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.