MISSION POINT HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL
MPH Expat Experience (XP)
Spain · MPH Expat ExperienceLiving in Spain: what it really costs, and what to expect
155 researched facts across 18 categories — visas, costs, housing, tax, healthcare, safety and daily life — each with a named source and the date it was checked. Every figure links to where it came from. 2 items still have no reliable source and are marked as such.
€2,250 a month · couple in Madrid
27th most peaceful country
36th for English proficiency
263 Mbps median home internet
+6 h from US Eastern
The $4,000 question
Can you live comfortably in Spain on $4,000 a month?
MPH monthly budget, couple renting a 1-bed (60 m²) in Madrid city: rent €1,404 (asking rents); groceries €426; eating out €220; utilities €87; transport €65; phone + fibre €47; public healthcare €0 for workers and pensioners. Total about €2,250 (≈$2,520). $4,000 (€3,570) leaves about €1,320 before income tax, about €590 after (if the $4,000 is taxable).
Built by MPH from the official figures under Cost of living, Housing and Tax below, plus Eurostat household food spend. Your own costs depend on where and how you live.
All 18 categories
Spain, fact by fact
Visas, residency & citizenshipCost of livingHousing & propertyTax, money & bankingHealthcareEducation & familySafety & securityClimate & environmentConnectivity & daily infrastructureTransport & travelWork & businessLanguage, culture & integrationGovernment, law & societyMoving logisticsDemographicsExpat sentimentFood, groceries & marketsQuestions US movers ask
01Visas, residency & citizenship12
Visa types available (retirement / passive income, digital nomad, work, highly-skilled / EU Blue Card, student, family / spouse, investment / golden visa)
Residence visas exist for: non-lucrative (passive income); employed or self-employed work; study; family reunification; family of Spanish citizens; and, under Ley 14/2013, entrepreneurs, highly qualified workers and intra-company transfers, researchers, trainees, audiovisual professionals and remote workers (digital nomad). The investor (golden) visa ended on 3 April 2025.
Source: Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores – Embassy of Spain in Hanoi — Visado nacional – list of national (residence) visa types · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Income / savings thresholds per visa
Non-lucrative visa (2026): 400% of IPREM, i.e. €28,800 a year (€2,400/month) for the main applicant, plus €7,200 a year (€600/month) for each dependent family member. IPREM 2026 = €600/month. Remote worker (digital nomad): 200% of the minimum wage (SMI €1,221 under RD 126/2026), i.e. €2,442/month, +75% for the first family member and +25% for each further one.
Source: Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores – Consulate General of Spain in Washington — Non-lucrative residence visa · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Health-insurance requirement for the visa
Public or private health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering the risks of the Spanish public health system: no deductible, co-payment, waiting period or coverage limit; valid for 1 year. Travel insurance is not accepted.
Source: Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores – Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles — Non-lucrative residence visa · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Investment thresholds (residency and citizenship by investment)
None. Spain abolished its investor (golden) visa: Ley Orgánica 1/2025 emptied arts. 63–67 of Ley 14/2013 (which included the €500,000 property route). New applications have not been accepted since 3 April 2025. Visas and permits already granted keep their validity, and renewals follow the old rules. Spain has no citizenship by investment.
Source: Ministerio de Inclusión – Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos — Inversores (investors) – repeal by Ley Orgánica 1/2025 · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Processing time and validity
Non-lucrative visa: the consulate has 3 months to decide (can be extended). The first residence authorisation lasts 1 year; each renewal lasts 2 years. After entering Spain, the residence card (TIE) must be requested within 1 month. Remote-worker visa: 10-day decision deadline.
Source: Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores – Consulate General of Spain in Washington — Non-lucrative residence visa · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Path to permanent residence (years)
Long-term residence after 5 years of legal, continuous residence in Spain. Absences of up to 6 months at a time are allowed, if they total no more than 10 months in the 5 years (up to 18 months for work-related absences).
Source: Ministerio de Inclusión – Portal de Inmigración — Hoja informativa 49: Autorización de residencia de larga duración nacional · checked 11 Oct 2026
Citizenship / naturalisation timeline
Naturalisation by residence needs 10 years of legal, continuous residence; 5 for refugees; 2 for nationals by origin of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, and Sephardic Jews; 1 year for some others, e.g. a spouse of a Spanish citizen. US citizens need 10 years.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Código Civil (consolidated text) – arts. 17, 20, 22, 23, 24 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Dual citizenship allowed
Limited. Applicants for naturalisation must renounce their prior nationality, except nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, Sephardic Jews, and (since 2022, by treaty) France. US citizens are not exempt and must declare renunciation.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Código Civil (consolidated text) – arts. 17, 20, 22, 23, 24 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Citizenship by descent / marriage
Descent: a child of a Spanish parent is Spanish by origin (art. 17); people whose parent was originally Spanish and born in Spain can opt for nationality (art. 20). The Ley 20/2022 window for grandchildren of exiles closed on 22 Oct 2025. Marriage: naturalisation after 1 year of legal residence while married to a Spanish citizen and not separated.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Código Civil (consolidated text) – arts. 17, 20, 22, 23, 24 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Short-stay rules (e.g. Schengen 90/180)
US citizens: no visa for Schengen stays up to 90 days in any 180; passport valid 3 months beyond departure, with 1 blank page per entry and exit. EU Entry/Exit System (EES) fully running since 10 Apr 2026. ETIAS not yet operating; no start date announced.
Source: US Department of State — Spain – travel advisory and international travel information · 180 days · checked 11 Oct 2026
First registrations (tax number, residence registration)
Foreigner identity number (NIE) is issued with the residence authorisation. The residence card (TIE) must be requested in person within 1 month of entering Spain. Everyone living in Spain must register on the padrón (municipal register) of the town where they live.
Source: Ministerio de Inclusión – Portal de Inmigración — Hoja informativa 6: Autorización inicial de residencia temporal no lucrativa · checked 11 Oct 2026
Entry restrictions (e.g. HIV restrictions)
No HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or residents (US State Dept). Other rules: cash of €10,000 or more must be declared on entering or leaving Spain; minors travelling without a parent or guardian should carry notarised written permission.
Source: US Department of State — Spain – travel advisory and international travel information · checked 11 Oct 2026
02Cost of living17
Overall cost profile — single / couple / family / local
MPH monthly budget, couple renting a 1-bed (60 m²) in Madrid city: rent €1,404 (asking rents); groceries €426; eating out €220; utilities €87; transport €65; phone + fibre €47; public healthcare €0 for workers and pensioners. Total about €2,250 (≈$2,520). $4,000 (€3,570) leaves about €1,320 before income tax, about €590 after (if the $4,000 is taxable).
Source: Eurostat — Household final consumption by purpose – food and non-alcoholic beverages (nama_10_co3_p3, CP01), via API · Oct 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Restaurant meal (inexpensive; mid-range for two)
Inexpensive meal: El Corte Inglés cafeterias in Madrid, plato combinado (combination plate) from €14.50; mains from €12.95. Mid-range for two, food only: two mains at the same cafeterias cost about €26–52 (€12.95 to €26 each).
Source: El Corte Inglés – Cafeterías — Carta cafeterías Madrid · Oct 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Coffee, beer, soft drink
Sit-down prices at El Corte Inglés cafeterias in Madrid: espresso €1.90; café con leche €2.10; caña (Estrella Galicia, 25 cl) €2.35; soft drink 35 cl €3.10. Supermarket: Coca-Cola 1.25 L €1.50 (El Corte Inglés online).
Source: El Corte Inglés – Cafeterías — Carta cafeterías Madrid · Oct 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Grocery basket (milk, bread, eggs, meat, produce, wine)
El Corte Inglés online, regular prices: milk 1 L €0.96; sliced loaf 450 g €1.09; eggs ×12 €3.55; chicken breast €8.66/kg; rice 1 kg €2.79; vine tomatoes €2.85/kg; Golden apples €2.49/kg; El Coto Rioja Crianza 75 cl €6.60. Basket €28.99 (meat, fruit, veg per kg).
