Coliving In Madrid- Essential Things You Need To Know

Taking the first step towards coliving in Madrid is exciting.

The opportunity to explore a new country, right at the city center, balancing a bold lifestyle and still flourishing as a digital nomad is rewarding.

If you are a young professional who loves to travel, but you don’t want to pay expensive hotel costs nor have to deal with drunk noisy backpackers in hostels – coliving just may be the solution for you!

There is no need to be extremely rich to have this freedom and flexibility should you crave new environments and changes. (I know this as I often co-live when I travel abroad and I am not rich!)

Coliving madrid is an attainable reality, where you can find new things to love, discover opportunities, and write your own story.

Summary Of All The Best Coliving Places In Madrid

DISCLOSURE

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What Is Coliving?

Centered around the principle of community, coliving is the solution for digital nomads and remote workers alike.

Coliving grants people that share similar values and principles to come together under one roof.

Homeowners convert their property, be it apartments or houses into a modern, sleek, and comfortable haven.These properties are often equipped with functional equipment to ensure your stay in the residence is comfortable.

The concept of coliving has redefined the idea of ‘homes’ as you don’t have to be tied down to one place for the rest of your life.

An economical option, both professionals and freelancers alike are enjoying the flexibility and freedom that co-living has to offer.

This trending lifestyle is not reserved for just the millennial because it turns out people from all walks of life, regardless of their age are adapting to this lifestyle.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Coliving?

Pros

Freedom and flexibility

Coliving provides you the means of finding your place in the world. A sense of fulfillment, when you’re exploring different countries without having to settle down in one place.

This concept is perfect for those who refuse to be confined to the traditional norm of purchasing a property to settle down. Besides a regular contract of 1 to 6 months, you have the freedom of packing your bags and finding a new place to live with coliving.

Social engagement

Having to live in a community of like-minded people is always a bonus.

A strong community spirit is fostered by all the tenants living in the unit. Making friends in a new city is tricky regardless of which city you move into.

Humans are social creatures and as much as we value our alone time, having people to come back to and strike up a couple of conversations is a necessity.

Learning opportunities will present themselves when you discover the different cultures and skills of those sharing the same space as you. Before you know it, you will create friendships that last a lifetime.

This is a great way to expand your network globally. Imagine having someone you know from various parts of the world, cool isn’t it?

Low cost

A down-payment fee to rent an apartment or house can take up a huge chunk of your savings. The great thing about coliving is that most landlords charge rent where all the utility bills are included and you can save the hassle of making these additional monthly payments.

Facilities

Most coliving spaces are accommodated with a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen, laundry area, good WIFI and complete household equipment like a broom, vacuum, and mops.

Some residents even offer cleaning services every week or bi-weekly. Even if you find yourself living with someone who’s untidy, at least you can be certain that the mess will be taken care of eventually.

Cons

Privacy

Invasion of privacy isn’t uncommon with coliving.

As the whole idea of coliving revolves around sharing spaces, you might not have access to the privacy you need as compared to having the entire place to yourself.

If you’re an early bird, rising at the crack of dawn, needing some quiet time in the morning, you might find it difficult to adapt to tenants who are night owls who stay up all night till the sun rises.

For the most part, if you’re a closeted introvert, then coliving may not be the best option for you. Unless of course you don’t mind hanging out in your room for long periods of time.

However, if you’re open to meeting new people and experiencing a fresh environment, then you might want to give coliving a shot.

Tardiness and Cleanliness

Everyone has different cleanliness and tardiness levels that they can tolerate.

You are going to find some interesting habits from the people you share a roof with. Some habits can be permitted while others will make you want to bang your head against the wall.

This is something you’re only going to find out once you’ve moved in, into a residence.

To establish a certain level of tardiness and cleanliness around the house, it is going to take open communications and understandings among the tenants, so just be on the look-out for that.

Why Try Coliving In Madrid?

Coliving in Madrid will grant you the opportunity to explore and experience a new country. It is a sanctuary for music, history, and art enthusiasts.

The weather is delightful and that goes without saying. You get more than 300 days of glorious sunlight in Madrid and that should be enough of a reason for you to pack your bags as a more laidback lifestyle can be opted here in Madrid.

Given the weather, you can spend a great deal of time exploring the cities, getting work done on the terrace of a coffee shop, cycling in the parks, or even having picnics.

