Queers Beyond Borders
Your friendly guide to moving into & across cities in Europe

Madrid (EN)

This page is also available in the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.

 

Hello MADRID!

An exciting city full of history, art and culture, Madrid offers the perfect combination of tradition and modernity, catering to everyone’s tastes. It is also a major LGBTQ+ hub, hosting every June the largest Pride event in Europe and one of the most important in the world. If you want to feel safe and free to express yourself, this is the place to be!

The following sections have been developed with colleagues at Apoyo Positivo, and contain everything you need to know about coming to Madrid as a queer migrant.

 
 
 

Checklist

Just arrived in Madrid? Here is a list of essentials to get you started:

 

⃞ Getting a NIE (Identification Number for Foreigners)

If you are planning on living in Spain for more than 3 months, you will need to get a NIE - a unique identification number that is given to foreigners living in Spain. It is essential to have one for administrative processes, such as signing an employment contract, accessing the Social Security System, and paying taxes. You can apply for a NIE at any Oficina de Extranjería - follow this link to find the one closest to you.

⃞ Opening a bank account

The easiest way to apply for a Spanish bank account is by going in person to the nearest branch of your bank of choice. Note that banks are normally only open in the morning, from around 9am to 2pm. Most Spanish banks will ask you to provide documents to verify your identity and address in Spain, your NIE, and proof of your employment status.

⃞ Getting a SIM card

Having a Spanish phone number is extremely useful for getting around, accessing services and making appointments. You can easily buy a SIM card either online or in any mobile shop or supermarket. You can choose from several different providers and plans - if you are unsure which one suits your needs best, Roams.es (in Spanish) can help you compare your options.

⃞ Getting around 

Madrid has an extensive public transport network, making it very easy to move around with no need for a car. The easiest and cheapest way to pay is by getting a contactless public transport card, which you can recharge at any station. Visit this page for more information.

 
 

Health information

Healthcare services in Spain are universal, public, and free to access, regardless of your nationality and immigration status. However, each autonomous community* has its own legislation, and requirements to access the healthcare system may vary.

This section contains everything you need to know as a queer migrant moving to Madrid. 

*The term ‘autonomous community’ in this guide refers to the different administrative regions of Spain, each of which has its own government with limited competencies. Madrid is the capital of the Autonomous Community of Madrid.

 

  • To access healthcare services in the autonomous community of Madrid, you must have proof of empadronamiento in Madrid for at least 90 days - that is, you must be registered in the census record (padrón municipal) and prove that you have been living in Spain for at least 90 days. For more details and to register online, follow this link.

  • In order to access the healthcare system anywhere in Spain, you must have a Public Health Insurance Card. Each autonomous community in Spain issues its own.

    The way you can get access to Madrid’s Targeta Sanitaria depends on your administrative situation. If you have a residency permit, you will need to be paying social security contributions. For more details, follow this link.

    If you are a refugee or asylum seeker, you can access the public healthcare system by getting an alternative document called DASPI. You will need proof of empadronamiento - although there is no need to wait three months - and of your application for asylum alongside your NIE - national identity card for foreigners.

  • If you do not have a legal residency permit, you cannot get a Public Health Insurance Card. However, you can still access public healthcare services in Madrid by requesting a Documento para la Asistencia Sanitaria (DASE), which gives you the same rights as a Public Health Insurance Card. You can request it through the Servicio Madrileño de Salud (SERMAS), the Madrilenian Health Service. You need to go to your nearest health centre to request it - go to this page to find the one closest to you.

    Note that you still need to have been registered in the census record for at least 90 days to request your DASE.

  • In order to access HIV treatment through the public health system, you need a Public Health Insurance Card. If you do not have access to one, Madrid currently guarantees medical care to people who are HIV positive for public health reasons, even if they do not yet have a Public Health Insurance Card.

    This rule, however, does not cover access to PrEP.

  • Sexual health services, including testing and vaccinations, can be accessed via health centres using your public insurance card, DASE or DASPI. However, these services are often difficult to access

    Alternatively, there are several centres in Madrid that focus on sexual health:

  • Besides the clinics and centers listed above, there are many others where you can get tested for HIV for free. Use this page to find your nearest centre.