Source: El Corte Inglés – Supermercado online — Product pages – milk, bread, eggs, chicken, rice, tomatoes, apples, wine, Coca-Cola · Oct 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Utilities for an apartment (electricity, heating, water, refuse)
Gas, regulated tariff (TUR) from 1 Oct 2026, before taxes: TUR.1 €3.83/month + €0.0525/kWh; TUR.2 €8.17/month + €0.0504/kWh. Madrid water (Canal de Isabel II 2026): €38 per 2 months for 20 m³ with a 15 mm meter, before VAT (about €19/month). Electricity: regulated PVPC price changes hourly; no official monthly bill figure.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Resolución de 30 de septiembre de 2026 – tarifas de último recurso de gas natural (BOE-A-2026-20389) · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Mobile plan
Mobile: Lowi 50 GB with unlimited calls €8/month incl. VAT, no lock-in; 100 GB €10/month.
Source: Lowi (Vodafone group) — Histórico de tarifas 01/06/2026 · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Broadband
Home fibre: Lowi 1 Gb internet-only €31/month incl. VAT (€25.62 before VAT), 12-month lock-in; €150 charge for leaving early.
Source: Lowi (Vodafone group) — Histórico de tarifas 01/06/2026 · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Public transport single ticket + monthly pass
Madrid 2026: Metro single ticket zone A €1.50 (1–5 stations) to €2.00 (10+), +€3 airport supplement; 10-trip ticket €7.30. Monthly pass zone A €32.70; under-26 Abono Joven €10; free for over-65s. These discounted prices run to 31 Dec 2026.
Source: Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid — Billetes sencillos y de 10 viajes · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Taxi fare
Madrid taxi 2026: flag fall €2.55 (weekdays 7:00–21:00) or €3.20 (nights, weekends, holidays); €1.40/km or €1.60/km; waiting €27/h or €29/h. Airport (Barajas) to inside the M-30: fixed €33; other airport trips minimum €22.
Source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid — Madrid actualiza las tarifas para el taxi con una subida de 2,36% para 2026 (7 Dec 2025) · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Fuel price
National average pump price on 12 Oct 2026 (all stations, official price service): petrol 95 €1.787/l, diesel €1.888/l. Madrid province: €1.795/l and €1.908/l. Includes a temporary fuel-tax cut (RDL 25/2026: 20c/l in October, smaller in Nov–Dec).
Source: Gobierno de España – Geoportal de Gasolineras (official station price service) — Precios carburantes – estaciones terrestres (REST service, all stations) · 2026-10-12 · checked 11 Oct 2026
New car price
Dacia Sandero Essential TCe 100: €14,490 cash price, including VAT, registration tax, transport and promotional discounts (Peninsula and Balearics).
Source: Dacia España — Oferta Dacia Sandero para particulares – condiciones legales · Oct 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Gym membership; cinema; theatre
Gym: Basic-Fit Comfort €24.99 every 4 weeks (about €27/month) + €19.99 joining fee; Premium €29.99 every 4 weeks. Cinema and theatre: no chain price page could be read.
Source: Basic-Fit España — Home page – memberships · Oct 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Clothing items
C&A Spain: mens slim jeans €25.99 (reference price); mens formal shirt €19.99.
Source: C&A España — Camisas hombre; jeans slim hombre · Oct 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Personal care, medicine, short doctor visit
Public health system (SNS): foreigners with legal, habitual residence in Spain are covered and care is paid from public funds; prescriptions carry co-payments. Private insurance (Sanitas, new customers): from €22.10/month (Accede) or €41.67/month (Más Salud).
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto-ley 7/2018 – universal access to the National Health System (consolidated) · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Domestic help (hourly cleaner)
Legal minimum for household employees paid by the hour: €9.55 per hour actually worked (2026), plus employer social security. Madrid market rate for cleaners is higher.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto 126/2026 – salario mínimo interprofesional 2026 (consolidated) · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Average net salary; purchasing power
Average salary cost per worker €2,512.68/month in Q2 2026 (gross, +4.0% year on year). Average annual gross pay 2024: €29,540 (Spain), €34,410 (Comunidad de Madrid). Minimum wage 2026: €1,221/month, paid 14 times (€17,094/year).
Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística — Encuesta Trimestral de Coste Laboral, 2.º trimestre 2026 (press release 17 Sep 2026) · Q2 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Price level vs. US
World Bank ICP 2021: Spains price level about 70% of the US (index 111 vs 158, World = 100).
Source: OECD / World Bank ICP — ICP 2021 results – Table 1, summary for OECD countries and key partners · 2021 · checked 11 Oct 2026
03Housing & property13
Rent — 1-bed and 3-bed, centre and outside
Official median rent (Ministry of Housing reference system, 2022 data): Madrid city €12.8/m² a month (median €800/month), Comunidad de Madrid €11.1, Spain €7.9. INE: average monthly rent in Madrid €930 (2023). At €12.8/m²: 50 m² ≈ €640, 85 m² ≈ €1,090. Current asking rents are much higher (see 3002).
Source: Ministerio de Vivienda y Agenda Urbana (MIVAU) — Sistema Estatal de Referencia del Precio del Alquiler de Vivienda – Síntesis de resultados 2022 (8 May 2024) · 2022 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Furnished rent, studio vs. 85 m²
Asking rents (idealista index, Sep 2026): Madrid city €23.4/m² a month (+4.8% y/y), Comunidad de Madrid €21.6, Spain €15.1 (+5.6%). At the Madrid figure: 50 m² ≈ €1,170, 85 m² ≈ €1,990. Asking prices sit well above signed-lease medians.
Source: idealista — Evolución del precio de la vivienda en alquiler en Madrid (September 2026) · Sep 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Purchase price per m², centre and outside; median home price
Registered home sales, Q2 2026 (Registradores): Madrid city €5,534/m² (+12.2% y/y), Comunidad de Madrid €4,477, Spain €2,487. Official appraisal value, Q1 2026: Comunidad €4,048/m², Spain €2,316. Asking price (idealista, Sep 2026): Madrid city €6,458/m².
Source: Colegio de Registradores de España — Estadística Registral Inmobiliaria, 2.º trimestre 2026 · Q2 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Foreign ownership allowed / restrictions
Yes. Spain has no nationality or residence bar on buying homes. A 2025 bill for a 100% tax on non-EU non-resident buyers was never passed and lapses with the dissolution of Parliament (RD 806/2026; election 29 Nov 2026). Military authorisation applies only in designated defence zones (not Madrid).
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto 806/2026, de 5 de octubre – dissolution of the Cortes and call of elections (BOE 6 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Buying process for foreigners
Buying steps: 1) foreigner tax number (NIE) from a consulate or police office; 2) Spanish bank account; 3) deposit contract (arras); 4) deed signed before a notary (escritura); 5) pay transfer tax or VAT and register the deed at the Property Registry. If the seller is non-resident, the buyer withholds 3% of the price (Modelo 211).
Source: Ministerio del Interior — Documentación de las personas extranjeras (NIE) · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Property purchase taxes and annual property tax
Resale: transfer tax (ITP) 6% in Madrid region; 4% for a large familys main home; 10% off the tax for a main home ≤€250,000. New build: VAT 10% + stamp duty 0.75% (0.4% to €120k, 0.5% to €180k). Madrid property tax (IBI) 2026: 0.414% of cadastral value. Non-residents with unlet homes: tax on deemed income of 1.1% or 2% of cadastral value at 19% (EU/EEA) or 24%.
