Looking for British Expats in Madrid?

Thinking about moving to Madrid as a Briton? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what British expats in Madrid wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• The food and culture are a joy. Madrid scores 94% for culinary variety and 93% for culture and nightlife, with a vibrant, sociable street life.

• The weather and quality of life win people over. 83% of expats in Madrid rate the climate and weather positively, and Britons praise a safe city (92%) with plenty to do.

• Healthcare is excellent and affordable. 84% rate healthcare affordability positively (vs. 61% globally) and 84% the quality of medical care.

• It's warm, welcoming, and easy to get around. 77% rate locals as friendly, 78% feel welcome, and 93% rate the availability of public transportation positively.

• Bureaucracy is the biggest gripe. Just 26% of expats in Madrid find it easy to deal with local authorities, and Britons describe it as slow and needlessly complicated.

• Housing and pay disappoint. Only 18% rate housing affordability positively, with rents high and careers limited (44% say the move improved their prospects).

• Locals can be reserved. Making close local friends takes time, and only about a third get by easily without Spanish.

• Some habits take adjusting. Customer service and the pace of getting things done come up as everyday frustrations.

For Britons, Madrid delivers food, culture, healthcare, weather, and a safe, sociable life. The trade-offs are the bureaucracy, tight housing, and limited careers. If lifestyle matters more to you than career momentum, it's hard to beat.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our British members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

InterNations is a place where British expats in Madrid exchange experiences and tips to support each other. Spain's capital, named "Mayrit" - the "Giver Of Life"- by the Arabic conquerors , can be a great place for expats - our community helps you make the most of your experience!

• Browse our Members Network to get to know Madrid’s British expats.
• Take part in our Expat Forums to obtain first hand tips from fellow British expats in Madrid.
• Use the Expat Guide for Madrid to find information on your host city.

Our community in Madrid is also very active offline. Our InterNations Ambassadors organize regular events and various expat activities, e.g. a dinner in Madrid’s hippest restaurant or an outing with other British expats to explore the amazing beaches of the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. These activities are a casual way to get to know expats from the UK in your local community as well as Brits in Spain nationwide. Interested? Simply become a member and we’ll be happy to welcome you among our Brits living in Madrid!