Your Expat Community in Madrid

Absolutely, Madrid is a great place for expats! It’s one of those cities with a huge international crowd, making it super easy to meet people and build connections. Life in Madrid has a relaxed vibe you’ll start to love in no time. Plus, the city is bursting with culture and stunning art at every corner, and thanks to awesome public transport, getting around to soak it all in is both easy and affordable. And let’s not forget the sunny weather that keeps the city bright and warm. So, if you're wondering about moving to Madrid, it’s a thumbs up from here!

Expats in Madrid have plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere. Here’s a quick overview:

Centro: Super international with lots of different restaurants and fun stuff to do. If you like being where the action is, this is the place.

Carabanchel: Perfect if you like parks and have pets. It’s green and laid-back.

Tetuan: This is the modern part of town with cool office buildings, markets, clubs, and restaurants. It’s lively and up to date.

Puente de Vallecas: A diverse neighborhood with a strong community feel.

La Latina: Known for its bohemian style, it’s great for creative types who love art and a quirky scene.

Wherever you decide to live in Madrid, you’ll find a spot that suits what you’re looking for.

Living in Madrid without speaking Spanish is doable, but it can complicate some activities, such as visiting the doctor, accessing public services, or grocery shopping. However, since the city is highly international, you’ll likely encounter English speakers, especially in tourist areas. To navigate life in Madrid smoothly, we recommend learning Spanish to at least an intermediate level. It makes everything easier and allows you to immerse yourself more fully in the local vibe.

Looking to dive into the buzzing expat scene and meet new faces? How about kicking back at an afterwork event at La Galeria Florida Retiro? Or, if you’re up for a wild night, nightclubbing events at LuLa Club draw party-goers ready to dance the night away.

InterNations helps create a welcoming community right here in Madrid, bringing international people together. By joining, you’ll stay updated on a variety of expat events both big and small—so you can connect and socialize with like-minded people.

Madrid scores a solid 68 out of 100 with Travel Safe Abroad. Like any big city though, it has its share of small-time crime like pickpocketing or scams, especially in the touristy spots. The key? Stay sharp and keep an eye on your stuff to dodge these annoyances. And remember the basics: keep your bling to a minimum, stash your important docs safely at home, and stay smart about who’s around you.

Madrid’s mostly a safe bet, but there are a few spots you might want to avoid, especially after dark:

Gran Via and Puerta del Sol are lively and popular during the day, but at night, pickpockets are active. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and keep your valuables secure.

Neighborhoods Requiring Extra Caution:

Lavapiés: It has a cool atmosphere, but be cautious after dark due to occasional drug activity. Try to stay in crowded, well-lit spots.

Usera, Orcasur, Pan Bendito, and Puente de Vallecas: These areas have higher crime rates, ranging from theft and drug issues to occasional violence. Exercise extra caution, especially at night.

Just like in any big city, knowing where to be cautious helps you stay safe and enjoy the good stuff.

Spain’s healthcare system is excellent. It’s also inclusive, meaning you’ve got access to top-notch medical care without needing to be a Spanish citizen. All you need to do is sign up and get your healthcare card. This card gets you either free or affordable healthcare services, covering everything from doctor visits to meds, and even hospital stays.

Now, if you’re looking to level up your healthcare experience, going private is another route for expats. Private healthcare in Madrid means faster appointments, a wider range of services, and more one-on-one care. It’s pricier than the public system, with plans starting at around 50 EUR a month, but the cost varies depending on how plush you want your coverage.

Generally speaking the metro is your best option, it’s fast, dependable, and has one of the biggest networks in Europe, connecting the entire city and even some suburbs. A ride in the main zones costs 1,50 – 2 EUR, while a combo ticket costs up to 3 EUR. You can also get a 10-trip pass for between 6 and 10 EUR, making it very affordable.

Buses are also budget-friendly, though figuring out connections can take some time if you’re new to the city. Luckily, the EMT app and Google Maps are great tools for navigating the bus system. And taxis? They're surprisingly affordable. A ride from the airport to the city center will cost around 30 EUR.