Source: Comunidad de Madrid – Atención al contribuyente — Transmisiones Patrimoniales Onerosas (updated 23 Apr 2026) · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Buy-to-let rules; short-term rental licensing
Non-residents pay 24% on gross rent (19% for EU/EEA residents, after expenses). Resident landlords get rent-income reductions, rewritten by RDL 29/2026 (from 8 Oct 2026). Short lets need a national registration number (since 1 Jul 2025); from 1 Dec 2026 furnished lets of up to 30 nights carry 10% VAT. Madrids 2025 Plan Reside restricts tourist flats in residential buildings.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — No residentes – rendimientos de inmuebles arrendados · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Tenant rights
Minimum lease 5 years (7 if the landlord is a company). Deposit 1 month; extra guarantee max 2 months; tenants cannot be made to buy rent-default insurance. From 15 Nov 2026 leases renew in 5-year periods unless the landlord gives 6 months notice and pays compensation (at least 12 months rent by reference value). Rent updates limited to 2% a year (default) to end-2027.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto-ley 28/2026, de 6 de octubre – stability of habitual-residence leases (BOE 7 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Mortgage availability to non-residents; rates
Home loans, July 2026 (INE): average rate 3.01% (fixed 3.03%, variable 2.97%); 62.3% fixed; average term 26 years; average loan €180,785. Banco de España reference rate, Aug 2026: 3.134%.
Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística — Hipotecas, julio 2026 (28 Sep 2026) · Jul 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Home insurance
Not compulsory in general. A mortgaged home must be insured against damage for its appraisal value (land excluded). In the Comunidad de Madrid every building must be insured against fire and third-party damage (Ley 2/1999 art. 24).
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto 716/2009 – mortgage market (consolidated), art. 10 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Building and renovating
Madrid region (Ley 1/2020): most building and renovation works only need a self-declaration (declaración responsable) filed with the city; a full licence is needed only for a closed list of works in the regional land law (art. 152). Madrid city applies this through Ordenanza 6/2022.
Source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid — Ley 1/2020 – declaraciones responsables urbanísticas (report) · checked 11 Oct 2026
Selling property; capital gains tax
Residents: gains taxed on the savings scale: 19% to €6,000, 21% to €50,000, 23% to €200,000, 27% to €300,000, 30% above. Main-home gains are exempt if reinvested in a new main home or if the seller is over 65. Non-residents: 19%; the buyer withholds 3% of the price (Modelo 211), credited on Modelo 210. A municipal land-value tax (plusvalía) also applies.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Manual de tributación de no residentes – otras ganancias patrimoniales · 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
Gross rental yield
Gross rental yield (Global Property Guide, Q3 2026): Spain average 5.51%; Madrid 5.06%.
Source: Global Property Guide — Gross rental yields in Spain: Madrid, Barcelona and 9 other cities · Q3 2026 · checked 11 Oct 2026
04Tax, money & banking15
Income tax system and rates
Resident income tax 2026 = state + regional scale. Madrid resident, combined: 18% to €12,450; 20.5% to €13,362; 22.7% to €19,005; 24.8% to €20,200; 27.8% to €35,200; 31.3% to €35,426; 35.9% to €57,320; 39% to €60,000; 43% to €300,000; 45% above. Tax-free personal allowance €5,550 (state) and €5,956.65 (Madrid). Savings income: 19–30%.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Manual práctico IRPF – gravamen de la base liquidable general: escala estatal · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Estimated tax on $50k / $100k / $250k
Estimated 2026 income tax, single Madrid resident employee, no other deductions (USD 1 = EUR 0.892): $50k → €8,754 (19.6% of gross); $100k → €26,094 (29.2%); $250k → €83,515 (37.4%). With employee social security (6.5%, capped): 26.1%, 33.8%, 39.4%. Take-home €32,965 / €59,107 / €135,223.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Algoritmo de cálculo de retenciones 2026 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Tax residency test
Tax resident if more than 183 days in Spain in the calendar year, or if the main base of business or economic interests is in Spain. Presumed resident if a non-separated spouse and dependent minor children live in Spain.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Ley 35/2006 del IRPF (consolidated, updated 07/10/2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Non-resident tax
Non-residents: 24% general rate on Spanish income (19% for residents of the EU, Iceland and Norway); 19% on dividends, interest and capital gains. Pensions: 8% to €12,000, 30% to €18,700, 40% above. Property income: see 3007/3008.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Tipos de gravamen en el IRNR sin establecimiento permanente · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Special expat regimes
Beckham regime (art. 93 LIRPF): newcomers taxed like non-residents – 24% on income up to €600,000, 47% above. Needs no Spanish tax residence in the prior 5 years; covers employees incl. remote workers, company directors, entrepreneurs and highly qualified staff, plus spouse and children under 25. Lasts the move year + 5 years. Apply on Modelo 149 within 6 months.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Manual de no residentes – régimen especial de trabajadores desplazados (impatriados) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Double tax treaty with the US (and UK, CA, AU)
Tax treaties in force: USA (convention published 1990; 2013 protocol in force 27 Nov 2019); UK (in force 12 Jun 2014); Canada (1981, protocol 2015); Australia (1992, modified by the OECD multilateral instrument). Spain has 99 treaties in force.
Source: Ministerio de Hacienda — Convenios para evitar la doble imposición – relación por países · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Inheritance / estate tax; wills and estate planning
Inheritance and gift tax (ISD): Madrid gives a 99% rebate for spouses, children, grandchildren and parents (groups I–II) and 50% for siblings, nephews, nieces, uncles and aunts (group III, since 1 Jul 2025). Non-residents can use the regional rules. Civil law reserves 2/3 of an estate for descendants (forced heirship).
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Ley 2/2025, de 25 de junio, de la Comunidad de Madrid (BOE-A-2025-19345) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
VAT rate; import duty on personal goods
VAT 21% standard, 10% reduced, 4% super-reduced. Moving from outside the EU: personal goods enter duty- and VAT-free if you lived outside the EU 12+ consecutive months, owned and used them 6+ months, import within 12 months and do not sell or lend them for 12 months. Traveller allowance €430 by air/sea, €300 by land (€150 under 15).
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Traslado de residencia – franquicias y exención de impuestos · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Corporate tax; self-employed tax
Corporate tax 2026: 25% general; 15% for new companies (first years with profit); micro-companies (turnover under €1M) 19% on the first €50,000 and 21% above, falling to 17%/20%; other small companies 23%. Self-employed people pay income tax on net profit plus monthly social security (see 4010).
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Impuesto sobre Sociedades – tipos de gravamen (campaña 2025) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Pensions and social security
Social security 2026: employee 6.50%, employer about 30.65% (plus work-accident premium) on pay up to €5,101.20/month. Self-employed: monthly base €653.59–5,101.20 by income, about 31.5% (≈ €206–1,607/month). Pension age 2026: 65 with 38y 3m of contributions, otherwise 66y 10m. US–Spain totalization agreement in force since 1 Apr 1988.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Orden PJC/297/2026, de 30 de marzo – cotización a la Seguridad Social 2026 (BOE 31 Mar 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Opening a bank account as a non-resident / foreigner
Anyone legally resident in the EU (also asylum seekers) has the right to a basic payment account if they have no other payment account in Spain; fee capped at €3/month, free for vulnerable people.
Source: Banco de España – Portal del Cliente Bancario — Cuenta de pago básica · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Multicurrency and USD accounts; money transfers
EU rules: instant euro transfers must cost no more than standard ones (since 9 Jan 2025) and every bank must send them and check the payee name free (since 9 Oct 2025). Example: Wise USD→EUR at the mid-market rate, fee about 0.27% on $30,000 (Oct 2026).
Source: European Central Bank — Instant Payments Regulation · Oct 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Credit scores for newcomers
Spain has no consumer credit score. Banks check the Banco de España credit register (CIRBE), which holds borrowers with total debts over €1,000 and is free to see. Private bad-debt files (e.g. ASNEF) list only unpaid debts over €50, after notice. Newcomers start with no Spanish record.
Source: Banco de España – Portal del Cliente Bancario — CIRBE – Central de Información de Riesgos · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Cashless acceptance; tipping custom; ATM
Cash payments of €1,000 or more are banned where a business or professional is involved (€10,000 for non-resident individuals). Cash is still the main way to pay in shops for 57% of consumers (Banco de España, 2025). ATMs may not charge without showing the fee on screen first.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Limitación de pagos en efectivo (análisis) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Minimum wage
Minimum wage 2026: €1,221/month in 14 payments (€40.70/day; €17,094/year), from 1 Jan 2026.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto 126/2026, de 18 de febrero – salario mínimo interprofesional 2026 (BOE 19 Feb 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
05Healthcare10
How the health system works; access for residents
Public health system (SNS): foreigners with legal, habitual residence are covered free if they are not required to hold cover another way (workers and pensioners via Social Security). Madrid health card: padrón, INSS entitlement, residence permit. Others can pay in after 1 year: €60/month under 65, €157/month 65+. Prescriptions: co-pay 40–60% by income (10% most pensioners).
