Living in Madrid: the ultimate expat guide

As Spain's economic powerhouse, Madrid is city that is ripe with opportunities in numerous fields, including finance, technology, tourism and education. While many jobs are accessible to newcomers, eligibility depends on citizenship: EU/EEA citizens have the right to work in Spain with minimal additional permits, whereas non‑EU nationals must secure a residence and work permit before employment.

Key industries

Madrid’s strongest sectors include finance and banking, information technology, tourism/hospitality, creative industries and logistics/transport. The city is also home to startup incubators, the headquarters of global firms and thriving innovation hubs.

Work permits and procedures

EU/EEA citizens can work without a separate Spanish work permit, though if they stay longer than three months they must register as residents locally. Non‑EU nationals must obtain both a residence visa and a work authorization before starting employment. Once an employee hired, the employer must register the worker with Spain’s Social Security system.

Data correct as of November 2025.

Sources: INE - Institute of National Statistics, Horizons, Harvard Growth Lab

Madrid is home to several prestigious universities that attract students from across Spain and many other parts of the world. It provides a highly diverse academic environment ranging from large public institutions to specialized private schools. A variety of programs are available in English, especially at the postgraduate level.

Universities and programs

Leading public universities in Madrid, such as the Complutense University of Madrid and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, offer degrees across sciences, engineering, humanities, business, and social sciences. Meanwhile, private institutions like IE University and Universidad Europea provide numerous specialized programs, often taught entirely in English or as part of a bilingual curriculum.

Tuition fees

Tuition costs vary significantly by institution type and citizenship. At public universities in the Madrid region, EU students may pay from around €800–€3,000+ per year (depending on credits, field, etc.), with non‑EU students often paying €3,000–€6,000+ or more per year. Private universities tend to charge substantially higher fees (for example, ~€26,500/year for some undergraduate programmes at IE University), and they vary widely by programme, level and language of instruction.

Sources: Complutense University of Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Madrid is a popular destination for retirees because of its high-quality healthcare system, large international expat community, and excellent public transit connections with the rest of the country. Expats with sufficient means can apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which allows residence in Spain but does not permit any gainful employment or business activity.

Healthcare and insurance

To access the public SNS, new residents must secure residency, register with Social Security, and obtain a Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual from their local health center. Many retirees also invest in private insurance for immediate access to specialists and English-speaking doctors, typically paying between €50 - €150 per month (but older age groups may pay €120–€250+ depending on plan and health status).

Living costs and community

Expats seeking convenient access to central amenities yet comfortable living often look at residential districts like Chamberí, Retiro or Salamanca — each well connected and sought‑after. However these are among the more premium zones in Madrid, meaning higher rents or property prices compared with more peripheral neighbourhoods.

Families in Madrid can choose between public, semi-private (concertados), or private schools. Public schools follow the Spanish curriculum, while international schools offer British, American, or bilingual programs. Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 16. Teaching is usually in Spanish, though some schools also provide bilingual programs in Spanish and English.

International schools

Madrid has a wide range of international schools, including the American School of Madrid, King’s College, and Hastings School. Some follow the International Baccalaureate, while others offer British or American programs. Fees vary considerably — for example, many fall in the range €8,000–€20,000 per year, and some high‑end schools may charge more.

Popular options include:

1. King’s College Madrid
2. American School of Madrid
3. International College Spain

Enrollment process

To enroll in a public or semi-private school, families must register with their local town hall (ayuntamiento) and provide proof of address. For international schools in Madrid, applications can usually be made directly through the school’s admissions office. Spaces are often limited, so applying early is advised.

Sources: Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional

Madrid’s housing market offers a mix of classic and contemporary options, from elegant apartments in historic districts to modern flats in newer residential areas. Demand is steady across the city, with prices typically influenced by location and proximity to public transport.

Where expats live

Popular neighborhoods include:

Salamanca – luxury apartments, designer shopping, and restaurants.

Chamberí – family-friendly, residential, traditional architecture.

Chamartín – modern apartments, business centers, green spaces.

Retiro – parks, culture, and a central location.

Rental prices and rental process

Rental costs for accommodation in Madrid vary by neighborhood, property size and condition. Central areas and well-connected zones are generally more expensive, while outer districts offer better value. Many leases are for at least one year (and often set up for automatic renewal). A standard security deposit in Madrid is one month’s rent for a permanent contract, though furnished or shorter‑term rentals may ask for two months or additional guarantees. Many renters use real‑estate agents to manage viewings, contracts and paperwork.

Data correct as of November 2025.

Sources: Numbeo

There is plenty to see and do in Madrid to keep you entertained. From world-class museums to open-air cafés, the city has something for everyone year-round.

Cultural attractions

Highlights include the Prado Museum, Reina Sofía, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. The city also hosts major events such as the San Isidro Festival and Madrid Pride, which fill the streets with music and celebration. Madrid’s theaters, live music venues, and art galleries have rich and varied programs throughout the year.

Outdoor and social life

Parks like El Retiro and Casa de Campo are popular for walking, cycling, picnics and family outings. The park along the Manzanares River offers running tracks and green spaces too. Tapas terraces, bustling plazas, and cozy cafés provide plenty of opportunities to socialize. Football is a major pastime, with Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid drawing passionate support across the city.

Madrid is a city of contrasts: formal at work, spontaneous after hours. The days are busy, but people take time to enjoy the small rituals that define life here—an early café con leche (coffee with milk), a quick lunch menu del día, or a late dinner that stretches past midnight. The capital mixes a professional atmosphere with an easy sociability that keeps its streets lively well into the night.

Living like a local

Madrileños prize conversation and community. Social life often centers around local bars, cultural centers, and neighborhood fiestas. Sundays are for relaxing—strolling through a market like El Rastro, reading the paper in a park, or gathering for a long family meal.

Everyday essentials

Daily life in Madrid follows a rhythm all its own. Most shops and supermarkets stay open throughout the day, though small family-run stores in residential neighborhoods may close briefly in the afternoon for lunch/siesta. Meals happen later than in many countries, with lunch around 2–3 p.m. and dinner often after 9 p.m. While supermarkets are convenient, many residents still prefer their neighborhood panadería (bakery) or frutería (greengrocer) for fresh produce and to see familiar faces.

Madrid offers the convenience of a major European city while keeping everyday costs relatively moderate compared to some northern European capitals. Groceries, transport, and leisure are generally cheaper than in northern Europe, though salaries tend to be slightly lower.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of November 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of November 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, LifeCost, RelocateMe