The cost of living is relatively low in comparison to the large European countries, including the monthly grocery expenditure, the rent when you’re coliving, the transportation, and utilities.

Madrid is rich in culture and history and there are a ton of museums and historical sites that reflect this statement. With medieval structures sprinkled throughout the city, you will be finding something new to discover every time you’re out exploring the city.

The food and drinks are amazing and every dish is an experience!

All The Best Co Living Spaces In Madrid

1.Habyt – Calle de Oudrid

Nestled in the northwest corner of Madrid, this apartment is in Tetuan, neighboring both Bellas Vistas and Cuatro Caminos. It has easy access to the metro station and only takes 15 minutes to get to Plaza del Sol.

The cost of living in Tetuan is fairly low due to the simplicity of the neighborhood. Visit the local market Mercadillo de Tetuan to grab a glimpse on the lives of the locals.

This apartment offers private rooms with private bathrooms.

Amenities offered are:

Shared living and kitchen space
Working space
Rooftop for barbecues
Weekly cleaning services
Laundry room

Rent is €600 a month and all utilities and Wifi charges are included in the rent.

This property requires a minimum of 90-day tenure with a €100 free for move-in.

Free check-in services from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays

To book a room and begin coliving in Madrid, click here.

2.Habyt – Calle de Ferraz

A fully furnished 10-bedroom apartment, equipped with everything you need to move in. With private bedrooms offered, you can enjoy the tranquillity that privacy gives you or mingle around with the rest of your roommates.

Amenities offered are:

Shared living room
Shared kitchen space
High-speed Wi-Fi
Laundry equipment
Complete home appliances

Room rents start from €500 a month. All utilities and wi-fi are included in the rent.

To book a room and start coliving in Madrid, click here.

3.Urban Campus

Urban Campus Mellado and Urban Campus Malasana are undoubtedly the first options that pop up when you type coliving in Madrid.The Urban campus offers private rooms with private or shared bathrooms.

Based in the neighborhood of Chamberi, this residence is the home for many digital nomads.

Amenities offered are:

Fully furnished private studio
Fully equipped shared kitchen space
Fitness room
Playroom
Barbeque terrace
Working area
An urban garden
Movie room
Event Space
Weekly cleaning services
Laundry services

Room rents range from €700 to €790, depending on the rooms selected. All utilities and wi-fi are included in the rent.

4.Houxury – Calle de Guzmán el Bueno

This 7-bedroom apartment is nestled in the neighborhood of Gaztambide in the district of Chamberi. This neighborhood is well inclusive for foreigners and students. There are many universities in this area and it will provide you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

A variety of leisurely restaurants and cafes are lined up throughout the city, with easy transportation access to other parts of town.

The apartment is minimally decorated with functional furniture and painted in neutral colors that are soothing to the eyes.

Amenities offered are:

Shared living room
Shared kitchen space
High-speed Wi-Fi
Cleaning services
Complete home appliances

Room rent ranges from €652 to €852 a month, depending on the room chosen. All utilities and wi-fi are included in the rent.

A one month rent deposit is required upon booking. The minimum tenure period is 3 months.

To book a room to start coliving in Madrid, click here.

5.Houxury – Calle de Valencia

This spacious and handsomely decorated apartment accommodates five residents in the historically rich Lavapies neighborhood. Lined with old taverns and multicultural centers, it is a lively atmosphere all year around.

You can make visits to the unique Moroccan tea shops, cat cafes, and art galleries that celebrate the culturally rich country that is Spain.

The largest train station in Madrid, The Atocha Train Situation that is now decorated beautifully with tropical garden interiors, is located in Lavapies neighborhood as well.

Getting around to various parts of the city is at your fingertips with this public transport option.

Designed to ensure utmost comfort, all the rooms in this apartment are equipped with beds, linens, a built-in wardrobe, and a TV with a Netflix subscription.

Amenities offered are:

Shared kitchen space
High-speed Wi-Fi
Cleaning services
Complete home appliances

Room rent ranges from €644 to €788 a month, depending on the room chosen. All utilities and wi-fi are included in the rent.

A one-month rent deposit is required upon booking, the minimum tenure period is 3 months.

To book a room to begin coliving in Madrid, click here.

6.Houxry – Calle de Isaac Peral

This apartment is suitable for those seeking to be away from the bustling city center. This 6-bedroom apartment is located in Vallehermoso, in the district of Chamberi.