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto-ley 7/2018 – universal access to the National Health System (consolidated), art. 1 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Health insurance — private / international plans and cost
Private health insurance with hospital cover: Adeslas Plena Vital from €38/month (co-pays capped €300/year; join up to age 70). Cheaper plans skip hospital stays: Mapfre Tú Eliges from €18, ASISA Esencial €24.80, Sanitas Avanza €33.60 (outpatient surgery only). Prices depend on age and province.
Source: SegurCaixa Adeslas — Adeslas Plena Vital – full-coverage health insurance · Oct 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Hospital quality; best hospitals
35 JCI-accredited organisations in Spain (plus Quirónsalud and Vithas group accreditations), 13 of them in the Madrid region, incl. Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Quirónsalud Madrid, La Luz, Sanitas La Zarzuela and La Moraleja, Clínica Universidad de Navarra Madrid and Gregorio Marañón maternal-infant hospital. Madrids public network (SERMAS) has 38 hospitals.
Source: Joint Commission International — Find Accredited International Organizations – Spain · Oct 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Doctors and GPs; dental; mental health
GP access (2025): 21.8% of patients seen the same or next day; others waited about 9.1 days. Waiting lists, end-2025: surgery 121 days nationally (Madrid 50); first specialist visit 102 days (Madrid 68). Public dental care is limited (extractions, urgent care; fuller care for children 0–14, pregnancy, disability; over-65s being added). Mental health via the GP; 024 crisis line, free 24/7.
Source: Ministerio de Sanidad — Barómetro Sanitario 2025 – informe · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Children's healthcare; pregnancy and birth; women's health
Children are covered by the public system. Pregnancy: midwife (matrona) and obstetrician visits through the health centre and hospital, with a mid-pregnancy scan. Birth leave: 19 weeks per parent at 100% pay (17 in the first year + 2 usable until the child is 8); single parents 32 weeks.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto-ley 9/2025, de 29 de julio – birth and childcare leave (BOE 30 Jul 2025) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Senior and elderly care
Long-term care (Ley 39/2006): applicants need 5 years living in Spain (the last 2 immediately before) and Madrid town registration; a home assessment sets 1 of 3 grades; decision due in 6 months (no answer = refusal). Madrid waiting lists, 31 Aug 2026: 3,006 for a residential place, 2,946 for day centres.
Source: Comunidad de Madrid – Sede electrónica — Reconocimiento de la situación de dependencia · Aug 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Vaccinations
No vaccines are required to enter Spain. CDC advice: be up to date on routine vaccines (incl. measles/MMR); consider hepatitis A for most travellers; hepatitis B for unvaccinated travellers under 60. Spains 2026 lifelong vaccination calendar (approved 12 Dec 2025) covers residents through the public system.
Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Spain – traveler health information · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Emergency numbers
Emergency numbers: 112 for all emergencies (free, 24/7; English-speaking operator on request). In Madrid, medical emergencies go through SUMMA 112. 024 suicide-prevention line (free, 24/7). Poisons information line 91 562 04 20 (24/7).
Source: Comunidad de Madrid — Atención en urgencias y emergencias sanitarias (SUMMA 112) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Medical insurance advice for visitors
US State Dept: US Medicare and Medicaid do not cover care abroad. Private hospitals usually require payment or proof of insurance before admitting a patient. Supplemental medical-evacuation insurance is strongly recommended. The EU health card (EHIC) covers only EU/EEA/Swiss/UK visitors.
Source: US Department of State — Spain – travel advisory and international travel information · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Health care index
WHO universal health coverage (UHC) service coverage index: Spain 84 out of 100 (2023), vs Europe 82 and world 71.
Source: World Health Organization — UHC service coverage index (SDG 3.8.1) – Spain · 2023 · checked 12 Oct 2026
06Education & family9
International schools — curricula (IB / British / American) and annual tuition
265 IB World Schools in Spain (Oct 2026); Madrid also has American, British and other international schools. Example fees: Kings College Soto de Viñuelas 2026/27 €8,475 (Nursery) to €21,630 (IB years) a year, plus lunch and a €1,800 registration fee; American School of Madrid €12,173 (EC3-4) to €25,072 (grades 9–12), plus €2,000 registration.
Source: International Baccalaureate Organization — Find an IB World School – Spain · Oct 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Local education system
School is compulsory and free from 6 to 16: primary 6–12, secondary (ESO) 12–16. Early years 0–6, with the 3–6 stage free; upper secondary (bachillerato) 16–18 is optional. Public schools teach in Spanish (Madrid has 600+ bilingual public schools). Foreign children under 16 have the right and duty to schooling, whatever their status.
Source: Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes — El sistema educativo español 2025-26 · 2025-26 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Childcare / preschool cost
Public nurseries (0–3) in Madrid charge no tuition fee since 2019; families pay for meals and extra hours. For private 0–3 places, Madrid grants €177/month (€283 for the higher-need tier) in 2026/27. Example private fee: Kings College infant programmes €664/month + €102 meals.
Source: Boletín Oficial de la Comunidad de Madrid — Orden 1644/2026 – becas para escolarización en primer ciclo de educación infantil en centros privados, curso 2026-2027 (BOCM 18 May 2026) · 2026-27 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Higher education
Public university (Madrid) 2026/27, first enrolment: €16.92–20.68 per credit, so about €1,015–1,241 for a 60-credit year. Non-EU students over 18 without residence pay about €114–136 per credit (≈ €6,820–8,190 a year); a student stay permit does not count as residence.
Source: Universidad Complutense de Madrid — Precios de Grado – curso 2026/2027 · 2026-27 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Language learning
Spanish for foreigners at Madrids Official Language Schools (EOI), levels A2–C2: €250 per 135-hour course (€222 other lengths); exam-only €75 + €19. Citizenship civics test (CCSE): €85, two attempts included.
Source: Comunidad de Madrid — Enseñanzas de idiomas (Escuelas Oficiales de Idiomas) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
School holidays
Madrid school year 2026/27: classes from 7 Sep 2026 (infant/primary) and 8 Sep (secondary); Christmas 23 Dec–8 Jan; Easter 19–29 Mar 2027; non-teaching days 12 and 15 Feb; last day 18 Jun 2027.
Source: Comunidad de Madrid — Calendario escolar 2026-2027 · 2026-27 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Spouse and family visas
Family reunification: the sponsor must have lived in Spain 1 year and hold or have applied for another year. Means: 150% of IPREM (€900/month in 2026) for two, +50% (€300) per extra person; a regional housing report. Covers spouse/partner, children under 18 and dependent parents over 65. Family of Spanish citizens: children under 26; 5-year permit.
Source: Ministerio de Inclusión – Portal de Inmigración — Hoja informativa 8: Autorización de residencia temporal por reagrupación familiar · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Maternity and parental leave
Birth leave: 19 weeks per parent at 100% of pay – 6 weeks right after birth, 11 more in the first year, 2 usable until the child is 8. Single parents 32 weeks. Needs 180 days of contributions in the last 7 years (less under 26; none under 21). A further 8 weeks of parental leave are unpaid.
Source: Seguridad Social — Guía de la prestación por nacimiento y cuidado de menor (2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Pet relocation
Pets from the US: microchip first, then rabies vaccine and a 21-day wait; EU health certificate endorsed by USDA within 10 days of arrival; up to 5 pets; no titre test (US is a listed country); no tapeworm treatment for Spain. In Madrid, dogs and cats go on the regional register (RIAC, free) via a vet.
Source: USDA APHIS — Pet travel from the United States to Spain · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
07Safety & security10
Crime level
Recorded crime in 2025: 2,474,156 offences (+0.8%) – conventional crime down 0.2%, online crime up 5.3%; 376 homicides. The US State Department rates Spain Level 2, "exercise increased caution" (terrorism, unrest; issued 1 Aug 2026), and Ceuta Level 3.