    You can also buy an HIV test at a pharmacy and test yourself at home.

  • If you are HIV negative and think you have been at risk of contracting HIV in the past 72 hours, you can ask for PEP.

    PEP is a combination of drugs that can stop HIV. It needs to be taken for 28 days.

    You can get PEP at the emergency department of any public hospital in Madrid. Note that if you do not have a public health insurance card, DASE or DASPI, you may get charged.

  • PrEP is a way of preventing HIV by taking a pill before sex and continued after sex. It’s taken by someone who doesn’t have HIV, to prevent them from getting HIV.

    To access PrEP in Madrid, you need to go to your local health centre to be referred to the department of infectious diseases at your assigned hospital.

    You can also get PrEP at the Sandoval Health Centre.

    PrEP is free if you have a public health insurance card, DASE or DASPI. If you do not have any of those, you will have to pay. Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital offers a paid PrEP service.

  • Both Apoyo Positivo and Imagina Más offer psychological services, support groups, and medical advice for people who engage in chemsex. You can also check out Chem-Safe, a project by Energy Control dedicated specifically to providing information on drug use and sexual health, and supporting those who need help. Visit their websites for more information.

  • The Spanish health service has several Gender Identity Units (Unidades de Identidad de Género) across the country. These units provide treatment for trans people - from psychological support to hormone treatment and gender-affirming surgery.

    Madrid’s Gender Identity Unit is located at Ramón y Cajal Hospital. In order to access their services, you need to first go to your local health centre and ask for a referral.

    You can also access hormone therapy at the endocrinology departments of any public hospital. You will need to first go to your local health centre and get a referral.

  • Most sexual health services aimed at the LGBTQ+ community focus on health care for men who have sex with men and transgender people. There is a widespread misconception that women who have sex with women are not at risk of STIs. In addition, many queer women and non-binary individuals are hesitant to get the gynaecological care that they need due to prejudices related to sexuality and gender.

    If you have a vagina, a cervix or breast tissue, it’s important to make regular visits to a gynaecologist. You can go to any public health centre to access these services. Have a look at this guide from the organisation Fundación Triángulo on sexual health for queer women.

  • The Autonomous Community of Madrid advises everyone who has been in close contact with someone with mpox to get vaccinated against the disease, as well as people who practice risky sexual activities - including, but not limited to, men who have sex with men. You can book an appointment online for your vaccination in this link.

  • It is recommended that men who have sex with men are vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, especially if you’re having lots of sex. You can get vaccinated for free at your local health centre. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but you can take precautions to avoid getting it - see below.

  • Hepatitis C is more common in some groups of men who have sex with men. If you’re having lots of sex, have particular types of sex (including fisting), or have injected drugs, getting tested for Hep C at your regular sexual health check-ups is recommended. For more information about the virus and how to prevent transmission, go to this link.

 
 

Mental health support

Moving to a new place often means being far away from our family, friends, and the people that make up our support networks back home. Struggling with loneliness and homesickness as a migrant is very common, and it can take a significant toll on our mental health.

If you need help, this section can help you access the resources that are available to you.

 

  • Unfortunately, a lot of mainstream services are not well aware of the particular struggles of the queer community and their effects on mental health. Additionally, as a queer person, you may feel more comfortable speaking to someone who is also queer.

    • If you need help, Apoyo Positivo offers a wide range of services for psychological support. You can reach out and ask for more information on this link.

    • The Autonomous Community of Madrid also has an LGBTI programme that offers support and psychological attention to LGBTQ+ individuals and their family members. To find out more, visit their webpage.

    • The organisation COGAM (Madrid’s LGBT+ Collective) provides up to three FREE mental health assessment and advice sessions. You need to book in advance. For more information, visit this link.

    • Imagina Más also offers counselling services for queer individuals, those living with HIV, and chem sex support. You can book an appointment by emailing salud@imaginamas.orgm. Visit their website to learn more about what they do.

  • Kifkif is the main association in Spain dedicated to the support of LGBTQ+ migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. They offer a wide range of services, including mental health support and general advice to help refugees and asylum seekers navigate their situation. For more information and to book an appointment with them, go to their website.