A quaint area with multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars, so you will be spoilt for food choice. Spanish culture is expressed in their cuisine and this is a good place to start with.

If you’re one to indulge in an active lifestyle, this neighborhood has a huge sports complex for you to try out.

You will have easy access to the metro lines as this neighborhood connects to lines 1, 2, 6, and 7.

All the rooms in this apartment are equipped with beds, linens, a built-in wardrobe, and a TV with a Netflix subscription.

Amenities offered are:

Shared kitchen space
High-speed Wi-Fi
Cleaning services
Complete home appliances

Room rent ranges from €602 to €727 a month, depending on the room chosen. All utilities and wi-fi are included in the rent.

A one-month rent deposit is required upon booking. The minimum tenure period is 3 months.

To book a room, click here.

For more housing options for coliving in Madrid by Houxry, click here.

Things You Should Know About Coliving In Madrid

Making New Connections

To those who’ve grasped the core concept of coliving, they know it is to expand their current network and meet new like-minded people.

Bear in mind that if you’ve decided to get on the co-living train, you are bound to meet people with various personalities in each destination.

Safety

Although a good quality friendship may bloom out of these encounters, always be wary when meeting new people. Let safety be your utmost priority.

Keep all your belongings locked safely in the room and ensure you’ve got the keys to your room.

Unfortunately, incidents like theft may occur when you’re living in a new place with unknown people, take extra precautions to avoid this from occurring. Just a reminder that sharing isn’t necessarily caring and it could be easy for tension to rise among room-mates in situations like these.

Amenities

Get clear on the amenities offered by the landlord. One of the main reasons remote workers opt for coliving is the low cost required. Even though most of Europe has yet to fully adapt to the idea of co-living, the ones that do, offer stylish and modern apartments with various amenities included.

Hidden Charges

Read through the fine print of your lease contract if there is one so you won’t be surprised with any surprise charges.

All in all, be open to meeting new people, respect everyone’s boundaries, use the amenities respectfully and you’re bound to have an amazing time co-living.

Cost Of Living In Madrid

Spain is relatively affordable in comparison to large cities like Paris and New York.

Although tourists flock to the capital of Spain all year around, the cost of living in Madrid, Spain is not as exorbitant as one may make it out to be.

The largest chunk of your expenses will be accommodation, which are mentioned above. But there are other essential expenses of being a digital nomad in Madrid.

Your lifestyle will have an impact on grocery shopping, eating out, and entertainment.

Eating Out and Groceries

A large contributor to Madrid’s living cost will be the food.

Eating out in Madrid for two is approximately €50 for a mid-priced restaurant. Even though Madrid is a food haven, filled with rows of vibrant tapas bars and restaurants, try making your meals at home as eating out frequently will add up on your bills.

Restaurants here offer various lunch offers as it is considered to be the most important meal of the day, so keep an eye out for those.

Groceries may vary between €30 to €50 a week depending on your eating habits and the primary supermarket in Madrid is Carrefour. Local fresh markets are your best bet to find good quality seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Utilities

Utility bills such as gas and electricity are comparably high in Madrid.

Thanks to the sunny tropical climate on most days, you won’t be needing any heater services.

A rough estimation of utilities a month is in the range of €100 to €150.

Mobile Services

You’re going to want to subscribe to a mobile service provider in Madrid upon moving here. If you’re planning to stay in Madrid for an extended period, you may go for mobile plans with a contract.

The major telecom companies in Spain are:

The cost is around €10 to €15 depending on the mobile service plan chosen.

Entertainment

Museums

There are tons of free entertainment options in Madrid. Most of the museums have an allocated time of day where the visits will be free.

Reina Sofia Museum

For example, there is Reina Sofia, a preserved old hospital, displaying modern and contemporary art.

Free visits timing:

Monday, Wednesday to Saturday; 7 pm to 9 pm

Sunday; 1.30 pm to 7 pm.

National Archaeology Museum

For all the archaeological enthusiasts out there, visit the National Archaeology Museum on Saturdays after 2 pm and on Sunday morning for a free entry. If you’ve missed these time slots, the entry ticket is only €3.

Madrid Time Square

Taking a stroll through Madrid’s Time Square – Puerta del Sol is free. Lively characters flock the street, and you can get your hands on some touristy trinkets along the plaza.

Movies, Live Bands, And Art Galleries

For all the moviegoers out there, tickets are roughly priced at €9.

Explore the city to find any live bands performances or art gallery exhibits, you’ll find there’s something for everyone to do in Madrid.