Source: Ministerio del Interior — Balance de Criminalidad – cuarto trimestre 2025 (enero–diciembre) · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Safety for women
Generally safe for women in daily life. Partner violence is the main concern: 48 women killed by a partner or ex-partner in 2025 (33 in 2026 to 31 Jul). National survey 2024: 30.3% of women have suffered some form of partner violence in their life. The State Dept notes reports of sexual assaults on US citizens.
Source: Delegación del Gobierno contra la Violencia de Género (Ministerio de Igualdad) — Principales datos – diciembre 2025 · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Safety for LGBTQ+ people; legal protections
Very strong legal protection: same-sex marriage since 2005 (Ley 13/2005), legal gender change by self-declaration (Ley 4/2023), conversion therapy banned with fines up to €150,000. ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map 2026: 1st of 49 countries, 89%.
Source: ILGA-Europe — Rainbow Map 2026 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Racism / discrimination
Police recorded 2,417 hate crimes and incidents in 2025 (+23.6%, the highest on record), 934 of them racist or xenophobic. EU survey of Black people in 13 countries incl. Spain (FRA, 2022): 30% faced racist harassment in 5 years. Equal-treatment law (Ley 15/2022) set up an independent authority.
Source: Ministerio del Interior — Los delitos e incidentes de odio aumentaron un 23,6% en 2025 (3 Jun 2026) · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Scams
Pickpocketing and theft are very common, often by distraction, at tourist sites and on public transport; car break-ins and passport theft at airports and taxi ranks occur. Report crimes at a police station, online or by phone; Madrid has a tourist police office (SATE) with interpreters at Plaza Mayor.
Source: US Department of State — Spain – travel advisory and international travel information · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Victims of crime; domestic violence
Help for victims: emergency 112; 016 gender-violence line (free, 24/7, not on the phone bill; 53 languages; WhatsApp 600 000 016). Free public victim-support offices give legal and psychological help. US Embassy Madrid: +34 91 123 8866 (after hours +34 91 587 2200).
Source: La Moncloa (Gobierno de España) — Teléfono 016: ¿qué es y cómo funciona? (1 Apr 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Natural disaster risk
Main hazards: flash floods (Oct 2024 Valencia DANA: 233 deaths, official), wildfires (2025: 354,747 ha burned, a 10-year high), heatwaves (summer 2025 the hottest since 1961; about 3,832 heat deaths) and moderate earthquakes in the south-east. Warnings: AEMET colour alerts and ES-Alert phone messages.
Source: Consejo General del Poder Judicial – TSJ Comunitat Valenciana — La jueza eleva a 233 la cifra oficial de víctimas mortales de la DANA (28 Sep 2026) · 2024–2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Road / traffic safety
Road safety is better than the EU average: 36 road deaths per million people in 2025 (37 in 2024) vs an EU average of 43 (preliminary EC figures). Police data: 1,119 deaths on interurban roads within 24 hours in 2025.
Source: European Commission (DG MOVE) — EU road deaths drop by 3% in 2025 (24 Mar 2026) · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Food safety
Food and water are safe. Tap water: 99.3% of rated test reports fit to drink (2024; monitoring covers 83% of the population). AESAN, the national food-safety agency, runs a 24/7 food-alert network (856 cases in 2024, 397 alerts).
Source: Ministerio de Sanidad — Calidad del agua de consumo humano en España – año 2024 · 2024 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Overall peace / stability
Peaceful and stable democracy: Global Peace Index 2026 ranks Spain 27th of 163 countries (score 1.654; lower is more peaceful). Parliament was dissolved on 6 Oct 2026 for a general election on 29 Nov 2026.
Source: Institute for Economics & Peace — Global Peace Index 2026 (map poster) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
08Climate & environment8
Climate and seasons; temperature; humidity
Continental climate with hot, dry summers. Madrid (Retiro, 1981–2010 normals): 15.0 °C a year, July highs 32.1 °C, January lows 2.7 °C and 421 mm of rain. The coast is milder: Valencia 18.3 °C (Jul highs 29.7, Jan lows 7.1), Málaga 18.5 °C, Barcelona 16.1 °C.
Source: AEMET – Agencia Estatal de Meteorología — Valores climatológicos normales: Madrid, Retiro (1981–2010) · 1981–2010 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Air quality (annual)
Air is moderate. Madrid 2025: all 24 stations met the EU annual nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limit for the 4th year running (highest 32 µg/m³ vs limit 40); fine particles (PM2.5) 8–11 µg/m³ (limit 25). Summer ozone exceeded the target at all 13 measuring stations. Most stations are still above the stricter 2030 EU limits.
Source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid — Calidad del aire – Memoria 2025 · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Pollution
Pollution falling but significant: 13,317 deaths linked to fine-particle air pollution in 2023, with the rate down 65% since 2005. Beaches and rivers: 86.6% of 2,296 bathing waters rated excellent in 2025 (coastal 91.2%), 2.1% poor.
Source: European Environment Agency — Air pollution – quick country facts 2025 (Spain) · 2023 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Climate-change resilience
Good climate-change readiness: ND-GAIN ranks Spain 29th of 190 (score 61.7, 2024 data) – low vulnerability, moderate readiness. Climate law (Ley 7/2021): emissions at least 23% below 1990 by 2030, climate neutrality before 2050; the 2023–2030 national plan raises the 2030 cut to 32%.
Source: University of Notre Dame – ND-GAIN — ND-GAIN Country Index – Spain · 2024 data · checked 14 Oct 2026
Share of buildings with AC; heating norms
Cooling is common in Madrid: 64.3% of homes in the Madrid region had a cooling system in 2021 (Spain 49.6%), and 96.1% had heating. Still, 17.5% of people in Spain could not keep their home warm enough in 2024 (EU 9.2%), and 34% of households were not comfortably cool in summer (2023).
Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística — Encuesta de Características Esenciales de la Población y Viviendas 2021 (22 Feb 2023) · 2021 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Tap water safety; water hardness
Tap water is safe to drink. Madrids water (Canal de Isabel II) is soft and weakly mineralised. Nationally, 99.3% of rated tap-water test reports were fit to drink in 2024 (Madrid region 99.7%).
Source: Comunidad de Madrid — Canal de Isabel II water treatment (27 Jul 2025) · 2024 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Power grid reliability
Generally reliable grid, but the whole Iberian system blacked out on 28 Apr 2025: zero voltage at 12:33, about half of demand back by 22:30, 99.95% by 07:00 on 29 Apr. Official reports trace it to overvoltage and cascading generator trips.
Source: Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica (MITECO) — Informe del Comité de análisis de la crisis eléctrica del 28 de abril (17 Jun 2025) · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Recycling / sustainability
Recycling lags the EU: 42.5% of municipal waste recycled in 2024 (EU 49.4%; target 55% for 2025), and about half still goes to landfill. Each resident produced 456 kg (2024). A deposit-return scheme for drink containers (minimum €0.10) is legally due from Nov 2026, but no official start date is set.
Source: Eurostat — Recycling rate of municipal waste (cei_wm011) and municipal waste per person (env_wasmun), via API — data updated 15 Oct 2026 · 2024 · checked 28 Oct 2026
09Connectivity & daily infrastructure6
Internet speed (fixed + mobile)
Fast fixed internet. Ookla Speedtest (Aug 2026) median download: fixed broadband 262.62 Mbps (18th in the world), mobile 83.65 Mbps (55th). Fibre to the home reaches 96.0% of households (EU 74.1%) and 5G 99.2% (EU 96.8%) (EC Digital Decade 2026, 2025 data).
Source: Ookla — Speedtest Global Index – Spain (August 2026) · Aug 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Mobile operators; eSIM
Four mobile networks: Movistar, Vodafone, MasOrange and Digi (98.2% of lines between them), plus virtual operators. eSIM: free on new lines at Movistar and Vodafone (Vodafone charges €5 to switch an existing SIM in store). EU roam-like-at-home runs to 2032 (EU/EEA, not the UK).
