If you’re a non-EU/EEA citizen and plan to stay in Madrid for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-term visa before moving to Spain. Below are common visa options available depending on your circumstances:

1. Digital Nomad Visa

• Who is it for?: Remote workers, freelancers, or entrepreneurs who earn income from clients or companies outside of Spain.
• Key Requirements: Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts, minimum income threshold (typically €2,000–€3,000/month), private health insurance, no criminal record, and tax compliance.
• Duration: Initially valid for one year, extendable up to five years.
• Family Inclusion: Your spouse and children can be included, provided you meet the financial requirements for dependents.

2. Non-Lucrative Visa

• Who is it for?: Individuals who plan to live in Spain but do not intend to work while residing there. It’s popular among retirees or those with passive income.
• Key Requirements: Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself without working in Spain (typically around €28,800/year for individuals and more for families), private health insurance, and no criminal record.
• Work Restrictions: You are not allowed to work for a Spanish company or freelance for local clients.
• Duration: Initially valid for one year and can be renewed every two years. After five years, you may apply for permanent residency.

3. Work Visa

• Who is it for?: Individuals who have secured a job offer from a Spanish company before relocating.
• Key Requirements: A valid work contract with a Spanish company, proof that the employer could not fill the position with an EU/EEA candidate, and compliance with Spanish labor laws.
• Employer’s Role: The employer must file the work permit application on your behalf before you apply for the visa.
• Duration: The visa is linked to the duration of the employment contract and can be renewed.
• Eligibility for Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous residence, you may apply for permanent residency.

4. Student Visa

• Who is it for?: Individuals enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Spain for courses lasting longer than 90 days.
• Key Requirements: Proof of enrollment, sufficient financial resources, and private health insurance.
• Work Restrictions: You can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) while studying.
• Duration: Valid for the duration of the study program.

NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)

Once your visa is approved and you arrive in Madrid, the next step is to apply for an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number). The NIE is essential for almost every bureaucratic and financial process in Spain, including opening a bank account, signing rental contracts, paying taxes, and accessing healthcare.

Finding housing in Madrid can be competitive due to high demand, but there are several methods and resources available to help make your search easier.

1. Online Housing Platforms

The most common way to find housing in Madrid is through online property platforms. Two of the most popular websites for both short-term and long-term rentals are:

• Idealista: One of the largest real estate websites in Spain, Idealista lists thousands of apartments and houses across Madrid. You can filter by neighborhood, price, size, and other preferences.
• Fotocasa: Another well-known real estate site, Fotocasa offers extensive listings for rental properties in Madrid, often including detailed descriptions and photos.
• Spotahome: Specializing in medium- to long-term rentals, Spotahome offers verified listings, which are useful for expats moving from abroad.
• Habitaclia: This platform also features properties for sale and rent, including shared apartments.

2. Popular Neighborhoods in Madrid

Each neighborhood in Madrid offers a unique atmosphere and caters to different lifestyles. Here are a few of the most popular neighborhoods for expats and locals alike:

• Salamanca: Known for its upscale, residential vibe, Salamanca is one of the wealthier areas of Madrid. It has wide, tree-lined streets and is close to high-end shopping and dining options. This neighborhood is ideal for families or professionals seeking a more tranquil environment.
• Chamberí: This district is popular with both locals and expats for its beautiful architecture, proximity to the city center, and a more traditional Madrid feel. It’s family-friendly with a number of parks, good schools, and local amenities.
• Malasaña: Known for its bohemian and youthful vibe, Malasaña is packed with trendy cafes, vintage shops, and nightlife. It’s popular among younger professionals, students, and creatives looking for a vibrant, social atmosphere.
• Lavapiés: If you’re looking for a multicultural and artistic neighborhood, Lavapiés is the place. It’s a lively area with a diverse community and lower rental prices compared to some of the more upscale districts. It’s particularly popular among young expats and artists.
• Retiro: Located near the famous El Retiro Park, this neighborhood is ideal for those seeking green spaces, family-friendly areas, and a quieter residential life. It’s popular with families and professionals.