    Salud Entre Culturas is an organisation that promotes health care amongst migrants. If you are a migrant and HIV positive, you can schedule an appointment with them. Visit their website for more details.

  • Most LGBTQ+ organisations in Madrid that offer support to queer individuals struggling with drug usage focus on chemsex. If you are struggling with other non-chemsex related addictions, the Autonomous Community of Madrid has several Comprehensive Care Centres for Substance Addicts (CAID) that offer all kinds of support to drug users. For more information and to find your nearest CAID, visit this link.

 
 

Social groups & Community

Looking to make new friends? Making connections, building community and having a good support network around you can help you feel less alone and settle into your new home.

Here you can find lots of links and resources to make queer connections and explore what Madrid has to offer you.

 

  • Apoyo Positivo organises social groups for people of diverse genders and sexualities. Reach out to them to get involved.

    COGAM - Madrid’s LGBT+ Collective - also organises several social groups and activities aimed at different groups - such as young people, trans individuals, queer women, and elderly people. Visit their website for more information.

    Enjoy playing sports? Madrid has several groups that you can join:

    You can also check out meetup.com to find other LGBTQ+ social groups centred around specific hobbies or interests.

  • Learning Spanish can make your life in Madrid significantly easier, helping you to make friends, get a job, communicate with your doctor, and much more. Attending Spanish classes is also a great opportunity to meet other migrants that might be in a similar situation to you.

    • Madrid City Hall organises free beginner Spanish classes for immigrants, which take place in the Casino de la Reina Community Centre. You can sign up by emailing castellanocentro@larueca.info or by phone at 915 396 310. For more details, visit this link.

    • Madrid also has several Centers for the Participation and Integration of Migrants (CEPI) which offer Spanish classes as well as a wide range of other activities and services. Find out all about it on this link.

    • KifKif also offers a language exchange programme directed at queer migrants and refugees. It is a great opportunity to learn Spanish while also meeting other queer migrants. To learn more about the programme and sign up, go to this page.

  • The organisation La Merced Migraciones works for the inclusion of migrants and refugees in Spain. They have a social group for LGBTQ+ migrants

    Kifkif also organises social activities for queer migrants and refugees to connect with each other. Visit this link to see what their upcoming activities are.

  • Madrid is a city with a wide cultural offer, including events that celebrate LGBTQ+ art and culture:

    • Madrid hosts every November LesGaiCineMad, the most important LGBTQIA+ film event in the Spanish speaking world.

    • In April, Madrid also hosts a lesbian film show.

    • The Reina Sofía National Art Museum often has LGBTQ+ themed exhibitions. Check out their website to see what’s on.

    • Archivo Arkhé is an exhibition hall and documentation centre that specialises in modern and contemporary art as well as cultural LGBTQ+ history, located in the neighbourhood of Lavapiés. Entry is free, although you need to book in advance if you want to access the documentation centre. For more information, go to this link.

    • In addition to the above, during Pride Month in Madrid you will be able to find a wide range of LGBTQ+ themed exhibitions and events.

 
 

Legal advice

We know - bureaucracy is a nightmare. This section is here to make it a bit more bearable for you.

 

For refugees and asylum seekers

  • You can apply for asylum in Spain if you are at risk of being persecuted in your home country due to various factors - including your gender and sexual identity.

    You can claim asylum at the Spanish border, right after entering Spanish territory. If you are already in Spain, you can claim asylum by going to the Office for Asylum and Refuge (OAR), any Spanish Foreign Office, or at any authorised police station. You should do this as soon as possible - ideally within a month of arriving in Spain, but your application will also be considered if you claim it later.

    You must disclose your sexual orientation and/or gender identity in your first visit. To back your case, you will also have to explain why you are seeking protection and why you are in danger in your home country with as much detail as possible.

    Remember that the Spanish state will aim to protect you from any possible threats from your home country, so they will never share any information about you to your home country. Your personal data will be handled with total privacy and security, and you have a right to know where it will be stored and who can access it.

    The entire process to claim asylum can last from 1 to 3 years. For more details on how the process works, you can contact associations such as CEAR and ACCEM. You can also check out this guide from the Spanish Ministry of Interior.

