Living in Orihuela
Everything you need to know about living in Orihuela as a foreigner
Why move to Orihuela?
Main advantages
- Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year
- Lower cost of living than in large cities
- Wide cultural and heritage offering
- Proximity to the coast and mountains
- Active and welcoming international community
Best areas for foreigners
Choosing the right neighbourhood is essential for your experience in Orihuela.
Casco Histórico
Charming historic center, rental prices around 500-700€/month for a 1-bedroom apartment. Quiet atmosphere, with local residents and some expatriates. Nearby services such as shops, restaurants, and public transport.
La Aparecida
Residential area on the outskirts, ideal for families. Rental prices for 2-bedroom apartments between 600-800€/month. Family-friendly atmosphere and basic services available.
San Bartolomé
Neighborhood with a more rural atmosphere, more affordable rental prices, starting from 400€/month. Predominantly local population and ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Campoamor
Area close to the coast, popular among tourists and expatriates, with higher rental prices, starting from 700€/month for a 1-bedroom apartment. Offers tourist services and nearby beaches.
Cost of living: Real prices 2026
Housing rental
1-bedroom apartment in the center: 500-700€/month. 2-bedroom apartment on the outskirts: 600-800€/month. Shared room: 250-350€/month. Specific data for Orihuela.
🏢Property purchase
Average price per m² in Orihuela: 1,200-1,500€. City center vs outskirts. 2026 trends indicate a slight increase due to growing demand.
🛒Food and groceries
Weekly supermarket (2 people): 60-80€. Economical restaurant meal: 10€. Menu of the day: 12€. Coffee: 1.50€.
🚗Transport
Bus/tram ticket: 1.50€. Monthly pass: 35€. Taxi start: 3€. Gasoline per liter: 1.40€. Data from Orihuela.
Climate
Orihuela has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range between 10°C in winter and 30°C in summer. Rainfall is scarce, concentrated in autumn. The best time of year is spring when the weather is milder.
💡Utilities (water, electricity, internet)
Electricity + gas (70m² apartment): 80-120€/month. Internet: 30-50€/month. Water: 20-30€/month. Mobile: 15€/month.
Your first 30 days in Orihuela
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 Orihuela Town Hall. If you have a residence visa, make an appointment for TIE.
Week 2: Health and housing
Attend the registration appointment. Research access to healthcare (health center in Orihuela). If temporary, look for private insurance.
Week 3: Bank account and rental
Open a Spanish bank account (banks in Orihuela: Banco Santander, BBVA). Look for permanent housing on portals or local groups.
Week 4: Integration and support network
Visit migrant support associations in Orihuela (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 Orihuela Town Hall, located at Plaza del Carmen.
- 2
Step 2: Request the NIE at the Orihuela Police Station, bringing your passport and necessary documents.
- 3
Step 3: Open a bank account at one of the local branches such as Banco Santander or BBVA.
- 4
Step 4: Registration at Orihuela Town Hall (Plaza del Carmen, s/n).
- 5
Step 5: Request TIE at the Orihuela Foreigners Office (specific location according to prior appointment).
💡 Recommendation: Procedures can be complex. We connect you with specialised professionals who speak your language.
Request contact →Consulates and embassies
Foreign consulates in Orihuela or the province offer services to citizens of their countries. Some procedures require going to the consulate in Madrid or larger 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 Orihuela
- → Temporary employment agencies (ETT): Adecco, Randstad
- → Personal networks and Facebook groups in Orihuela
- → Specific portals for the agricultural and tourism sectors
Start a business
- 💼 Register as self-employed: ~250€/month fee
- 💼 Chambers of Commerce in Orihuela/province offer advice
- 💼 Coworking spaces in Orihuela: growing
- 💼 Resources: INFO (Murcia) or IVACE (Valencia) depending on the 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
- ⚠️ Not being able to prove 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 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 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
- 🤝 Cruz Roja Orihuela
- 🤝 Social services of the Orihuela Town Hall
- 🤝 Fundación Cepaim (if it has a delegation)
- 🤝 Other local NGOs
Language courses
- 📚 Escuela Oficial de Idiomas (EOI) of Orihuela
- 📚 Free courses at Orihuela Town Hall
- 📚 NGOs: Cruz Roja, migrant associations
- 📚 Private academies
- 📚 Language exchanges in cafes and cultural centers
Useful apps
- 📱 Mi Carpeta de la Seguridad Social (work life)
- 📱 Digital Certificate / Cl@ve (online procedures)
- 📱 Google Maps / Moovit (transportation Orihuela)
- 📱 Idealista / Fotocasa (housing)
- 📱 Local public transport app if available
Online communities
- 🌐 Facebook groups: 'Foreigners in Orihuela', 'Latinos in Orihuela'
- 🌐 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)
- ✅ Look 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
- ✅ Familiarized with neighborhood services
- ✅ Established routine
- ✅ Basic social network created
- ✅ Leisure activities identified
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to move to Orihuela?
To move to Orihuela, consider an initial budget of 2,000-3,000€ covering: deposit (1 month), first month's rent, installation expenses, reserve for the first months.
Is it difficult to find a job in Orihuela?
In Orihuela, the sectors with the most demand are: agriculture, tourism, and commerce. The job market is competitive but accessible. Resources: SEPE Office in Orihuela.
What visa do I need to live in Orihuela?
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 Orihuela?
In Orihuela or its province, there are consulates of: United Kingdom (honorary). For most countries, you must go to Alicante or Valencia.
Where can I learn Spanish in Orihuela?
In Orihuela, you can: Escuela Oficial de Idiomas, town hall (free courses), NGOs like Cruz Roja, private academies.
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