Our guide was written by Justine Bayod Espoz and last published on Saturday 9th January 2010.
Living in Madrid, Spain, is a choice that many people make and it is popular with expatriates. Although Madrid is as cosmopolitan a city as New York or London, starting your new life there can be challenging.
This guide is especially designed for expats who want to make living in Madrid as smooth a transition as possible. We’ll review every aspect of relocating to Spain’s largest city, from visas to accommodation to entertainment. Not only will the relocation guide inform you about how to prepare for your move, but it will also share the ins and outs of the city you’ll soon be calling home.
Madrid is a city experiencing constant growth and has an increasingly multicultural population. A large immigrant population has made Madrid the most culturally diverse city in Spain, which is reflected in the city’s many shops, restaurants and cultural events.
If you’re ready to embrace a new culture and discover one of Europe’s greatest cities, take the time to study this international relocation guide. By the time you’ve finished you’ll know what to expect and be ready for any eventuality, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an official Madrileño.
The Expat Info Desk guide to Madrid contains everything you need to know about living in Madrid and covers the following areas-
The Spanish are famous for their mind-numbingly tedious bureaucracy, so as a new expat in Madrid you’ll probably find yourself waiting in seemingly endless lines, filling out an infinite amount of paperwork and making lots of calls. The Expat Info Desk relocation guide to Madrid contains everything you need to know about visas, taxes, residency and other legal requirements and offers practical advice on how you can ensure that you have all the correct paperwork. Starting out on the right foot will make your relocation all the more positive, and living in Madrid will be a decision you’ll never regret.
The Expat Info Desk guide to Madrid contains full and complete local knowledge of Madrid and its various residential areas and property laws. Whether you are attracted by the historic districts, the upscale city neighborhoods like Barrio de Salamanca and Arguelles, or are looking for somewhere less upmarket but more laid-back, the Expat Info Desk guide can help you to find the right accommodation that meets your needs.
The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Madrid contains comprehensive and practical advice on how to approach the long list of tasks that need fulfilling when you first move abroad. From setting up utilties, phone providers and internet connections, through to finding your way around, buying a car and using public transport. You can rest assured that everything you need to know about Madrid is contained in this one, easy to use relocation guide.
Our guide to Madrid contains comprehensive details of the many forms of entertainment Madrid has to offer. We share crucial information about where to see theatre, opera and cinema, and learn about the typical cuisine of the city, as well as pointing you in the right direction for meeting like-minded individuals and building your social network.
Madrid is mostly a safe city although it shares the same social problems as other cities of its size. The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Madrid contains crucial safety advice and tips that can help you avoid any potentially dangerous or inconvenient situations. We also provide useful contact details and locations for healthcare and medical facilities throughout the city so that you can be assured that you have all the information you need available at your fingertips when moving overseas.
The Spanish always appreciate foreigners who are interested in their culture and who are willing to make the effort to assimilate to a noticeable extent and truly live the Spanish lifestyle. The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Madrid contains everything you need to know about the Spanish culture, traditions, beliefs and religions. By being prepared in advance you can quickly assimilate into this amazing city and feel less like an outsider.
If you’re considering relocating to Madrid you need very different information than that available in standard travel guides. The Expat Info Desk guide to this Spanish city contains real and accurate information that is based upon one expats true experiences of living in the city. Make sure that you are equipped to deal with the challenges of moving overseas with our comprehensive relocation guide.
Our guide was written by Justine Bayod Espoz and last published on Saturday 9th January 2010.
| 01 | Start learning Spanish and have at least a basic comprehension before arriving in the country, it will get you off to the best start. |
| 02 | Give yourself enough time to adapt to your new city. Leave sufficient time to perform the required administration before starting work. |
| 03 | Expect to spend a bare bones minimum of 1000 Euros per month, but if you want to live somewhat comfortably, plan on spending twice that amount. |
| 04 | Make the effort to strike up relationships with Spaniards, and don’t be afraid to be the one who suggests getting together for coffee or a night |
Spain is a monarchy, which was restored after the death of dictator General Franco in 1975. The present monarch, King Juan Carlos I, is the last monarch in Europe to hold absolute power.