Weather

Summer

Madrid has a subtropical climate, although you should be prepared for their sun-drenched summer heat from June through August where the temperature could go up to 104°F (40°C).

Spring

Spring is typically from March through May where the temperature fluctuates between 54°F (12°C) to 70°F (21°C) providing rather balmy weather during these months.

Winter

Winter strikes from December through February where the average temperature is around 42°F (6°C). The cool winds at night will be nippy so be prepared with layers of clothing.

Autumn

Autumn in Madrid is from September to November where the temperature is around 60°F (16°C) to 45°F (7°C). There’s still plenty of sunshine so you will still be enjoying your coffee on the terrace and long walks around the city.

Best Visas For Digital Nomads In Madrid

Most digital nomads tend to travel with just the tourist visas as they’re typically valid for 90 days.

This is one of the biggest obstacles for digital nomads is getting familiar with different types of visas and legal requirements that differ with every country. If you’re planning to be a Madrid digital nomad, here are some options you can look into.

1.Non-Lucrative Residence Permit

This permit allows you to reside in Spain for a year but you are not eligible to work in any Spanish company. If you’re a Non-EU Citizen and a remote worker whose source of income is obtained from clients outside of Spain, then this visa is the one for you.

The condition of this visa is that you are not allowed to receive any income from the country. You may apply for this visa only from the Spanish Consulate or Embassy that is in your country.

Documents required are as below:

A valid passport
National visa form
Form EX-01
Sufficient income proof to show that you can sustain yourself in Madrid for a year.

This could be in the form of invoices from clients or future contracts with clients. The minimum income requirement is €26,000 per year. However, always have more than the minimum amount to strengthen your application.

This can be shown via a certified bank statement copy from your previous income transactions. Having this statement will show the Spanish government that you are capable of living in Spain without relying on government aid provided.

Criminal records of all the countries you’ve resided in are another requirement to take note of. If this is your first time moving to a country, then you would only have to show one criminal record, if any, to the Spanish officials.
Medical record certified by the physician in your country. This is to show that you’re fit and healthy to reside in Spain.
Private health insurance
Photos with white background

However, bear in mind that these documents are just a gist of what is required.

It is advised to contact the consulate in your country beforehand to check on the documents required. Some embassies may require a tenancy agreement or a lease contract to indicate your place of residence in Spain.

As this visa is only valid for one year, should you decide to extend your stay in Spain, you may renew the visa for an additional two years. Two years is the designated renewal time frame.

For you to renew, you will need to show an income of €52,000 in any of your accounts as a means of sustenance to continue living in Spain.

Once all the documents are submitted and your Visa is approved, you can move to Spain and apply for the NIE.

2.Self Employed Visa

With this type of visa, you will be able to work as a freelancer in Spain, receiving payments from a Spanish company or client.

This Visa is suitable for all those who wish to start up a company in Spain or are working as a freelancer with no intentions of setting up a company. The process is more complex than the Non-Lucrative Visa but this Visa allows you to start your business immediately once it is approved.

Documents required are:

Visa application form
Valid passport
Standard passport photo with a white background
EX 07 Form
Model 790-52 Form. Click here for instructions
Model 790-62 Form (plus taxes)

You will need to show the business activities or plans that are intended to be carried out in Spain, a forecast of the investments made, and the expected profit.

Prepare a copy of documentation should have any professional qualification required for the job and proof of sufficient funds to sustain the lifestyle in Spain.

Bank statements, invoices from clients, or future contracts with clients.

Besides, you will need to show a license or work permit to operate any planned project in the city. Criminal records in existing countries of residency must be included as well.

All these documents should be provided to the Spanish Embassy in your current country of residence. The process of receiving an approval or resolution after the submission of documents may take up to 3 months.

Once the resolution is obtained, you can proceed to apply for the Visa within 1 month of resolution approval.

Within 3 months after arriving in Spain, you have to register for Social Security as a freelancer. Once You have obtained the Spanish Social Security, you have to apply for the Foreign Identity Card within one month.

4.Schengen Visa

If you’re an EU Citizen, the Schengen Visa isn’t something new.

The Schengen Visa states that residents of any Schengen Countries are permitted to travel to other countries within the Schengen Area for a consecutive of 90 days or spread out between 180 days at a time.

If you’re an EU citizen and you’re planning to live in Madrid for only 90 days, then the Schengen Visa is your choice.