    It is important to keep in mind that the steps to take during the asylum process change often. For this reason, we advise to first get in touch with an organisation that specialises in international protection so that they can inform you on how the process currently works.

  • You do not need a lawyer to submit your asylum claim. It is only necessary to get one if your application is rejected and you want to submit an appeal. Nonetheless, if you would like to get legal advice, you can reach out to several organisations that have lawyers specialising in LGBTQ+ asylum:

  • Spain has several Refugee Reception Centers (CAR) spread out across the country, which host refugees whose asylum claims are being processed. Besides accommodation, they offer psychological support, language classes, and support to find a job.

    In Madrid, the refugee reception system is managed by the Red Cross. If you would like to access their services, you can contact them by emailing administracion.refugiados@cruzroja.es.

  • There are several organisations in Madrid that specialise in international protection and that can support the LGBTQ+ community. They offer services such as informative sessions or social support:

General immigration questions

  • Spain recognises same-sex partnerships and was one of the first countries in Europe to legalise same-sex marriage. If your partner is a Spanish or EU citizen, or has been living in Spain for over a year, you can apply to come live with them with a family reunification visa.

    The easiest way to navigate the process is if you are married or in a civil partnership. However, it is also possible to join your partner if you have been in a long-term, stable relationship. You will need to provide as much proof as possible that you are together, although each case is unique and there are no specific requirements on what proof you should provide. For further information, check out this link.

  • You cannot be deported solely on the grounds of being an irregular immigrant. If the police stop you and your residency permit has expired, you risk being fined at least 5,000 euros, but you won’t be deported.

    However, you may be deported if you have committed a crime or have a criminal record. You are also at risk of deportation if you have no way to prove when and how you entered Spanish territory - if you are undocumented or do not have a passport stamp.

    If you are at risk of being deported, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

  • Sex work is a grey area in Spanish law. It is not a crime to engage in sex work, although the Spanish Penal Code does prohibit forced sex work and the exploitation of sex workers. For this reason, people who practice sex work unfortunately do not have any rights or protection as workers. For more advice and guidance, you can get in touch with CATS (Support Committee for Sex Workers), an association which supports the rights of sex workers in Spain. Visit their website for details.

  • A hate crime is an act of violence or hostility towards a person because of who they are. Spain recognises gender identity and sexual orientation as grounds for which you could be the victim of a hate crime.

    Hate crimes are regulated in the Spanish Penal Code and are punishable by prison sentence. If you have been the victim of a hate crime, you can report it in various ways:

    • You can report it to the national police, or if you prefer, to the Diversity Management Unit of Madrid’s local police, located in Calle Sacramento 2.

    • You can also go to a Court of Instruction or a Court of Peace.

    • You can also report it to the Office of the Attorney General (Oficina de la Fiscalía). It has a Fiscal para la Tutela Penal de la Igualdad y contra la Discriminación (Prosecutor for the Criminal Protection of Equality and against Discrimination), in charge of prosecuting hate crimes.

    In addition to the above, you can get in touch with LGBTIPol, an association of officers for diversity. They will be able to advise you through the process.

    Once you have reported a hate crime, read it carefully before signing it and make sure you have reflected that the aggression was indeed a hate crime due to being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

    You can make a report even if you do not know the identity of the person who attacked you. You should explain what happened with as much detail as possible. If you forgot any details that you think are important, you will be able to add them in court.

  • If you are HIV positive and have sex with someone without disclosing that you have HIV, and HIV is transmitted to the other person, it is theoretically possible that you could be prosecuted or sued under Spanish criminal or civil law. However, if you are HIV positive and your viral load is undetectable, you have no obligation to disclose your HIV status with your sexual partners. Since there will be no risk of HIV transmission in this case, there is no risk of facing legal consequences.

    Laws relating to HIV status disclosure are different from country-to-country, and can frequently change. The HIV Justice Network provides an extensive database of HIV criminalisation law around the world and provides up-to-date information globally.

 
 

Housing advice

As Spain’s capital, Madrid’s housing market can be intense, and finding a place to call home is especially challenging as a migrant.

