Ultimate Guide For Brits Moving to Madrid
For UK expats, there are far worse ideas than moving to Madrid. Spain’s capital is known for its vibrant atmosphere, multicultural residents and promising work opportunities. It also helps that the city gets multiple days of sunshine a year.
With that said, moving out of the UK is not easy — especially to a country with such a distinct culture. Whether you’re relocating with family or for a fresh start on your own, you must ask yourself a few pressing questions. Can you speak the language? What neighbourhood can you afford? And, crucially, how are you going to move your stuff?
As a professional provider of removals to Spain from the UK, Gentlevan Removals knows a little something about how to answer these questions — and can help you make this major milestone a hassle-free process. Feel free to contact us when you’re close to finalising your dates. But, until then, check out this guide on moving to Madrid.
Planning Your Big Move? We Got You!
Moving to another country is as challenging as it is exciting. Before you arrive at your new home, there are contracts to cancel, things to pack and reams of paperwork to contend with. UK nationals must also navigate several visa restrictions following Brexit, making the initial stages rather overwhelming.
Then, there’s the actual packing and moving. If you’re moving homes, it can be incredibly challenging to account for each belonging. The best way to save time, in this case, is to leave the heavy lifting to the experts. In the weeks prior to the move, we recommend only worrying about your essentials—such as passports or toothbrushes—and tasking a professional moving company with the rest.
At Gentlevan Removals, we offer comprehensive door-to-door removal services to and from Spain. This includes packaging, storage and transportation services, as well as support dealing with complicated customs regulations or insurance paperwork. To learn more about our removals to Spain from the UK, reach out to us for a free quote.
Why Move to Madrid?
Madrid is a bustling modern city with over 3 million residents, but it still manages to retain much of its old-world charm. It’s known for its stunning architecture, historic attractions, incredible food and a vibrant nightlife — all while being relatively affordable.
Consider some of the benefits of moving to Madrid from UK:
- Better Quality of Life: Madrid doesn’t just outrank London in the quality of life index, as of March 2025, it’s also higher than Berlin, New York City and Prague.
- Cost of Living: Spain’s capital also boasts a significantly lower cost of living. With rent included, Madrid is a staggering 74% cheaper than London.
- Climate: For a Brit, few things are as annoying as the constant rain. Madrid, with its balmy summers and endless sunshine, has a far more attractive climate.
- Expat Community: Madrid boasts of a diverse and welcoming expat community, which, as per the latest census, includes over 11,000 UK nationals.
- Cultural Scene: Over the years, Madrid has been the home of celebrated artists, distinct Spanish architecture and a host of cultural attractions.
All things considered, moving to Madrid from the UK doesn’t just sound good on paper, it can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Just make sure to avoid these 7 mistakes when moving to Spain.
How to Move to Madrid: Choose the Right Neighbourhood
Like any other major city, Madrid has several distinct neighbourhoods — each with its own promise, drawbacks and impact on budgets. In fact, simply moving a couple of kilometers from the city center can already cut down rent by a fourth.
In Madrid’s 100-odd neighbourhoods, you’ll find it all — suburbs with multiple international schools, areas with extensive green spaces, upscale apartments in touristy areas and more. Here are some neighbourhoods you should know about:
Chamberí
This family-friendly neighbourhood is centrally located and has some of the best schools and parks in the city. It’s known for its mix of upscale and affordable housing, ensuring that locals come from all walks of life. For UK expats, this neighbourhood can offer a comfortable, community-driven lifestyle.
Salamanca
In the 19th century, the borough of Salamanca was reserved for the aristocrats. Today, it’s best known as Madrid’s most upscale district, popular among tourists for its high-end shopping and dining options. As you’d imagine, homes here are expensive, meaning you’re more likely to live among an older, affluent crowd than young students.
Retiro
The area surrounding the famous Retiro Park is relaxed, offers more leisure activities and gives homeowners unparalleled access to nature. Retiro is also one of Madrid’s more affordable neighbourhoods, making it a hotspot for students and young professionals. Meanwhile, its laid-back lifestyle ensures it stays popular among working expats and families who love being outdoors.
Las Tablas
Las Tablas may be about 30 minutes away from the city centre, but it makes up for that with very affordable rents and property rates. You can rent out a penthouse here for under €2,000 a month — incredible, considering that’s the weekly rent for many homes this size on the outskirts of London. This makes Las Tablas a name that regularly pops up when expats look up how to move to Madrid on a budget.
