Major Changes for Families in the Valencian Community: Large-Family Status Now Granted for Families with Two or More Children, and New Benefits

The regional government of the Valencian Community (Generalitat Valenciana—comprising the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón) has announced a package of social and pro-family reforms.

The most significant change is the formal recognition of households with two children as large families (familia numerosa).

For thousands of Polish families living permanently in places such as Valencia or on the Costa Blanca, this means access to a range of financial, tax, and educational benefits.

1. A large family (Familia Numerosa) starts with just two children

Under Spanish national law, the designation “familia numerosa” is generally granted only to families with three or more children (or to families with two children in special cases, such as disability or single-parent households). The Valencian Community is extending these benefits at the regional level to all families with two children, which will cover nearly 260,000 households.

Key practical benefits:

• Purchase of real estate (ITP): Reduced rate of transfer tax on the purchase of a home on the secondary market (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales) — instead of the standard 10% rate, families with a certificate are eligible for a preferential rate (typically 4%, depending on income criteria and the value of the property).
• Income Tax (IRPF): Additional tax deductions in the regional section of the annual tax return (Declaración de la Renta).
• Education and care:
• A 50% discount (or full waiver) on tuition at public universities, as well as on entrance exam fees (Selectividad/PAU) and diploma issuance fees.
• Additional admission points for enrollment in public and subsidized (concertados) schools and preschools.
• Priority or higher points when applying for school scholarships, meal subsidies, and free textbooks (XarxaLlibres).
• Public transportation and municipal services: Discounts on monthly passes on regional transit networks (Metrovalencia, TRAM d'Alacant, TRAM Castelló, suburban buses) and reduced-price admission to public sports and cultural facilities.

2. The New Act on Balancing Family Life and Work (Ley de Conciliación)

The draft of the new regional law aims to make it easier for parents to balance work and childcare:

• Flexibility and remote work: Promoting and providing financial support to companies that implement flexible work schedules, a hybrid work model, or time banks for unexpected family emergencies.
• Care Support: Additional tax credits to offset expenses for daycare centers, nannies, and licensed care services for children and dependents.

3. Changes to the Guaranteed Income (Renta Valenciana de Inclusión – RVI)

A reformed version of the regional benefit supporting low-income individuals and families takes effect on October 20. This benefit can be combined with paid employment (it is not automatically lost upon taking a job) and with the state-funded Ingreso Mínimo Vital (IMV) benefit.

Basic requirements: To apply for RVI, you must, among other things, provide proof of your financial situation and be continuously registered (empadronamiento) in the Valencian Community.

What does this mean for Poles living in the region?

Polish citizens legally residing in Spain have the same rights to regional benefits as Spanish citizens. To take advantage of these provisions once the regulations take effect, you must:

• Ensure your residence registration (padrón) is up to date: All family members (parents and children) must be registered at the same address in the relevant municipality (Ayuntamiento).
• Have a registered residence and NIE numbers: For both adults and children.
• Apply for a regional large family card (Título de Familia Numerosa): Applications are submitted through the Generalitat Valenciana’s online platform (using a digital certificate or Cl@ve) or in person at the social services offices (Servicios Sociales / PROP).