Source: CNMC – Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia — Datos mensuales de telecomunicaciones, julio 2026 (23 Sep 2026) · Jul 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Setting up utilities, internet, TV
Setting up: electricity is either free-market or the regulated PVPC tariff (only from a "reference supplier", up to 10 kW); switching is free (legal maximum 10 working days). The meter is identified by its CUPS code. Water in Madrid: contract with Canal de Isabel II (ID, deed or lease, bank details). No TV licence. Telecom contracts: lock-in of up to 24 months.
Source: Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica (MITECO) — Derechos de los consumidores de electricidad · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Free WiFi; places to work from; coworking
Madrids 34 public libraries offer WiFi and internet with a library card (weekdays 8:30–21:00; some open weekends). The city tourism site lists free WiFi on EMT buses and in main squares. Coworking: day passes from €19 (Spaces) or €29 (Regus); monthly hot desk about €259 (Utopicus).
Source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid — Carta de servicios de Bibliotecas Públicas Municipales 2026 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Postal service; mail forwarding
Correos runs the universal postal service. Mail redirection: €39.69 for 1 month, €60.14 for 2 months, €80.22 for 6 months. PO boxes from €41.02. Parcels from outside the EU: VAT on all; since 1 Jul 2026 also an EU duty of €3 per item for parcels up to €150, plus a Correos customs handling fee.
Source: Correos — Reenvío postal (mail redirection) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Useful apps; news sources
Useful apps: Mi Carpeta Ciudadana (official documents), Cl@ve (government login), miDGT (digital driving licence; 6 million+ users), Agencia Tributaria (taxes), Bizum (instant bank payments to a phone number; about 30 million users), Metro de Madrid and EMT apps, Mi Tarjeta Transporte. News: RTVE (public broadcaster) has a weekly English podcast.
Source: DGT – Dirección General de Tráfico — miDGT app (31 Jul 2025) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
10Transport & travel8
Public transport quality and fares
Excellent public transport. Madrid Metro: 12 lines + 1 branch, 269.5 km, 237 stations (737 million trips in 2025); EMT city buses: 229 lines; Cercanías commuter rail: 11 lines, 361 km. Fares 2026: single €1.50–2.00, 10 trips €7.30, monthly zone A €32.70, under-26 €10, over-65 free (discounts to 31 Dec 2026).
Source: Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid — Memoria 2024 · 2024–2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Driving; licence conversion for US drivers
A US licence cannot be exchanged: no US state is on Spains exchange list (33 countries). Visitors may drive on a US licence; the State Dept says to carry an International Driving Permit. Residents may use it for at most 6 months after becoming resident, then must pass the Spanish driving test.
Source: DGT – Dirección General de Tráfico — Países con los que existe tratado o convenio de canjes (updated 26 Jun 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Buying / importing a car; car insurance
Registration tax at first registration in Spain, by CO2: 0% up to 120 g/km, 4.75% to 160, 9.75% to 200, 14.75% above. Importing from outside the EU: 10% duty + 21% VAT, waived on a move of residence (12+ months living outside the EU, car owned 6+ months). Third-party insurance compulsory (€70M injury, €15M damage). Inspection (ITV) at 4 years, every 2 years to 10, then yearly.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Importación de vehículos por particulares · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Road conditions; traffic laws
Speed limits: 120 km/h motorways, 90 other roads, 50 urban roads with 2+ lanes per direction, 30 with one lane, 20 shared streets. Alcohol: 0.5 g/l blood (0.25 mg/l breath); 0.3 for new and professional drivers. Hand-held phones banned. Madrid low-emission zone: cars without a DGT environmental label are banned (fines €200).
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Reglamento General de Circulación (RD 1428/2003, consolidated) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Commute time; traffic
Moderate traffic: TomTom Traffic Index 2025 – a 10 km drive in Madrid takes about 30 minutes on average; congestion 38%. Official mobility survey (2018): residents spend 69 minutes a day travelling.
Source: TomTom — TomTom Traffic Index 2025 – Madrid · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Walkability
Very walkable: about one in three trips in the Madrid region is on foot (around 40% in the city centre). City data 2023: walking and cycling 28% of trips, public transport 26%, private vehicles 47%.
Source: Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid — Encuesta Domiciliaria de Movilidad 2018 – presentación de resultados · 2018 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Airports; airline connectivity to the US
Madrid-Barajas: 68.2 million passengers in 2025, with nonstop flights to 12 US cities (Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York JFK, Orlando, Washington Dulles). Barcelona-El Prat: 57.5 million, also about 12 US cities.
Source: Aena — Aena Group airports exceed 384.8 million passengers in 2025 (13 Jan 2026) · Oct 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Aviation safety oversight
Strong aviation safety oversight: the US FAA rates Spain Category 1 (meets ICAO standards). Spain is an EASA member; the national authority is AESA (State Aviation Safety Agency).
Source: US Federal Aviation Administration — International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) results · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
11Work & business6
Job market; finding work
Unemployment 9.87% in Q2 2026 (Madrid region 7.6%); under-25s 23.8% (Madrid 19.8%). Average gross pay €29,540 a year in 2024 (Madrid €34,410). Official shortage list is mostly maritime jobs; skilled hires use the highly qualified permit (EU Blue Card salary threshold €41,356 in 2026). Public job portal: Empléate.
Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística — Encuesta de Población Activa, 2.º trimestre 2026 (28 Jul 2026) · Q2 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Work culture
Normal working time up to 40 hours a week (annual average); daily time recording is compulsory. 2026: 12 public holidays in the Madrid region (8 national + regional) plus 2 city holidays. Remote work: voluntary, written agreement, employer pays its costs; right to disconnect.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Ley 10/2021, de 9 de julio, de trabajo a distancia · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Employment law
At least 30 calendar days paid holiday; two extra salary payments a year (usually 14 in total). Probation: up to 6 months for degree-qualified technical staff, 2 months for others (3 in firms under 25 staff), unless a collective agreement says otherwise. Unfair dismissal: 33 days pay per year worked, capped at 24 months.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Estatuto de los Trabajadores (RDLeg 2/2015, consolidated) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Starting a business; company formation
Limited company (SL) can be formed with €1 of capital; until capital reaches €3,000, 20% of profits go to a reserve. Online formation (CIRCE) with standard bylaws: notary deed within 12 business hours, registration within 6. Fixed fees about €100 (notary €60 + registry €40) when capital is €3,100 or less.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Ley 18/2022, de 28 de septiembre, de creación y crecimiento de empresas (consolidated) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Freelancing / self-employment
Freelancers (autónomos) register for tax and with Social Security (RETA). Contributions depend on income: about €206 to €1,607 a month in 2026 (31.5% of a base of €653.59–5,101.20). Invoices carry 15% income-tax withholding, 7% in the first year and the next two. A reduced flat rate (€80/month in 2023–25) applies to new registrants.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Cuadro de tipos de retención IRPF 2026 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Startup ecosystem
Growing startup scene: the EU Innovation Scoreboard 2026 rates Spain a "Moderate Innovator" at 94.0% of the EU average (up 14.1 points since 2019). Startup law (Ley 28/2022): certified startups (ENISA) pay 15% corporate tax for four years; digital nomad (remote worker) visa needs 200% of the minimum wage.
Source: European Commission (DG RTD) — European Innovation Scoreboard 2026 – Questions and answers · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
12Language, culture & integration10
Official language(s)
Spanish (Castilian) is the official language nationwide (Constitution art. 3). Other Spanish languages – Catalan/Valencian, Galician, Basque – are co-official in their own regions. In Madrid only Spanish is official.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Constitución Española (consolidated), art. 3 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
English proficiency
English is moderately spoken: EF English Proficiency Index 2025 ranks Spain 36th of 123 countries (score 540). Madrid region scores 553 and Madrid city 560 – among the best in Spain.
Source: EF Education First — EF English Proficiency Index 2025 – Spain · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Social etiquette; culture
Tipping in Madrid is entirely optional; some restaurants add €2–3 for bread or a small tapa, which you can refuse. Lunch is about 13:00–16:00 and dinner 20:00–22:30 (later in summer). Many shops open 10:00–21:00; smaller ones may close in the afternoon, and Sunday is the usual closing day.