Even though digital nomads tend to hop around between places quickly, some may want to stay in an area for more than 90 days. In that case, you can apply for the long-term visas mentioned above.

For all types of visas mentioned above, clarify with the embassy which documents need to be translated to Spanish to ensure a smooth process of visa application.

Cool Co Working Places For Digital Nomads In Madrid

1. Utopicus

Utopicus has several outlets, scattered throughout Madrid and it is a vast co-working space suitable for those working independently. Coworking in Madrid is easy as this company offers a working space for up to 50 people in certain locations.

Access to high-speed wifi, purified water, coffee, and tea, and good air conditioning make Utopicus a comfortable place to set work from. The spaces offered cater to multiple business arrangements such as individual work or group meetings.

Locations available:

2. Impact Hub

A company dedicated to nurturing independent workers to flourish sustainably. Impact Hub has been expressively encouraging young entrepreneurs and innovators from all over the city.

You can find an ideal meeting and workspace, opportunities, and helpful resources with Impact Hub.

3. Bee Hub

Bee hub offers functional workspace in a brightly lit office.

Office tables are set up with ample space for you to set up your workstation and get some focused work done.

With amenities such as shared and private working space, meeting rooms, kitchen, high-speed Wifi, a lounge area, and a lovely outdoor terrace, you will find this space to accommodate anyone who works remotely.

A bonus point for Bee Hub is that it is pet-friendly.

4. Espíritu 23

This coworking space offers an economical solution for those in need of an independent working space.

Espiritu 23 is not a stranger to the topic of co-working space. This company offers varied workspaces and amenities such as high-speed wifi, a kitchen, and vast shared and independent co working spaces.

5. Spaces

Nestled right in the Centre of Madrid, Spaces offers co working space where focused work and innovative ideas grow. It is suitable for independent workers or professionals who are looking for a fresh environment to get their work done.

Fully furnished with a vibrant and brightly lit workspace, and excellent high-speed Wifi, it is the perfect place for you.

Madrid coworking has been made easy with the options above.

Best Food To Try In Madrid

Patatas bravas

Patatas bravas or spicy potatoes are golden fried potatoes with fresh extra virgin olive oil, topped with brava sauce. There is no better place to try them than Madrid, the birthplace of these famous comforting tapas.

It is often said that the quality of a restaurant or bar is judged by their patatas bravas because this dish is so simple to make and if you can’t get this dish right, you’re probably getting the others wrong as well.

These potatoes are double fried giving you crispy potato skin on the outside and soft potato on the inside. It is then topped with a spicy sauce flavored with olive oil, tomatoes, and paprika.

Here are two places to get the best patatas bravas in Madrid

1. Docamar

2. La Bravas

2. Churros

Contrary to popular belief, churros are not eaten for dessert in Spain. They’re eaten for breakfast or tea!

Churros are made of sugar, flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and salt.

This dough is then deep-fried until they’re light and crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. It is served with a decadent chocolate sauce on the side.

There is no better place to try churros than in Choco latería San Ginés when you’re in Madrid!

3. Jamón ibérico

A type of Spanish Ham, this dish is commonly served with tapas in Madrid.

It is dried and cured pork leg and is said to be one of the most expensive cured meat in the world as an entire leg could cost up to $4500 and a pound of this meat costs around $140 per pound.

One of the best jamón ibérico is served at Mercado, an aficionado of these hams.

4. Tapas

You know you will be spoilt for choices for Tapas in Madrid.

Tapas are small portions of savory dishes served at restaurants or bars and are usually eaten as appetizers.

When you’re coliving in Madrid, you’ve got to check out Calle de la Cava Baja, a lively street that is famous for its tapas bars. The street is vibrant, full of character and the bars there serve some of the best tapas dishes.

Here’s what you should try:

1. Casa Revuelta – Bacalao (Salted Cod Fish)

2. La Posada del Dragon – Tomato salad

3. Taberna Tempranillo – Grilled duck thigh

5. Tortilla des patatas

A Spanish omelet that is unlike regular tortilla dishes served around the world. Although it is commonly served as tapas in restaurants and bars, Spaniards usually have them as a light dinner.

Tortilla de patatas are essentially eggs, potatoes, onion, salt, and Spanish olive oil. Get yourself some of the best tortilla de patatas here;

1. La Pedraza

2. Casa Dani

6. Gazpacho

Fresh tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber, onions, garlic, white bread, vinegar, and good quality extra virgin olive oil all blended to make a light and savory soup.

