EU · Madrid

🇪🇸 Spain

Practical relocation guide for Spain — visas, housing, banking, healthcare, education and integration in one place.

Capital
Madrid
Currency
EUR
Language
Spanish
Cost index
60/100
Pathways

Visa & residency options

Digital Nomad Visa

3 years renewable, remote workers earning 200% min wage (~€2,762/mo).

Entrepreneur Visa (Ley 14/2013)

Innovative business plans approved by ENISA.

Highly Qualified Professional

Fast-track for skilled hires, no labour market test.

Residency: Permanent residence after 5 years; citizenship after 10 (2 for Latin America).

Money

Tax & cost of living

Taxation

Beckham Law: 24% flat on Spanish income up to €600k for 6 years for new residents.

Monthly essentials
  • Rent (1BR city): €900–€1,500
  • Meal out: €13
  • Transport pass: €45/mo Madrid
Money 2

Banking & business setup

Banking

BBVA, CaixaBank, Santander, Sabadell, Revolut Spain, N26. NIE + proof of address required; 5–10 business days.

Business setup

S.L. (Spanish LLC) minimum capital €1 since 2022, single founder, ~€600 notarial + registry fees. Setup 10–20 business days. Autónomo (freelancer) registration free at Hacienda + Seguridad Social.

Lifestyle

Living in country

Housing

Madrid (Salamanca, Chamberí) and Barcelona competitive; Valencia, Málaga, Sevilla strong value. Standard fianza of 1 month + 2 months guarantee.

Healthcare

Universal SNS + private (Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV) ~€60–€120/mo for fast English service.

Education

Free public; many international schools (American School, British Council, French Lycée) in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia.

Employment

Tech (Glovo, Cabify), tourism, renewables, fashion (Inditex), automotive (SEAT).

Ready to move to Spain?