La Latina
This charming neighbourhood offers Brits the chance to have an authentic Spanish experience. La Latina’s narrow cobblestone paths are full of life, with many bars, taverns and flea markets to explore. Here, you’ll also find some of the city’s oldest buildings and the perfect mix of tradition and modernity to start a new life abroad.
Documentation When Moving to Madrid from UK Post Brexit
Before you begin dreaming about your new home, however, there are some less exciting matters to contend with. Following Brexit, UK expats must adhere to several visa requirements to live and work in Spain. When moving to Madrid from the UK, follow this checklist to ensure you have all the right documentation in order:
- Secure a Visa: Brits who wish to stay in Spain longer than 90 days need a relevant visa. This could range from the standard work and student visas to more unique options, like a golden visa or a non-lucrative visa, which caters to retirees.
- Register with Authorities: All expats must register with the central register of foreign nationals as well as with their local town hall once they arrive.
- Apply for Residency: Non-EU nationals must secure a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) as proof of residency. To apply, you’ll need to send select documents to the foreigner’s office and collect your card from the local police.
- Get an NIE: All foreigners in Spain — including EU nationals — require this unique identification number to conduct any legal and financial transactions. You can apply for an NIE from the police in Spain or a consulate in the UK.
- Convert Your License: UK driving licenses are only valid in Spain for six months from the date of arrival. If you stay longer, you need to gather documents, undergo a medical test and swap out your license for the Spanish equivalent.
- Declare Customs: When shipping your things from the UK to Spain, you must fill out a customs declaration. This is a long and time-consuming process but one that a professional moving company will offer support for.
Still, securing all these documents can prove to be quite a headache. To make matters worse, they also slowly eat away at your budget. So, don’t forget to factor in documentation when you consider the cost of your move to Spain.
Let’s Make Your Move Hassle-Free
Meanwhile, the best way to reduce paperwork is to entrust a professional team for removals to Spain from UK.
Gentlevan Removals is the trusted moving partner of many Brits headed for the EU and other parts of the UK. We specialise in packing, moving and storing personal and household items, making your move easier and your logistics hassle-free.
The hallmarks of our service include thorough planning, effective and efficient logistics capabilities and personalised services. You can count on us to take care of every aspect of your move with utmost attention to detail and uncompromised care.
You can call us or email us for more information. You may also get an online quote or book your video survey appointment online. Let’s make your move a gentle journey for you. Gentlevan Removals will help you get there.
Find Your New Home in Madrid
Property prices and rents may be significantly lower in Spain than in the UK. But, for expats, there’s more to consider than costs when finding a home in a foreign country.
Some crucial questions you need to ask include: Would you prefer buying or renting? Are you moving on your own or with your family? Do you prefer the bustle of a city centre or the allure of nature? And so much more.
Each of these factors influences what your future home will look like. Renting, for instance, can give you more flexibility and the freedom to move after a short period of time, while buying property in Madrid is a great investment for the future.
If you’re moving with your family, you’ll probably opt for a neighbourhood with better schools over one with a few extra bars.
Expats also need very specific documents to buy or rent a home in Spain. This could include proof of income, personal IDs and for those who stay longer than 90 days, an NIE number. It’s a lot of paperwork that’s legally required to be submitted on a deadline, so don’t forget to start early. Follow this link for a complete checklist of everything you need to do when moving to Madrid from the UK.
Final Tips on Moving to Madrid
At the end of the day, even the most meticulous planners find moving homes challenging. In between looking for a moving company, canceling contracts and finding the right neighbourhood in Madrid, there’s a lot to be done.
Here’s a summary of our actionable tips:
- Start Early: Many major moves begin not weeks but several months before the due date. This will give you enough time to budget, gather documents, and account for various legal requirements.
- Find a Home: Compare neighbourhoods, property rates and leisure options before you settle on a home.
- Don’t Forget the Paperwork: Whether it’s applying for a residence permit, switching from NHS to the local Spanish Health System, or filling out customs declarations — make sure all your documentation is in order.
- Account for Cultural Differences: Madrid is a massive city with a diverse population but don’t expect everything to be exactly as it is back home. Many locals, for instance, don’t speak English, so brush up on your Spanish skills.
Finally, don’t forget to get in touch with a trusted moving company to guide you through the process. With the experts at Gentlevan Removals, you can rest assured that you’ll get all the support you need — and that your goods are transported safely, legally and quickly across borders. Contact us when you’re ready to say “hola” to your new life.