Moving to Madrid, like any international relocation, means navigating Spain's visa requirements and legal formalities.
The type of visa you’ll need will depend on whether you’re relocating from within or outside of the EU, how long you plan to stay, and your employment and family situation.
Visa requirements for EU citizens
If you’re a citizen of an EU member state (or Switzerland), you won’t need a visa to work in Spain. However, you will need to register for a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).
Visa requirements for non-EU citizens
If you’re a citizen of a country outside of the EU (including the UK), you’ll need to obtain a visa before moving to Madrid. You’ll also need a NIE.
Visa options
There are several different visa options for families looking to relocate to Madrid.
These include:
Common visa options explained
Work Visa
If you’ve secured a job offer in Madrid, your employer will help you to apply for a Work Visa. The application should be submitted to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also apply for a Self-employment Work Visa.
Family Reunion Visa
Planning to join family members in Spain? Then you may be eligible for a Family Reunion Visa. This visa is designed for those looking to reunite with family members, such as spouses, children, and parents of legal residents.
Golden Visa (Investor Visa)
The Golden Visa programme is designed to attract overseas investors and entrepreneurs. This programme gives applicants the opportunity to obtain a renewable residence permit in exchange for significant investment in the country.
Non-lucrative Visa
This visa is suitable for people who don’t intend to work in Spain but have sufficient funds to support themselves.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is a special programme designed to attract digital nomads and entrepreneurs to Spain.
The cost of living in Madrid, while relatively high compared to other Spanish cities, is more affordable than European hubs like Paris and London. In fact, Madrid is only ranked the 100th most expensive place to live in Europe.
According to Numbeo, average monthly expenses for a family of four are around €2,900, with rent adding approximately €2,300. Monthly rental costs, of course, will vary by neighbourhood and the type of property you choose.
Other costs:
Like most cities, the Spanish capital has a wealth of accommodation choices. Where you live in Madrid will, of course, depend on your budget, preferred style, and location.
Choosing a location
Madrid has 21 districts and over 100 neighbourhoods. Location is probably the most important factor to consider when choosing where your family chooses to live. It’s important to consider your proximity to work and/or schools, whether you want to have a car, and the sorts of amenities and lifestyle you enjoy.
Living in Madrid’s centre puts you within easy reach of all the culture and excitement the city has to offer. You can easily get around using public transport, but apartments tend to be smaller and rents higher. Popular central neighbourhoods include Salamanca, which is upscale and elegant, Chamberí, which is more family friendly, and Retiro, which is quieter and home to lots of green spaces.
In the suburbs, rental prices are generally lower, and homes are larger. You're more likely to find a place with a garden, but you’ll probably need a car to get around.
The La Moraleja district
International College Spain is situated in the residential suburb of La Moraleja (Alcobendas), which is to the north of Madrid’s city centre.
La Moraleja is an exclusive, family-friendly neighbourhood with plenty of green spaces, parks, sports facilities, shopping, and excellent restaurants. The area is home to many international expats, who typically live in large villas in secure gated communities. Many businesses, including Mercedes, P&G, and Toyota, are also based in the area, which is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre.
Madrid’s hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals are excellent.
Every legal resident living in Spain has the right to healthcare, and you’ll automatically receive public health insurance if you’re employed. Most expat families, however, choose to pay for private medical care, which delivers the same high standard of service but without the wait times.
Public healthcare in Madrid
The healthcare system in Madrid constitutes numerous excellent public facilities. As is the case with all other regions in Spain, the national government provides basic coordination and legislation, and the regional administration manages the services.
Expats moving to Madrid permanently can access free healthcare once they begin to pay into social security. You’ll need a residence permit and an NIE number and health card. If you’re working, payment for public healthcare is usually arranged through your employer as an automatic deduction from your salary. If you’re self-employed, you’ll have to pay into social security yourself to receive free healthcare.
Private healthcare
Whilst there are a range of great public hospitals, healthcare centres and pharmacies in Madrid, many people prefer to use private healthcare.
This eliminates the long wait times that can impact the public system, as well as offering more choice when it comes to specialist services. To take advantage of these facilities, you’ll need to take out comprehensive private insurance for your family.
Life in Madrid is defined by its residents’ love of socialising and spending time with family and friends. ‘Madrileños’ are known for their warmth and hospitality, which makes it easy for expats to integrate.
Culturally, Madrid offers a rich tapestry of events that reflect the city’s vibrancy. Madrid’s many festivals also showcase the city’s unique combination of music, tradition, and modern flair, making the Spanish capital feel as though it’s in a perpetual state of celebration.
In May, for example, the city comes together for the San Isidro festival, which features parades, traditional dress, and concerts. La Paloma, in August, meanwhile, transforms barrios across the city into lively street parties.
From indulging in tapas at bustling markets like Mercado de San Miguel to savouring the iconic cocido Madrileño (Madrid-style stew), the city is a paradise for food lovers, too.
Learning Spanish in Madrid
Spanish language and culture are deeply intertwined, and one of the best ways to integrate into life in Madrid is by learning the language. The benefits of Spanish immersion extend far beyond language proficiency; it will enrich your experience and open doors to new friendships and opportunities.
You’ll have access to a plethora of language learning options, from traditional in-person schools to private tutors and online courses.
From tapas bars to flamenco shows, Madrid’s social life and cultural scene is world-class. Life in Madrid is also incredibly family focused. This includes the city’s bars, restaurants and cafés, which are all very welcoming to children.
As well as socialising in the city’s eateries, there are lots of other things you can do as a family living in Madrid. We’ve listed some highlights below.
Public transport
Madrid’s excellent public transport system makes it easy to get around the city. Add Spain's famous high-speed train network to the mix, and you can easily explore the city, wider region, and country from the comfort of an air-conditioned carriage.
Metro and trains
Madrid’s metro system stretches from the city centre to surrounding suburbs. It’s one of the largest of its kind in the world and stations are well distributed across the city. There’s also a suburban rail system, the Cercanías, which works in conjunction with the metro, as well as the Tranvía light rail network.
Taxis
Taxis are a popular way to get around the city. There are multiple taxi ranks and cabs can be hailed on the street. Ride-hailing apps, including Uber and Cabify, are also widely available in Madrid.
Renting a car
Driving in Spain, particularly in and around its cities, can be stressful! Central areas of Madrid also have limited parking, and most families find it far easier to get around on public transport.
Should you choose to live in one of Madrid’s outer suburbs, however, having a car can be useful, particularly when it comes to exploring further afield.
Bikes
For those who prefer pedal power, Madrid offers a popular bike-sharing system, BiciMAD. The scheme enables you to easily rent bicycles and get around the city on two wheels.
Want to find out more about moving to Madrid – or the education we offer at ICS? Our friendly Admissions Team is here to help.
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