Gazpacho is a classic Spanish dish, preferably eaten chilled on a hot summer day. This soup can be found in most restaurants and bars in Madrid.

How To Get Around

The metropolitan of Madrid offers a variety of transportation options. Madrid is broken down into 8 different zones and these zones are A, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, E1, and E2.

The capital of Spain has 21 districts and it is further classified into 131 neighborhoods.

Although the best way to get around in Madrid is by walking, you want to take advantage of the dynamic public transport system in Madrid, which includes the metro, buses, and trains.

Transportation is a factor you need to take into account before you begin coliving in Madrid.

Metro

The metro transportation in Madrid is one of the most commendable features of their public transport and is run by CTM, Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid. It is affordable, efficient, and most of their train stations are clean. Good hygiene is always a bonus.

Operation hours

Monday – Sunday, 6.30 am to 1.30 am

During rush hour or peak times, the frequency of the metro trains is every 1 to 3 minutes whereas it is around 5 to 8 minutes just after the peak hours. At night after 11 pm, the frequency of the trains is around 10 to 15 minutes.

If you’d like to plan your journey, you can visit the Metro Madrid website for a rough estimation of your journey.

There are Metro stations lined up in almost every city in Madrid and the ticket for a ride can be purchased at vending machines available at the station. The vending machines operate in various languages and are relatively easy to use.

Even though the Madrid Metro has 12 lines and 231 stations scattered all over the city, it is fairly easy to navigate around. Download these maps and keep a copy on your phone for an easy convenient referral.

Buses

The buses in Madrid are run by EMT, Empressa Municipal de Transportes de Madrid, and operate to and from the city center up to the suburban neighborhoods.

The night buses are known as Buhos, which means ‘owl’ in Spanish, and runs from 11.45 pm to 6 am. The frequency of Buhos depends on the district and the destination of travel, but they typically operate every 5 to 15 minutes.

Operation hours

EMT Buses

Monday – Friday, 6 am to 11.30 pm

On weekends and holidays, 7 am to 11 pm

Metro Ligero

The Metro Ligero is the trams on land that extend to four lines; ML1 through ML4.

Operation hours

Metro Ligero

Monday – Sunday, 6.30 am to 1.30 am

Cercanias Renfe

These are the suburban trains that extend to neighborhoods outside Madrid where there are no Metro connections available. The Cercanias has 8 different zones and the fare increases with each zone crossed.

Operation hours

Cercanias Renfe

Monday – Sunday, 6.30 am to 1.30am

Tickets

As the Metro and EMT bus systems are all connected, purchasing the Metrobus tickets will enable you to get on and off the metro and buses with these tickets.

Single ticket costs €1.50 to €2.00 (no transfers)

Metrobus pass;10-journey tickets cost €12.20

Bus+Bus Pass; 10-journey tickets cost €18.30 (Only applicable for bus rides, with 1 transfer)

Suburban tickets

Single tickets through zones 1 to 8 costs €1.65 to €8.85

10-journey tickets cost €9.85 to €37.75

Abono Card

Abono is a multi-transport monthly reload card, your way to a budget trip around Madrid. This card allows you to have an unlimited number of trips throughout all zones in Madrid for only €20.00 a month if you’re under the age of 26.

If you’re in the age of 26-60, you will still be able to enjoy unlimited trips for €54.60 a month.

You can reload your card at any Metro station at the kiosk or the available Tobaco shops.

To get your card, you will need to set up an appointment by visiting tarjetatransportepublico.crtm.es. Select your card, the time, date, and station of collection and you’re good to go.

For the collection, you will need to bring,

The abono card application form
A standard passport size photo
The original copy of your passport

Things To Know Of Before Moving To Madrid

1. Learn the language

The people of Spain in general take pride in conversing in Spanish. It is best to equip yourself with sufficient Spanish fluency before coliving in Madrid.

Get on websites like Duolingo or subscribe to a class before moving to the capital of Spain.

From being able to call the plumber to fix your leaking sink to bargaining with the fishmonger at the fresh market, knowing the language will give you an upper hand.

2. Making Friends

Keep one thing in mind when it comes to making friends; it is going to take some time.

If you’re one to jump the gun and strike up conversations with strangers, then you’ll probably have it easier than a lot of them, when it comes to coliving in Madrid.

