Expat Community

Expat and International Communities in Spain

Spain attracts expats from across the globe, with well-established international communities in major cities and coastal areas.

Expat Population

Largest foreign communities (2026):

• British: ~300,000 (despite Brexit)
• Moroccans: ~750,000
• Romanians: ~650,000
• Italians: ~250,000
• Chinese: ~220,000
• Germans: ~140,000
• Americans: ~50,000
• French, Argentinians, Venezuelans: Significant populations

Best Cities for Expats

Barcelona (most international):

• Large English-speaking community
• International meetups weekly
• Global food/culture scene
• Can survive without Spanish (not recommended)
• Beach city lifestyle
• Higher costs

Madrid (capital, diverse):

• More Spanish, less touristy
• Growing international scene
• Best career opportunities
• Central location
• Excellent transport

Valencia (rising star):

• Growing expat community
• Better value than Barcelona
• Beach access
• More authentic Spanish experience
• Excellent quality of life

Costa del Sol (Málaga, Marbella):

• Huge British expat community
• Year-round sun
• More retirement-focused
• English widely spoken
• Less cultural integration

Alicante region:

• Large British and northern European populations
• Beach lifestyle
• Affordable
• Less international than Barcelona/Madrid

Finding Community

Online platforms:

• Meetup.com: Very active in Barcelona, Madrid
• InterNations: Professional networking, events
• Facebook groups: City-specific expat groups
• Bumble BFF: Making friends
• Couchsurfing events: Free, social

In-person:

• Language exchanges (intercambio)
• Coworking spaces
• Sports clubs (running, CrossFit, football)
• Volunteer organizations
• Cultural associations
• Religious communities

Cultural Integration

Making Spanish friends:

• Learn Spanish (essential)
• Join local activities (not expat-only)
• Work in Spanish environment
• Live in less-touristy neighborhoods
• Embrace Spanish schedule and customs
• Be patient—friendship builds slowly

Regional identity matters:

• Catalans identify as Catalan (not Spanish)
• Basques have strong regional identity
• Respect regional languages and culture
• Politics can be sensitive (Catalonia independence, etc.)

Social Life and Customs

Spanish social norms:

• Late dinners (9-11pm normal)
• Long lunches with colleagues
• Cheek kisses greeting (dos besos)
• Loud, animated conversations normal
• Family-centric culture
• August exodus (everyone on vacation)

Making plans:

• Last-minute culture common
• "Quedamos" (let's meet up) often vague
• Confirm plans day-of
• Flexibility expected

Expat Challenges

Common frustrations:

• Bureaucracy (NIE, residence permits)
• Language barrier
• Different work culture (slower pace)
• Shops closed Sundays, siesta hours
• August shutdown
• Making deep local friendships

Solutions:

• Hire gestoría for paperwork
• Commit to Spanish learning
• Embrace different pace
• Join intercambio groups
• Be patient with integration

Networking for Professionals

Business networking:

• Barcelona Tech City events
• Startup Grind chapters
• Industry-specific meetups
• LinkedIn important
• Chamber of Commerce events
• Coworking space events

Industries with international opportunities:

• Tech (Barcelona, Madrid)
• Tourism and hospitality
• English teaching
• Finance
• Startups
• Digital marketing

Family and Kids

International schools:

• Barcelona, Madrid: Many options
• €8,000-20,000/year typical
• American, British, French systems
• Waiting lists for popular schools

Playgroups and parent networks:

• Barcelona Moms/Dads groups
• International parent meetups
• Active expat parent communities

Regional Expat Scenes

Catalunya (Barcelona):

• Most international
• Digital nomad hub
• Startup scene
• Can feel transient

Madrid:

• More rooted expat community
• Professional focus
• Less beach lifestyle, more career

Valencia:

• Emerging expat scene
• Good balance authenticity/international
• Family-friendly

Basque Country:

• Smaller expat community
• Higher integration needed
• Excellent quality of life
• Strong local identity

Andalucía (Sevilla, Granada):

• Smaller but welcoming expat communities
• More Spanish immersion
• Affordable
• Rich culture

Avoiding the Expat Bubble

Tips for integration:

• Live in local neighborhoods (not expat areas)
• Work in Spanish companies
• Join Spanish-focused activities
• Limit English use
• Learn about Spanish history, culture, politics
• Don't complain about "how it's done back home"