Your Expat Community in Madrid

Living in Madrid: Your Questions, Answered

If you're a new or soon-to-be expat in Madrid, you might have questions about life in this vibrant city. To help you get a better understanding of what to expect, we've answered seven common questions expats often ask. For more specific questions or to share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, a community of expats who enjoy supporting one another.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
While it's possible to get by with English in Madrid, learning Spanish can make your life much easier and help you connect with the local community. Many locals do speak English, especially in the service industry and among younger generations, but knowing Spanish can help you navigate daily life and feel more at home.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat districts?

Chamberí:

• Single-room flat: 800–1,200 EUR (950–1,425 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,800–2,800 EUR (2,140–3,325 USD) per month

Salamanca:

• Single-room flat: 1,000–1,600 EUR (1,190–1,900 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 2,500–4,000 EUR (2,975–4,750 USD) per month

Retiro:

• Single-room flat: 750–1,200 EUR (890–1,425 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 1,600–2,800 EUR (1,900–3,325 USD) per month

3. What is the minimum monthly salary needed to live comfortably in Madrid?
To live comfortably in Madrid, you would need a minimum monthly salary of around 2,000–2,500 EUR (2,380–2,970 USD). However, to not worry about money and enjoy a more upscale lifestyle, you would need a monthly salary of around 4,000 EUR (4,750 USD) or more.

4. How safe is Madrid for expats?
Madrid is considered a safe city for expats. As with any large city, it's essential to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping your belongings secure. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, can occur in tourist-heavy areas, so it's essential to remain vigilant.

5. What are the best modes of transportation in Madrid?
Madrid has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trains, and a metro system. Many residents rely on public transport as their primary means of transportation, as it is affordable, efficient, and well-connected. Additionally, Madrid is a walkable and bike-friendly city, with many pedestrian zones and bike lanes. Owning a car is not necessary for most people living in Madrid.

6. How can I open a bank account in Madrid?
To open a bank account in Madrid, you'll typically need your passport, proof of address, and a Spanish tax identification number (NIE). Some banks may also require proof of employment or a minimum initial deposit. Be sure to check with your chosen bank for specific requirements.

7. How is the healthcare system in Madrid?
Madrid has a high-quality healthcare system, including both public and private facilities. As an expat, you may be eligible for public healthcare if you are a legal resident and contribute to the Spanish Social Security system. Alternatively, many expats opt for private health insurance, which offers additional benefits, such as shorter waiting times and access to a broader range of

Get Started with Your Expat Life in Madrid

Once arrived, you'll soon find that Madrid has as much to offer as any other city in the world. Our Madrid Community is just as amenable to new arrivals, and is always happy to help you get settled and enjoy your new life in Madrid. English is not widely spoken in Madrid and throughout the country, so learning some Spanish is essential to communicate. Life in Madrid is often more affordable than other big cities such as Zurich, Munich, or London, with cuisine to rival Rome, a public transport network as reliable as Berlin, and culture to compare with Paris. There is plenty of expatriates here taking advantage of a city that brings high culture while remaining affordable and hugely welcoming and friendly to people from all over the globe. Leisure options and entertainment are one of the best reasons for expats coming to Madrid and you can look forward to cervezas, tapas and fiesta! There are so many things to enjoy in Madrid that your expat life is bound to be an amazing experience. The city has a lot to offer, including many museums and galleries, plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as an exciting nightlife and an affordable, high-quality lifestyle among other things. It is true that Spain's economy has been experiencing some difficult years recently. However, its economy has slowly but surely improved with the assistance of the European Union. As the major financial center of Spain, many of the main international corporations are located there, attracting expats from all over the world. The healthcare in Spain is one of the best in Europe and available for the EU citizens, while expats might apply for local insurance through your MNC. Other than insurance, if you’re worrying about education for your children, there are some great international schools to be found in Madrid. Madrid holds a Mediterranean climate with very hot summers and mild winters, snowfall is rare but it can occur. Nevertheless, for expats who are wishing to escape from the northern winter, Madrid is a great choice. When looking for accommodation, just make sure that your "piso" or "piso compartido" has air conditioning.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Dubai or Shanghai, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

Take Advantage of Our Local Expat Community in Madrid

Our members come from a broad range of backgrounds, countries, and fields of work, but all have gone through our approval process to ensure any interactions you have with our network is safe, our members courteous, and the information on the platform reliable. Whether your query is about potentially complex practical issues like work permits or tax advice, or just about where to get the best cocktails, our members are always happy to help. You're free to take your interaction offline, too — our members have organized a variety of groups for activities in the city, whether your passion is for cinema, opera, or taking advantage of the glorious food and wine offered in the Spanish capital. Our larger InterNations Official Events also take place frequently and allow you to meet some of the most interesting people from around the globe.