Why applications get refused
In large cities, appointments for the TIE and the padrón can take weeks to obtain. Remote workers who travel soon after approval sometimes find their visa or authorisation expiring before they have their TIE. Book appointments as soon as the permit is granted.
Applying from Madrid
The requirements are national. If you are in Madrid legally, we file your residence permit online; the legal deadline is 20 days. From abroad, the consulate route gives you a one-year visa first. See apply from inside Spain and apply from abroad.
First steps in Madrid
- Padrón registration at the city council.
- TIE appointment at a police office for foreigners in Madrid. See TIE card.
- Tax registration and, if relevant, the special regime for inbound workers. See taxes.
Where remote workers live in Madrid
| Neighbourhood | Profile |
|---|---|
| Malasaña and Chueca | Central, lively, cafés and coworking |
| Chamberí | Residential, central, popular with families |
| Lavapiés and La Latina | Multicultural, historic centre |
| Salamanca | Upscale, quiet streets |
| Arganzuela and Madrid Río | Parks and riverside |
Families
Madrid has a wide range of international and bilingual schools. Your family can apply with you. See bringing your family.
Our process for Madrid clients
- A video call to confirm eligibility and the best route.
- A tailored document plan, with apostille and translation instructions.
- Electronic filing and follow-up until the decision.
- Guidance for the TIE appointment and padrón in Madrid.
Madrid is also convenient for consular and embassy procedures related to your home country, since most embassies are located in the capital.
A practical example
A Singaporean fintech analyst moved to Madrid for a year of remote work for his Singapore employer. We prepared his file, including the employer's remote work letter and the company's registration documents, and filed it while he was in Madrid on a visitor stay. The permit was granted and he booked his TIE appointment right away. See also Barcelona. More information on the firm's main website: immigration law at Castell Abogados (in Spanish).
Get your file checked before you apply
Most refusals come from documents that do not prove what the law asks for. Send us your situation and an immigration lawyer will tell you what is missing before you submit.
Questions about moving to Madrid
Can you handle my application if I live in Madrid?
Yes. Applications are filed electronically, so we act for clients in Madrid.
Is the digital nomad visa different in Madrid?
No. The requirements and procedure are the same in all of Spain.
Is it hard to get a TIE appointment in Madrid?
It can take time, so book as soon as your permit is granted.
Can I apply while visiting Madrid?
Yes, if you are in Spain legally.
How long does the permit take if I apply from Madrid?
The legal deadline is 20 days from electronic filing; if there is no answer, the permit is deemed granted.
Can my family apply with me in Madrid?
Yes. Your spouse or partner, children and dependent parents can apply together with you or later.