3. Real Estate Agents

While online platforms are popular, you can also enlist the help of real estate agents (agencias inmobiliarias). Agents can:

• Assist in finding off-market listings, which might not be available online.
• Help with the lease negotiation and paperwork, especially if you’re not familiar with Spanish rental laws.
• Provide insights on the best neighborhoods based on your budget and needs. Some reputable real estate agencies in Madrid include Lucas Fox, Engel & Völkers, and Inmobiliaria Gilmar.

4. Rental Process and Requirements

• Lease Terms: Most rental contracts in Madrid require an initial one-month deposit plus the first month’s rent upfront. In some cases, landlords might ask for additional guarantees, such as a bank guarantee (aval bancario) or proof of employment.
• Rental Agreements: Ensure you fully understand the terms of the lease, including the duration, rent increases, and what is included in the rental price (e.g., utilities, maintenance).
• Utilities: In most cases, tenants are responsible for setting up their utilities (electricity, water, gas, internet). If the landlord hasn’t set these up, you’ll need to arrange them through local providers.

5. Viewing Properties and Making Offers

Given the competitive nature of the Madrid housing market, it’s important to:

• Act quickly: Properties, especially in desirable areas, can go fast. Be prepared to make a decision soon after viewing.
• Ask for a video tour: If you’re not yet in Madrid, many landlords and agents offer virtual or video tours.
• Prepare documentation: Landlords often request proof of income, references, and identity documents (passport, NIE). Having these ready will speed up the application process.

After finding a place to live, you’ll need to set up basic utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet. The main providers are Iberdrola and Endesa for electricity, Movistar and Vodafone for internet and mobile services, and Canal de Isabel II for water. Your landlord may help with setting up utilities, or you can contact providers directly to register for service.

Spain has an excellent public healthcare system, but non-EU expats may be required to get private health insurance as part of their visa application. Even if you qualify for public healthcare, many expats choose to supplement it with private insurance for faster access to specialists. Providers like Sanitas and Adeslas offer comprehensive plans.

Over-the-counter allergy medicine, such as antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine), can be found at local farmacias (pharmacies) across Madrid. Pharmacies are easily identifiable by a green cross sign, and you’ll find them in nearly every neighborhood. If you need a specific medication, it’s helpful to know the generic name, as brand names may differ from those in your home country.

Madrid offers various schooling options, including public, semi-private (concertado), and international schools. Public and semi-private schools typically require proof of residency, such as your lease agreement, for enrollment. International schools often have their own admission processes. Popular international schools in Madrid include the American School of Madrid and the British Council School. It’s advisable to start the enrollment process early, especially for international schools.

In the capital, English is spoken Learning Spanish is crucial for integrating into daily life in Madrid. You can enroll in language schools like Tandem Madrid, Inhispania, or International House for structured courses. Additionally, online platforms like Duolingo and Italki are great for supplementing your learning. Many language schools offer courses for both adults and children, which can be especially useful for expat families.

Madrid has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including the Metro, buses, and Cercanías (suburban trains). You can purchase a Metrobus card or use the Tarjeta de Transporte Público for unlimited monthly travel. Madrid is also very walkable, and taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are readily available.

To access public healthcare in Spain, you need to register with the Social Security system (Seguridad Social) and obtain a health card (Tarjeta Sanitaria). You’ll need your NIE, proof of residency, and proof of social security contributions to register at your local Centro de Salud (health center). Once registered, you can use the public healthcare system.

Opening a bank account in Spain is straightforward. You’ll need your NIE, proof of address (such as a rental contract), and identification (passport). Popular banks for expats include BBVA, Santander, and CaixaBank. Many banks offer English-speaking staff and online banking services to make managing your finances easier.