Health, money,
and more.

In this section you will find practical information about some of the most important administrative and day-to-day aspects for international students arriving in Valencia. Here we've compiled simple guides to understand basic procedures, access essential services, and get around the city more easily.

  1. 1.

    International student registration in Spain

    Information on the legal procedures that international students must complete to study and reside in Spain.

  2. 2.

    Healthcare

    How healthcare access works for international students and what options are available depending on your country of origin.

  3. 3.

    Public Transport

    A guide to how the metro, tram, and buses work, along with the most commonly used cards and travel passes.

International Student Registration in Spain

Healthcare

Public Transport

International student registration in Spain

EU, EEA & Switzerland

According to official university information, all EU students staying more than 3 months in Spain must register at the Central Register of Foreigners.

When they complete this registration, they receive:

  • A NIE (Foreign Identity Number)
  • A Certificate of Registration as an EU Citizen. This certificate is the well-known "green card".

Important: The NIE is assigned within this same procedure. It is not a separate process for most EU students.

What to do

1.

Book an appointment

Book an appointment at:

  • Policía Nacional
  • Oficina de Extranjería

Type of procedure:

Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión Europea

2.

Prepare your documents

Usually required:

Some offices also require the Certificate of Local Registration.

3.

Certificate of Local Registration

You can process it at the city hall (e.g. València or Alfara) or online through the electronic headquarters (SEU electrònica) of the local town hall. A digital certificate or Cl@ve system is usually required.

Common documents

  • Passport or ID card
  • Rental contract or landlord's authorization
  • Registration form

Outside the EU, EEA & Switzerland

Before arriving in Spain

Students from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland need a student visa before arriving in Spain.
This visa is usually valid for 90 days or until the residence card is issued.

1.

Personal documents

2.

Academic documents

  • Admission letter from the institution
  • Proof of tuition payment
3.

Financial resources

Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses during your stay.

4.

Health insurance

Private insurance valid in Spain.

5.

Criminal record certificate

Required if your stay is longer than 6 months.

How much money do I need to prove I have?

Spain uses the IPREM indicator.

Students must prove
100% of the monthly IPREM.

Approximately
€600 to 700 per month.

When you arrive in Spain

1.

Certificate of Local Registration

You can process it at the city hall (e.g. València or Alfara) or online through the electronic headquarters (SEU electrònica) of the local town hall. A digital certificate or Cl@ve system is usually required.

Common documents

  • Passport or ID card
  • Rental contract or landlord's authorization
  • Registration form

Healthcare

Access to healthcare in Spain depends mainly on your country of origin and the type of medical coverage you have.
International students typically access healthcare through one of these options:

  • European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
  • Private insurance
  • The SIP Card, which gives access to the Valencian public health system

European Health Insurance Card

Students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland and UK can use the European Health Insurance Card during their stay in Spain.

This card is issued by the healthcare system of the country of origin and lets you receive necessary medical assistance during a temporary stay in another country.

With this card you can:

  • Receive assistance at public healthcare centres
  • Visit doctors if necessary
  • Access emergency services

Important:

  • The EHIC does not replace travel insurance
  • It only covers medically necessary treatment during your stay
  • It does not fully register you in the Spanish healthcare system

Private medical insurance

Students from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland usually need private medical insurance to obtain a student visa.

This insurance usually covers:

  • Medical consultations
  • Specialist visits
  • Hospitalisation
  • Emergencies

Each insurer works with a network of private clinics and hospitals, so you will normally need to go to the medical centres that are part of their network.

SIP Card

The SIP Card is the card of the public healthcare system of the Valencian Community.

If you obtain this card, you will be registered in the Valencian healthcare system and assigned a health centre.

With the SIP card you can:

  • Have an assigned family doctor
  • Book medical appointments
  • Access specialists through the public system
  • Receive continuous medical follow-up

In most cases, to obtain the SIP you need to:

  • Be registered on the municipal census (empadronamiento)
  • Have legal residency in Spain
  • Register in the Valencian healthcare system

In case of emergency

If you have a medical emergency in Spain, you should call 112.

Emergency services are available 24 hours and hospitals attend emergencies regardless of administrative status.

Private insurers often have their own emergency phone numbers. If you have one, check with your provider what to do in an emergency.

Public Transport

Public transport in Valencia operates through an integrated system combining metro, tram, and buses.

Most journeys are managed with the SUMA system, which allows you to use different transport modes with the same card.

The main operators are:

  • Metrovalencia - Metro and Tram
  • EMT València - Urban buses

Mobilis or SUMA Card

The Mobilis or SUMA is the rechargeable physical card used to load different transport passes.

You can load passes such as:

  • SUMA 10
  • SUMA mensual
  • Other transport passes

This is the card you will use to validate your journeys on the metro, tram, or bus.

There is also the personalized Mobilis or SUMA card, which allows you to load the SUMA Mensual Jove pass.