Madrid just ranked among the world’s top cities – is it your next work-abroad destination?

Madrid’s new title: one of the world’s best cities

Madrid has just received a big piece of news: it’s been ranked among the top 5 cities in the world in a major international “World’s Best Cities” report.

For people thinking about living and working abroad, this is more than a headline. It’s a clear signal that Madrid is becoming one of the most attractive places on the planet to build a career, enjoy life and grow personally and professionally.

What’s behind this recognition?

This kind of global ranking usually looks at things like:

• Quality of life

• Culture and lifestyle

• Job opportunities and business environment

• Tourism, connectivity and international appeal

Madrid has been climbing these lists year after year thanks to a mix of urban transformation, economic growth and lifestyle that is very hard to beat.

Why Madrid is winning global attention

1. A city that is changing fast (in a good way)

Over the past few years, Madrid has been investing heavily in:

• Greener spaces and new parks around the city

• Better public transport and sustainable mobility

• Large urban projects that will attract companies, talent and innovation

This creates a more modern, connected and future-focused city. For you as a candidate, that means more companies, more projects and more jobs where international profiles are needed.

2. Culture, lifestyle and that “Madrid energy”

Madrid is famous for its:

• World-class museums and cultural venues

• Street life, terraces and late-night atmosphere

• Concerts, festivals and events all year round

But beyond the clichés, what many expats highlight is the everyday feeling: having a coffee in a sunny plaza before work, meeting friends after your shift, or discovering a new neighbourhood every weekend.

If you’re moving from colder, darker or more stressful cities, Madrid’s mix of good weather, social life and open atmosphere can be a game changer.

3. A great balance between work and life

One of the big reasons Madrid is climbing rankings is the balance it offers:

• A strong job market, especially for people with languages

• A cost of living that is often lower than other big European capitals

• Public healthcare, good transport and plenty of services

• A social culture where it’s easy to meet people and make friends

For many young professionals, this combination makes Madrid a place where you don’t just go “for a year or two”, but where you can actually imagine staying longer.

What this means for your career

A growing job market for international talent

Madrid is the capital of Spain and one of the main economic hubs in Southern Europe. That translates into opportunities in areas such as:

• Multilingual customer support & contact centres

• Banking, fintech and financial services

• Tech, IT and digital roles

• Travel, tourism and hospitality

• Shared service centres and BPO

Companies in Madrid are constantly looking for German, Dutch, French, Italian, Nordic and English-speaking talent to join their teams. If you speak one of these languages plus English, you’re already a strong candidate.

A city that helps you stay and grow

Working abroad isn’t only about the job title. It’s also about how you feel after work:

• Do you have plans on weeknights?

• Can you enjoy your weekends without spending a fortune?

• Do you feel safe and welcome in the city?

In Madrid, many expats say yes to all three. That’s why this new recognition as one of the world’s best cities matches what people on the ground are already experiencing.

Thinking about moving to Madrid? Key points to consider

1. EU vs non-EU citizens

• If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you can usually live and work in Spain without a work visa, although you’ll still need to complete local registration and social security steps.

• If you are from outside the EU, you’ll need a valid work permit or suitable visa. There are different routes depending on your profile, so it’s important to check official information and get personalised advice.

2. Language

• Many roles for international candidates are in your native language + English, so you can start working without speaking perfect Spanish.

• However, learning Spanish will make your daily life easier and open more doors in the long term – both socially and professionally.

3. Housing and cost of living

• Madrid is more expensive than smaller Spanish cities, but often more affordable than other major capitals in Europe.

• Many people start in flatshares or co-living spaces, which are great for reducing costs and meeting people from day one.

Is Madrid your next work-abroad move?

With this new recognition as one of the best cities in the world, Madrid confirms what many people already feel when they arrive:

It’s a place where you can build a career, enjoy your life and feel at home in an international environment.

If you’re:

• Looking for a job abroad

• Wanting sun, culture and social life

• Ready to grow in an international team

…then Madrid deserves a top spot on your list.

At City Job Offers, we work every day with companies in Madrid that are actively hiring international talent. So if this article made you imagine yourself walking through Gran Vía on a sunny afternoon after work… maybe it’s time to turn that idea into your next career step.