 month), first month's rent, setup expenses, reserve for the first few months.
Is it difficult to find a job in Alicante?
In Alicante, the sectors with the highest demand are: tourism, commerce, and technology. The job market is competitive. Resources: SEPE, Infojobs.
What visa do I need to live in Alicante?
It depends on your nationality and situation. EU citizens do not need a visa. Others: study, work, non-lucrative visa, etc. Consult the Spanish consulate in your country.
Are there consulates in Alicante?
In Alicante or its province, there are consulates of: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands. For other countries, you must go to Madrid or Valencia.
Where can I learn Spanish in Alicante?
In Alicante you can: Escuela Oficial de Idiomas, city hall (free courses), NGOs like Cruz Roja, private academies.
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