The people of Spain tend to be reserved to their group of friends, sticking to the clique they’ve known for years. It may take some time for them to warm up to you, but don’t beat yourself up about it.

They take friendship seriously so bear in mind that once you’re in the group or once you’ve found yourself a group of people, know that you’ve probably found friends you’ll treasure for life.

If your Spanish isn’t as polished as you’d like it to be, practice with the Spaniards. The effort you put in learning the language is taken up as a sign of respect among them and they’re likely to help you out.

3. The Bureaucracy

If you survey on all the expats in Spain or even if you ask the locals, you’ll get a glimpse of how tedious it is to deal with the bureaucracy.

However, be patient with the system as you will need to obtain your NIE, Número de identidad de extranjero, the identity card (ID) for foreigners living in Spain, within 30 days of your arrival.

Getting your NIE sorted should be given priority as you will need the number to open a local bank account, get your local mobile number, rent an apartment, etc.

You’re to obtain your NIE number from the police station and there are numerous forms to fill in, all of which are in Spanish prior to obtaining the card.

If you’re fluent in Spanish then great! If not, then it is highly advisable to get a friend to assist you in this process or get someone who is well-versed in the process of NIE application.

4. Bank account

Before you’re ready to embark on your tropical new beginning and start coliving in Madrid, let’s get the adulating responsibilities out of the way.

To open a bank account you will need:

Valid original passport
Proof of residence (Electricity bill, tenant agreement)
Proof of income (Employment contract, a steady stream of invoices from clients)
NIE

A bonus tip is to translate all documents into Spanish before submission to the officials.

If you’re unsure of the time you’ll be spending in Madrid, you can opt for the non-resident bank account. Prepare all complete documents and make an appointment with the bank to set up the account.

These are the key banks in Spain:

Annual fees for these bank accounts are around €10 to €15, depending on the bank.

Note -If you are looking for a digital nomad bank which is perfect when you start coliving in Madrid, check out this article :

Best Banks For Digital Nomads Around The World

5. Expat job market

Despite being the capital and the economic center point of Spain, the country has yet to recover from the financial crisis that plagued the country from 2008 until 2014.

This translates to a daunting job hunt process as the unemployment rate in Spain has fluctuated around 14%-23% for the last five years.

Bear in mind that if you’re a digital nomad or a remote worker, your clients can be anywhere around the world, and finding a job in Madrid isn’t an issue for you.

However, if you’re looking to start coliving in Madrid, in hopes of getting a job there, the best option is to have a job offer ready in your hand before taking the plunge to migrate.

6. Pickpockets And Scams

Learning how to outsmart the pickpockets is a skill that needs to be ingrained in you before coliving in Madrid.

Be one step ahead of these seemingly ordinary but cunning scammers by paying attention to the minute details of the way you go about Madrid.

For the girls, crossbody bags are your best friend.

Ensure that the bags come with a zipper and ensure that the zipper is to your front and not facing the back where thieves could easily glide their hands in and snatch your belongings.

If you’re one to carry a backpack, always hang it over the front instead of your shoulders, again, keeping the zipper in your visibility.

All your valuables should be secured safely in your bags and not in your pockets.

7. Healthcare

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest factors to consider when planning to start coliving in Madrid and move to a different country are the health care options.

Spain offers two healthcare options, both private and public.

The public healthcare system is administered by the National Health System and is often referred to as the state health care system. All those residing and working in Spain are entitled to state healthcare.

First things first, to register for the public healthcare system, you will need to obtain a social security number which you can do at the local security office. The almost free medical services are funded by the payments you make to your social security.

The quality of state healthcare is one of the best in the world, however, with anything that is government-related, be prepared for a lengthy waiting time for your medical treatments. You won’t be able to choose the medical specialist that you’d want if you’re opting for state healthcare.

Private healthcare gives you the option to be insured for extensive medical treatments that may not be covered by state healthcare. Depending on the medical insurance that you opt for, the cost can range from €100 to €200.

However, you can opt for a lower cost premium for around €50 a month with major insurance companies such as Allianz, and Cigna.

Conclusion

There you go, a detailed guide on coliving in Madrid. All essential details like the cost of living in Madrid, Spain, the food, and the accommodation options are laid out for you to look through, pack your bags and get going to Madrid.

Spain is a bottomless pit when it comes to art, music, history-infused experiences, and that is why coliving madrid is going to give you an experience to treasure.