Moving to Spain, without the guesswork.

How to make friends in Madrid as an expat

A no-fluff guide to making real friends in Madrid as an expat — where to go, what actually works, and the mistakes most newcomers make in their first six months.

How to get an NIE in Spain

How to get your NIE in Spain — who needs one, which form, where to book the cita previa, what to bring, and how long it actually takes.

Cost of living in Madrid — a real monthly breakdown

A realistic monthly cost of living breakdown for Madrid in 2026 — rent, food, transport, gym, going out — for solo, couple, and comfortable-professional budgets.

How to empadronar in Madrid

How to register on the padrón in Madrid — who needs it, what to bring, how to book the cita, and what to do if you don't have a rental contract.

Things to do in Madrid, from people who actually live here

A locals' list of the best things to do in Madrid — the museums worth your time, the neighbourhoods to wander, the tapas that aren't a tourist trap, and the weekends that actually feel like Madrid.

Healthcare in Spain for expats

How healthcare actually works in Spain as a foreigner — public sanidad, private insurance, what it costs, what's covered, and what to do in your first month.

Opening a bank account in Spain

Which Spanish bank to open an account with as a foreigner — resident vs non-resident accounts, N26 / Revolut / Wise vs traditional banks, fees and paperwork.

How to get your TIE card in Spain

The TIE is your physical foreigner ID card in Spain. What it is, how it's different from the NIE, how to book the cita and what to bring — without the runaround.

Learning Spanish in Madrid

How to actually learn Spanish while living in Madrid — the schools worth their money, the free options that work, and why most expats plateau at intermediate.

Finding an apartment in Madrid

How to actually find a flat in Madrid without getting scammed — where to search, what to expect, and the paperwork landlords ask Guiris for that Spaniards never see.

Becoming an autónomo in Spain

How to register as autónomo in Spain, what it actually costs, the flat rate for new autónomos, and the mistakes most freelancers make in year one.

The Spain Digital Nomad Visa, explained

Requirements, income threshold, tax perks and application process for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) — plus the mistakes that get applications rejected.

The best coworking spaces in Madrid

The coworking spaces in Madrid worth paying for in 2026 — ranked by community, wifi, calls, and coffee. Plus which barrio to pick.

Getting around Madrid

How Madrid's public transport actually works — metro, bus, Cercanías — plus the abono joven, tourist cards, and the tricks that save time and money.

Best neighbourhoods in Madrid for expats

An honest ranking of the best neighbourhoods in Madrid for expats — Malasaña, Chamberí, Lavapiés, Salamanca, La Latina and more. Vibe, price, and who each one is really for.

How to recover your rental deposit in Spain

Landlord keeping your fianza? The step-by-step route from move-out day to court: the one-month rule, valid invoices, the burofax, MASC and the monitorio.

Expat events in Madrid: where to go and what's worth it

An honest guide to expat events in Madrid. The different types, what each is good for, and how to pick events that lead to friendships, not just a fun night.

Language exchanges in Madrid: an honest guide

How language exchanges in Madrid work, the long-running groups worth trying, and how to get more than one awkward chat out of them.

How to make friends in Madrid in your 30s

Making friends in Madrid in your 30s is different. Spaniards have full social calendars and the party scene isn't the answer. Here's what actually works.

How to meet people in Madrid as a woman

A practical guide for women moving to Madrid alone. Where to meet people, women-only groups, staying safe on nights out, and how to build a real circle.

Things to do alone in Madrid

Not a tourist list. The best solo plans in Madrid for people who live here, from Sunday rituals to the places where you'll actually end up talking to someone.