Living in Dénia
Everything you need to know about living in Dénia as a foreigner
Why move to Dénia?
Main advantages
- Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year
- Recognized as a creative gastronomic city by UNESCO
- Proximity to beaches and natural parks
- Active and welcoming international community
- Good connection with Alicante airport 90 km away
Best areas for foreigners
Choosing the right neighbourhood is essential for your experience in Dénia.
Centro Histórico
Charming area with narrow streets and traditional houses. Rentals from 700-900€/month for 1-bedroom apartments. Ideal for those looking to live close to services and cultural life.
Les Marines
Coastal area with direct beach access. Rentals from 800-1000€/month for 2-bedroom apartments. Popular among families and expatriates who value proximity to the sea.
Montgó
Residential neighborhood on the slopes of Montgó. Offers tranquility and panoramic views. Rentals from 900-1100€/month for single-family homes. Ideal for those seeking a natural environment.
La Pedrera
Residential area near the Dénia hospital. Rentals from 600-800€/month for 2-bedroom apartments. Popular among health sector professionals.
Cost of living: Real prices 2026
Housing rental
1-bedroom apartment in the center: 700-900€/month. 2-bedroom apartment in the outskirts: 600-800€/month. Shared room: 300-400€/month. Specific data from Dénia.
🏢Property purchase
Average price per m² in Dénia: 2,500-3,000€. City center vs outskirts. 2026 trends show a slight increase due to international 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 ticket: 1.50€. Monthly pass: 40€. Taxi start: 4€. Gasoline per liter: 1.60€. Data from Dénia.
Climate
Dénia has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 10°C in winter to 30°C in summer. It mainly rains 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 Dénia
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 the Dénia Town Hall. If you have a residence visa, make an appointment for TIE.
Week 2: Healthcare and housing
Attend the registration appointment. Research healthcare access (health center in Dénia). If temporary, look for private insurance.
Week 3: Bank account and rental
Open a Spanish bank account (banks in Dénia: Banco Sabadell, CaixaBank). Look for permanent housing on portals or local groups.
Week 4: Integration and support network
Visit migrant support associations in Dénia (see integration section). Enroll in a Spanish course. Review the month's progress.
Essential procedures
Settling legally in Spain requires completing several procedures.
- 1
Step 1: Obtain NIE at the Foreigners Office in Dénia (Calle Marquesado, 55)
- 2
Step 2: Open a bank account at one of the local branches
- 3
Step 3: Take out private health insurance if you don't have access to public healthcare
- 4
Step 4: Register at the Dénia Town Hall (Plaza de la Constitución, 10)
- 5
Step 5: Apply for TIE at the Foreigners Office (location: Calle Marquesado, 55)
💡 Recommendation: Procedures can be complex. We connect you with specialised professionals who speak your language.
Request contact →Consulates and embassies
Foreign consulates in Dénia or the province offer services to citizens of their countries. Some procedures require visiting the consulate in Madrid or major capitals.
Germany / France / Netherlands
Honorary consulates in Alicante
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
- • Supporting documents (depends on the procedure: registration, qualification, etc.)
Work and entrepreneurship
Main sectors
Where to find employment
- → Infojobs, Indeed, LinkedIn
- → SEPE Office in Dénia
- → Temporary employment agencies (ETT): Adecco, Randstad
- → Personal networks and Facebook groups in Dénia
- → Sector-specific tourism portals
Start a business
- 💼 Register as self-employed: ~250€/month fee
- 💼 Chambers of Commerce in Dénia/province offer advice
- 💼 Coworking spaces in Dénia: growing
- 💼 Resources: IVACE (Valencia)
- 💼 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: apply 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 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 prove financial means
- ⚠️ Inconsistencies between your story and documents (saying 'tourism' but carrying a CV)
- ⚠️ Fake 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 you are coming as a tourist
- ✗ Do not use false or manipulated documents (serious offense)
- ✗ 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 roots: 3 years in Spain + work contract + ties
- 5Labor roots: 6 months worked (even without papers, difficult to prove)
Nationality process
- 🏛️ After 10 years of legal residence (general rule)
- 🏛️ After 2 years for Latin 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
- 🤝 Red Cross Dénia
- 🤝 Social services of the Dénia Town Hall
- 🤝 Cepaim Foundation (if it has a branch)
- 🤝 Other local NGOs
Language courses
- 📚 Official School of Languages (EOI) of Dénia
- 📚 Free courses at the Dénia Town Hall
- 📚 NGOs: Red Cross, migrant associations
- 📚 Private academies
- 📚 Language exchanges in cafes and cultural centers
Useful apps
- 📱 My Social Security Folder (employment history)
- 📱 Digital Certificate / Cl@ve (online procedures)
- 📱 Google Maps / Moovit (transportation in Dénia)
- 📱 Idealista / Fotocasa (housing)
- 📱 Local public transport app if available
Online communities
- 🌐 Facebook groups: 'Foreigners in Dénia', 'Latinos in Dénia'
- 🌐 Expat 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 the first days
- ✅ Apostilled and translated documents
- ✅ Initial budget calculated
- ✅ Emergency contacts (consulate, lawyer, family)
First days
- ✅ Make an appointment for registration
- ✅ Make an appointment for TIE (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 (transportation, 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
- ✅ Routine established
- ✅ Basic social network created
- ✅ Leisure activities identified
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to move to Dénia?
To move to Dénia, consider an initial budget of 3,000-5,000€ to cover: deposit (1 month), first month's rent, installation expenses, reserve for the first few months.
Is it difficult to find a job in Dénia?
In Dénia, the sectors with the highest demand are: tourism, hospitality, and services. The job market is competitive, but there are opportunities during the high season. Resources: SEPE Office in Dénia.
What visa do I need to live in Dénia?
It depends on your nationality and situation. EU citizens do not need a visa. Others: student visa, work visa, non-lucrative visa, etc. Check with the Spanish consulate in your country.
Are there consulates in Dénia?
There are no consulates in Dénia, but in Alicante, you can find consulates of the United Kingdom, Germany, and other European countries.
Where can I learn Spanish in Dénia?
In Dénia you can: Official School of Languages, town hall (free courses), NGOs like Red Cross, private academies.
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