Why Spain? Why Madrid?

When we decided to emigrate to another country, it was very hard to choose where to go.We opened the globe and started looking at the options.Since we have European passports and proximity to Israel was important to us — both in terms of time zones and family — it was clear we would stay in Europe.

But where in Europe? How do you decide?

We made a list of what was important to us:Education and culture, healthcare, cost of living, and climate.

After reviewing all the European countries, we arrived at Spain.

Here’s a little about this wonderful country:

Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula, along the Mediterranean coast. The official language is Spanish, and in some regions, local languages are spoken as well (for example, in Catalonia, where Barcelona is located, Catalan is spoken; in the Basque Country, Basque is spoken, etc.).

Spain is a constitutional monarchy, with the king being a symbolic figure only.The country has three branches of government, and most of Spain's autonomous communities have their own local government and parliament, although they remain under the main central government.Spain has a population of a little over 46 million people (Madrid alone has about 4 million!).

So, why Spain?

Life in Spain is more relaxed — including working and resting hours. Everything flows naturally and calmly.Public transportation is very efficient in most areas of Spain, and the air is relatively clean for an industrialized country.Spain is famous for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant social scene. It boasts amazing cities with impressive architecture, historical landmarks, and beautiful natural landscapes.

The climate in Spain is pleasant — hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and comfortable temperatures in between. People are considered warm and welcoming.

Language: Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world and is relatively easy for Israelis to learn.

Cost of living: While costs vary by region, Spain can be more affordable compared to other Western European countries.Since the 2008 financial crisis, Spain’s economy has struggled to fully recover. In 2012, Spain sought a bailout from the European Union, and many Spaniards used their EU citizenship to emigrate due to high unemployment.However, in 2023, Spain's economy showed signs of recovery compared to the European market, mainly due to positive immigration trends and moderate inflation management.

Education: In Spain, education is compulsory (and free) only for the first ten years.Private schools are more common in Madrid (with instruction in English or Spanish).In regions with a local language, preschool and school education are mainly in the local language.If it’s important to you that your children study in Spanish or English only, Madrid is probably a better fit.In any case, education in Spain is considered to be very good.

Once we chose Spain based on education, healthcare, culture, and climate — it was time to choose where to settle within Spain.

(Information about the Spanish Embassy in Israel can be found [here].)

Why Madrid?

Madrid is the capital of Spain and a major cultural, economic, and political center.Living in the capital gives access to a wide range of opportunities, events, and services.It has an efficient public transportation system and a vibrant nightlife, with bars, restaurants, and clubs.

Education and culture:Madrid has a rich art scene, with world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural events.Its education system is excellent, offering a wide variety of options — public schools, semi-private schools, and fully private schools.Public schools are often bilingual (Spanish-English).You can read more about education in Madrid [here].

Healthcare:Madrid has excellent educational institutions and healthcare facilities, making it ideal for families and students.Most Israelis still choose private insurance, but the public healthcare system is considered excellent.

Employment opportunities:Madrid is home to many multinational companies and organizations, offering a wide range of employment opportunities across different industries.You can read about employment in Spain [here].

For us, the decisive factors were education and language.In some parts of Spain, besides Spanish, they also speak the local language — for example, Catalan in Barcelona, Basque in the Basque Country, and Valencian in Valencia.

Since moving to a foreign country without knowing the language is already a challenge, we decided on Madrid so that the children would learn only Spanish and English.

Before making such a significant decision, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, visit the place, and consider your personal and professional circumstances.If possible, talking to people who have experience living in Spain or Madrid can provide valuable insights.Ultimately, the choice to move to a new country should align with your long-term goals and aspirations.