Source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid – esMadrid (official tourism) — Practical information · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Expat communities; making friends; networking
Large foreign community: 7.24 million foreign nationals on 1 Jan 2026 (about 14.6% of residents) and over 10 million people born abroad. Largest groups (2025): Moroccan 968,999, Colombian 676,534, Romanian 609,270; British 266,462. Madrid region: 1.18 million foreign nationals (16.6%, 2025).
Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística — Estadística Continua de Población, 4.º trimestre 2025 (12 Feb 2026) · 2026-01-01 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Marriage; divorce; dating
Civil marriage through a notary or the Civil Registry where either partner lives: ID, birth certificate, proof any earlier marriage ended, and residence over the last 2 years; foreign documents apostilled and translated. Same-sex marriage legal since 2005. Divorce possible 3 months after the wedding, no grounds needed.
Source: administracion.gob.es (Ministerio de Justicia) — Matrimonio – requisitos y trámites (updated 31 Mar 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Religion; faith-based travellers
Freedom of religion guaranteed; no state religion (Constitution art. 16; LO 7/1980). Survey, May 2026: 56% Catholic (18% practising), 15% atheist, 12% agnostic, 12% indifferent, 3% other religions.
Source: CIS – Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas — Barómetro de mayo 2026 (estudio 3562) · May 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Freedom of speech
Free speech is well protected: Freedom House 2026 rates Spain 91/100 ("Free"; political rights 37/40, civil liberties 54/60). RSF World Press Freedom Index 2026: 29th of 180 (down 6 places).
Source: Freedom House — Freedom in the World 2026 – Spain · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Public holidays; festivals
2026 holidays in the Madrid region: 12 (incl. 2 Apr, 2 May, 2 Nov, 7 Dec), plus Madrid citys San Isidro (15 May) and La Almudena (9 Nov). Festivals: San Isidro in mid-May; MADO Pride 25 Jun–5 Jul (march 4 Jul).
Source: Comunidad de Madrid (BOCM) — Decreto 75/2025 – fiestas laborales 2026 (BOCM 25 Sep 2025) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Food scene; things to do; nightlife; sports
Strong food scene: MICHELIN Guide Spain 2026 lists 306 starred restaurants in Spain (16 three-star, 37 two-star, 253 one-star); 35 are in the Madrid region. 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Football: LaLiga, with Real Madrid, Atlético, Rayo Vallecano and Getafe in the Madrid area.
Source: MICHELIN Guide — Todos los restaurantes con Estrellas MICHELIN en España 2026 · 2026 guide · checked 12 Oct 2026
Accessibility for disabled people
Accessibility is good: the US State Department says disability discrimination is illegal and enforced, and public transport and lodging are accessible, though historic areas have narrow, uneven pavements. Madrid Metro: about 70% of its 302 stations are fully accessible (571 lifts).
Source: Comunidad de Madrid — Metro de Madrid accessibility press release (1 Sep 2025) · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
13Government, law & society4
Political system; stability
Parliamentary monarchy (King Felipe VI). PM Pedro Sánchez leads a minority PSOE–Sumar coalition (152 of 350 seats at the 2023 election). Parliament was dissolved on 6 Oct 2026; general election 29 Nov 2026 (campaign 13–27 Nov), new chambers meet 23 Dec 2026.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto 806/2026, de 5 de octubre – dissolution of the Cortes and call of elections (BOE 6 Oct 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Local laws; criminal penalties; arrest notification
You are subject to Spanish law and must carry ID (foreigners: passport or residence card). Using or possessing drugs in public is an administrative offence fined €601–30,000; drug trafficking is a crime (1–6 years in prison). If arrested, ask police to notify the US Embassy in Madrid or the Consulate in Barcelona.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Ley Orgánica 4/2015 de protección de la seguridad ciudadana · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Religious government
Secular state with cooperation: no religion is the state religion (Constitution art. 16.3), but the State cooperates with the Catholic Church (four agreements with the Holy See, 1979) and with Protestant, Jewish and Muslim federations (1992 agreements).
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Constitución Española (consolidated), art. 16 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Economy overview
Strong growth, high debt: GDP +2.6% in 2025 (EC forecast +2.4% for 2026); budget deficit 2.4% of GDP and public debt 100.7% (2025). Inflation 4.9% in Sep 2026 (flash). GDP per head is 92% of the EU average in purchasing power (2025).
Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística — Contabilidad Nacional Anual de España 2025 (18 Sep 2026) · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
14Moving logistics2
Moving checklist; first-week tasks
First steps: collect the residence card (TIE) – apply within 1 month of arrival, with fingerprints, at a police office; the foreigner number (NIE) comes with the visa. Register at your town hall (padrón; Madrid needs an appointment and proof of address such as a lease). Get a Social Security number, then the health card once entitled (see 5001).
Source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid – Sede electrónica — Padrón Municipal. Empadronamiento · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Shipping household goods; customs allowance
Household goods enter duty- and VAT-free if you lived outside the EU for 12+ consecutive months, used the items there for 6+ months, and declare them within 12 months of moving (customs declaration H1). Bring an itemised, valued list and proof of your old and new residence. Do not sell, lend or rent them for 12 months. Alcohol, tobacco and commercial vehicles excluded.
Source: Agencia Tributaria — Nota informativa 08/2026 – franquicia por traslado de residencia (26 Feb 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
15Demographics5
Population; density
49.80 million residents on 1 Jul 2026 (+0.9% in a year). Growth comes from immigration, while deaths exceed births (2025: 321,164 births, 446,982 deaths). 7.4 million foreign nationals (15%). Median age 45.8; 20.7% aged 65+, 12.9% under 15 (2025). Density about 98 people per km².
Source: INE – Instituto Nacional de Estadística — Estadística Continua de Población, 2.º trimestre 2026 (6 Aug 2026) · 2026-07-01 · checked 12 Oct 2026
GDP per capita; income level
Upper-middle in Europe: GDP per head US$38,627 in 2025 (US $90,027; Portugal $32,082), or 92% of the EU average in purchasing power. Minimum wage €1,221 a month ×14 (see 4015); average gross pay €29,540 a year (2024; Madrid €34,410).
Source: World Bank — GDP per capita (current US$) – Spain, United States (API) · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Education level
Highly educated but polarised: 42.4% of 25–64-year-olds have a degree (EU 36.9%), yet 34.6% did not finish upper secondary school (EU 18.8%), mostly older adults.
Source: Eurostat — Population by educational attainment level (edat_lfse_03), via API · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Tourist volume; overcrowding
Very heavy tourism: 96.8 million foreign visitors and 512.9 million nights in tourist accommodation in 2025 – about 10.3 nights per resident vs 7.0 for the EU. Madrid has no tourist tax; Catalonia (raised Apr 2026) and the Balearics do.
Source: Eurostat — Nights spent at tourist accommodation establishments (tour_occ_ninat), via API · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Gender ratio
Slightly more women: 25,338,952 women and 24,462,607 men on 1 Jul 2026, about 96.5 men per 100 women (women 51%).
Source: INE – via Instituto de Estadística de Extremadura — Estadística Continua de Población 2T2026 – population by sex · 2026-07-01 · checked 12 Oct 2026
16Expat sentiment2
Expat Insider indices — Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, Personal Finance, Expat Essentials
No reliable source yet. The only published measure is InterNations' Expat Insider survey, a self-selected online survey; MPH uses crowd surveys as a cross-check only and does not cite them. To be filled from MPH's own member survey.
No reliable source yet · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Return rate; liked by members
No source yet. Return rate and "liked by members" come from MPH's own member data, which has not been collected.
No reliable source yet · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
17Food, groceries & markets13
Supermarket chains — discount / mid / premium
Main chains: mid-market Mercadona (about 1,600 stores in Spain) and Carrefour (1,654 outlets); discount – Dia (2,300+), Lidl (730+; 90+ in Madrid region), ALDI (500+); premium – El Corte Inglés supermarkets and Hipercor/Supercor. Many supermarkets open 9:00–21:30 Mon–Sat.
