Moving to Madrid | International College Spain

Q: Is there a big expat community living in Madrid?

Yes, and it&rsquo;s growing every year! This is thanks to city&rsquo;s great climate, lower cost of living, and recreational opportunities. So, how many expats actually live in Madrid? According to the Madrid City Council, around 520,000 of Madrid's residents are expats or foreign-born.That all adds up to a robust community of people to meet and interact with, and you should have no trouble finding groups and events that cater to the expat crowd. Our parents have lots of great advice and top tips for families living in Madrid, too.

MOVING TO MADRID

Madrid is a cosmopolitan capital city with strong Spanish roots and a truly international flavour. A bustling social, cultural, and economic hub, our city has so much to offer expat families, from exciting activities to fantastic accommodation. On this page, you’ll find our comprehensive guide to moving to Madrid, which covers the essentials for families looking to relocate here.

THE ICS GUIDE TO RELOCATING TO MADRID

Madrid is a dynamic European city with endless culture, exciting career opportunities, and an unbeatable lifestyle.

The Spanish capital combines old-world charm with modern convenience. It’s an incredibly walkable city full of historic plazas, vibrant nightlife, sprawling green parks, and some of the best food in Europe. What’s more, Madrid enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year!

Living in Madrid, you’ll enjoy a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and great transport. You’ll also be perfectly located to discover all that Spain – and the rest of Europe – has to offer.

BEFORE YOU MOVE TO MADRID

There are lots of things to think about before you relocate to Madrid. We’ve covered some of the most important considerations below.

Investigate Spain's visa requirements

Moving to Madrid, like any international relocation, means navigating 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. Any foreign national moving to Madrid also needs to apply for a Número de Identificación de Extranjeros (NIE).

Analyse the cost of living in Madrid

The cost of living in Madrid, while relatively high compared to other Spanish cities, is generally more affordable than similar European capitals. Rent varies by neighbourhood, while dining out is comparatively affordable and public transport is cheap and efficient.

Find a place to live

Do you see yourself living in a stylish apartment in the upscale Salamanca neighbourhood? Or maybe you’d prefer to relocate to the family-friendly La Moraleja suburb, where International College Spain (ICS) is located? Whatever your housing needs, Madrid offers a diverse range of districts, each with its own unique character and appeal.

Organise your health insurance

Madrid’s hospitals, clinics, and healthcare system are all 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 expats, however, choose to pay for private medical care, which delivers the same high standard of service but without the wait times.

LIVING IN MADRID

Our guide to expat life in Madrid covers accommodation, transport, and more, ensuring you have the information you need to settle into our wonderful city.

Where to live in Madrid

Madrid has accommodation for all preferences and budgets, from stylish apartments in bustling central districts to large houses in peaceful suburbs.

Where to live in Madrid

Like most cities, the Spanish capital has a wealth of accommodation choices. Where you live in Madrid when relocating with your children 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 you 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.

Another area that is popular among ICS families is El Encinar de los Reyes. This suburb is situated next to La Moraleja, and offers a very similar, high standard of living.

Things to do

The Spanish capital is home to world-class museums, expansive parks, exciting outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. Living in Madrid, you will, of course, also discover fantastic restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.

Things to do

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.

Visit Madrid’s popular amusement parks, Parque de Atracciones and Parque Warner, for thrills and spills.
Enjoy a close encounter with mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish at The Zoo Aquarium Madrid.
Head to Snozone, a year-round indoor snow park, which features runs for both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Experience world-class sporting action at a Real Madrid or Athletico Madrid match.
Enjoy stunning views of the city by riding the Teleférico cable car in Parque Oeste.
Explore Madrid’s many art galleries, which include the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum.

Getting around Madrid

Getting from A to B in Madrid is quick and easy, thanks to the city’s excellent public transport network, which includes one of the world’s most extensive metro systems.

Getting around Madrid

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 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 expats 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.

SUCCESS THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMME

ICS is an international school in the truest sense. We’re home to a caring global community that’s like a family, where every child is supported, challenged, and inspired to be their very best. Everyone is welcome here, and this includes our fabulous parents, who play an integral role in both life at our school and their child’s learning journey.

Academically, we’re the only private school in Madrid to teach the world-renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in English from 3 through to 18. Guided by our expert teachers, your child will get fantastic results that open doors to the world’s best universities.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AT ICS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the weather like in Madrid?

Living in Madrid, you’ll enjoy a pleasantly warm and dry Mediterranean climate. There is a broad variation between winter and summer temperatures, which is due to the city’s altitude of 2,100 feet (650m) and its proximity to the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.

Summer temperatures, for example, typically hover around 25°C, while winters are generally mild, rarely dropping below freezing. And with around 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, Madrid is one of the sunniest cities in Spain – and the whole of Europe.

What is the local currency?

As with many other EU countries, Spain uses the Euro.

Is there a big expat community living in Madrid?

Yes, and it’s growing every year! This is thanks to city’s great climate, lower cost of living, and recreational opportunities. So, how many expats actually live in Madrid? According to the Madrid City Council, around 520,000 of Madrid's residents are expats or foreign-born.

That all adds up to a robust community of people to meet and interact with, and you should have no trouble finding groups and events that cater to the expat crowd. Our parents have lots of great advice and top tips for families living in Madrid, too.

Do I need to learn Spanish before I move to Madrid?

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas and restaurants, it’s less common in local residential areas. So, if you plan on living in Madrid for an extended period, learning some basic Spanish will not only help with daily interactions, but also enhance your experience.