Source: Lidl España — Lidl aperturas julio y agosto 2026 (press release, 4 Aug 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Fresh produce markets — municipal markets, farmers' markets, market days
Madrid city has 45 municipal markets for fresh food, e.g. Antón Martín (1941) and La Paz (1882); most open Mon–Sat. Mercado de San Miguel is a private gourmet market (open to midnight).
Source: Ayuntamiento de Madrid — Los 45 mercados municipales de la capital (25 Mar 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Fish and seafood markets
Very fresh fish despite being inland: Mercamadrid, Spains largest food hub, traded 155,052 tonnes of fish in 2025 (3.63 million tonnes of food in total); its central fish market covers 42,600 m². Shoppers buy at municipal market fish stalls and supermarket fish counters.
Source: Mercamadrid — Memoria anual 2025 · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Seasonal and local produce
Strong local produce: 395 EU-protected names (DOP/IGP) for foods, wines and spirits – e.g. Jamón de Guijuelo, Manchego, Rioja; Madrid region has 4, incl. DO Vinos de Madrid. Spain shares UNESCOs Mediterranean diet listing (2013).
Source: Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA) — Número de indicaciones geográficas por comunidad autónoma (22 Apr 2025) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Organic availability; organic certification
Organic is widespread: 2.94 million ha, 12.3% of farmland, was organic in 2024 – the largest organic area in the EU – with 62,621 certified operators. Look for the EU organic leaf logo. Organic chains include Veritas (about 88 stores).
Source: Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA) — Producción ecológica 2024 (press release 10 Oct 2025) · 2024 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Dietary needs — halal, kosher, vegetarian / vegan, gluten-free
Halal: certification mainly through Instituto Halal (Junta Islámica, Córdoba). Kosher: supervised by the Federation of Jewish Communities (FCJE). Madrid has many vegan restaurants (the city tourism site lists 24) and a gluten-free scheme with the Madrid coeliac association (175+ venues).
Source: Federación de Comunidades Judías de España — Certificación kosher · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Allergen labelling rules
EU rules: 14 allergens must be highlighted on packaged food. Spain extends this to unpackaged food, restaurants and bars: written allergen information by default; spoken information only if a written record is kept on the premises and available on request.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto 126/2015 – información alimentaria de alimentos no envasados · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Food safety standards and inspection
Food safety is enforced by AESAN (national agency) and regional/city health services. Madrid city (Madrid Salud) carried out 19,352 food-safety inspections in 2023, incl. 16,677 in restaurants, canteens and shops, and 1,251 product checks at Mercamadrid.
Source: Madrid Salud (Ayuntamiento de Madrid) — Memoria anual 2023 – principales resultados · 2023 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Alcohol rules — where it can be bought, licences, restrictions
Alcohol: minimum age 18. Madrid region bans drinking in the street (except terraces and fiestas). Shops without a bar licence may not sell alcohol at night – by default 22:00 to 08:00, unless the town sets other hours; some exemptions apply. Bars and restaurants are not affected.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Ley 5/2002 de la Comunidad de Madrid, sobre drogodependencias (consolidated), art. 30 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Grocery and meal delivery services
Meal delivery: Glovo, Uber Eats and Just Eat across Madrid. Groceries online: Mercadona (online sales €1.06 billion in 2025), Carrefour, Dia and El Corte Inglés.
Source: El Independiente — Mercadona resultados 2025 (10 Mar 2026) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Local cuisine overview
Madrid classics: cocido madrileño (chickpea stew), callos, garlic soup, calamari sandwich (bocadillo de calamares) and chocolate with churros; tapas such as patatas bravas. Spain-wide: tapas, paella (Valencia), Iberian ham and olive oil. Local wine: DO Vinos de Madrid.
Source: Comunidad de Madrid – Turismo — Gastronomía tradicional de la Comunidad de Madrid · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Restaurant scene and dining cost
Lively and affordable dining: set lunch (menú del día) about €14–15 (see 2002); late meals (dinner from 20:30). MICHELIN Guide 2026: 31 starred restaurants in Madrid city, incl. DiverXO (3 stars); 35 in the wider region.
Source: MICHELIN Guide — Todas las Estrellas MICHELIN de Madrid (27 Nov 2025) · 2026 guide · checked 12 Oct 2026
Tap water drinkable
Yes: tap water is safe to drink – 99.7% of rated test reports in the Madrid region met standards in 2024 (Spain 99.3%). Madrids water is soft.
Source: Ministerio de Sanidad — Calidad del agua de consumo humano en España – año 2024 · 2024 · checked 12 Oct 2026
18Questions US movers ask7
US Social Security totalisation agreement; pension paid abroad
Yes: a US–Spain Social Security agreement has been in force since 1 Apr 1988 – no paying into both systems, and credits can be combined. US Social Security can be paid to you in Spain. Spain taxes it as income of a Spanish resident; the US may also tax citizens (treaty credit rules apply).
Source: US Social Security Administration — POMS GN 01701.005 – totalization agreements in effect · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Flight time and direct flights to major US hubs
Non-stop flights from Madrid to 12 US airports (Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York JFK, Orlando, Washington Dulles), mostly Iberia, American, Delta, United and Air Europa. Flight times: Madrid–New York about 8h35, Madrid–Miami 9h35–9h40, Madrid–Los Angeles 12h05–12h45.
Source: Aena — Destinations – Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (United States) · Oct 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Time-zone offset from US Eastern / Pacific
Mainland Spain and the Balearics are 6 hours ahead of US Eastern and 9 ahead of Pacific for most of the year (UTC+1 in winter, +2 in summer); the Canary Islands are one hour less. In 2026 the gap is 5/8 hours from 8 to 28 March and from 25 October to 1 November.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Orden PCM/186/2022 – summer-time calendar 2022–2026 · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Language test required for residency or citizenship
No language test for residence permits. Citizenship (10 years residence for US citizens) needs a Spanish language exam at A2 or higher (DELE) plus a civics test (CCSE), both run by Instituto Cervantes. 2026 fees: CCSE €85, DELE A2 about €138. Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries skip the DELE.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto 1004/2015 – procedure for nationality by residence (consolidated) · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Remote work permitted under each visa
Non-lucrative residence does not allow any work. The digital nomad (remote worker) permit allows remote work for employers outside Spain; freelancers may take Spanish clients for up to 20% of their work. Work permits, family permits of workers and long-term residence allow normal work.
Source: Ministerio de Inclusión – Unidad de Grandes Empresas — Nómadas digitales – preguntas frecuentes · 2026 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Setting options — urban / suburban / rural / coastal / mountain
Every setting is available: big-city Madrid (3.5 million in the city) and Barcelona; about 7,900 km of coast incl. the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Balearic and Canary Islands; mountains (Sierra Nevada, Pyrenees; Mulhacén 3,479 m on the mainland, Teide 3,715 m in Tenerife); and a rural interior.
Source: Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado — Real Decreto 1117/2025 – official population figures at 1 Jan 2025 · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
Bureaucracy and admin ease
Moderate bureaucracy, strong digital services: World Bank 2025 government-effectiveness score 75.5/100 (US 76.7, Portugal 73.3) and regulatory quality 62.7 (US 72.8). EU Digital Decade 2025 scores Spains online public services for citizens 88.75 (EU 82.2); Cl@ve login (see 9006).
Source: World Bank — Worldwide Governance Indicators – Government Effectiveness score (API) · 2025 · checked 12 Oct 2026
155 verified facts from 144 sources; last checked 28 Oct 2026. Facts marked "No reliable source yet" are shown on purpose, rather than filled with guesses.
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The information on this page is published by Mission Point Holdings LLC for informational and intelligence purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, or immigration advice. Figures are taken from official and published sources on the dates shown and change often; the monthly budget is an MPH calculation based on stated assumptions, not a quote. Residency and visa rules, tax treatment and costs vary by person and change frequently; confirm all requirements with qualified local legal and tax counsel before moving or committing capital. Mission Point Holdings LLC has no financial relationship with any provider named on this page.