If you are tired of going to viewings and dealing with unresponsive landlords, this section will make your experience more bearable and help you manage challenging situations.

 

  • If you are looking to rent a room, you can use idealista.com, Spain’s most popular flat-hunting platform. It has a filter to find LGBTQ+ friendly households.

  • Spain is one of the most queer-friendly countries in the world, and Madrid is no exception. Queer people can be found all around the city, and there is no particular area that is more queer-friendly than others.

    Nonetheless, Madrid does have a gaybourhood, located in Chueca, where most queer venues are concentrated. Its adjoining neighbourhood, Malasaña, is also in the process of becoming a queer hotspot.

  • Spain has various Refugee Reception Centers - Centros de Acogida de Refugiados (CAR) - spread out across the country, which host refugees whose asylum claims are pending. In addition to accommodation, they offer psychological support, language classes, and support to find a job.

    They are managed by the Spanish Red Cross. If you would like to access their services, you need to have the relevant documentation accrediting that you are an asylum seeker. You can reach out to them via email at administracion.refugiados@cruzroja.es.

    • Fundación Eddy-G in Madrid is Spain’s first shelter for queer young people who are victims of family violence, bullying, or any other form of LGBT discrimination. They offer housing to queer people between 18 and 30 years old, as well as employment and education support. To learn more about their services, visit their website.

    • If you are over 30 years old, the charity Fundación San Martin de Porres is an LGBTQ+ shelter for vulnerable queer individuals. They also offer employment support and run activities for their guests to get to know each other and expand their support network. For more information, take a look at their website.

    • Apoyo Positivo also offers temporary housing for LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV. It provides a safe space to take the first steps towards social integration, in order to achieve total independence. Learn more about it on this link.

    Note that all these resources require a previous assessment and have a waiting list.

  • Spain suspended all evictions for vulnerable people during the Coronavirus pandemic, and this suspension has currently been extended until the end of 2023. This means that, if you and your family are in a position of economic vulnerability that would make it impossible for you to find alternative housing, your landlord cannot evict you, even if you are in rent arrears.

    You will need to prove that you are facing economic vulnerability and meet certain criteria. For more details on how the process works, go to this page.

    Additionally, Spain recently passed its ‘Trans Law’, which states that any landlord who denies rent or the renewal of a contract due to the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person will be penalised with a fine from €10,001 to €150,000.

  • The Spanish government has set a cap on rent increases, so that landlords can only increase rent up to 2% for all of 2023. If your landlord is attempting to increase your rent above this limit, you are legally entitled to refuse. You cannot get evicted for refusing to pay above a 2% rent increase.

  • Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is punishable under Spanish law. If a landlord refuses to rent their property to you, treats you unfairly or tries to evict you for being queer, you can take action against them. Make sure to prepare and gather as much evidence as you can before taking legal action. If you need advice or guidance, you can get in touch with LGTBIPol.

  • If your flatmates are discriminating or being abusive towards you for being queer, the best thing to do for your safety is to leave as soon as possible. If you feel comfortable, you can report the issue to your landlord/estate agent to explain why you want to move out, or try to find a solution.

    You will normally have to give at least one month’s notice to move out. If you feel like your safety is at risk and you need to leave immediately, you can reach out to Fundación Eddy-G or Fundación San Martin de Porres for advice and to find temporary accommodation.

  • Most landlords will require you to go through a reference and identity check process before renting out their property to you, and may not accept tenants who are undocumented or cannot provide proof of income. However, some landlords might accept cash payments if you ask them.

    If you are a sex worker, you do not have to disclose your occupation - the most important thing is to provide proof that you earn enough to afford rent. If you can afford it, you can offer to pay several months’ rent in advance to increase your chances of securing a place to live.

 
 

Sex & Connections

Looking for a hookup? Wanna know what the hottest dating apps are? Looking to find someone with the same kinks as you? Regardless of your preferences, Madrid is bound to have something for you.

Feel free to explore this section, and don’t forget to always take the necessary precautions.

 

  • Besides dating apps, Madrid has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with plenty of venues where you can meet people. Most of them are concentrated in the Chueca neighbourhood. We encourage you to research and see which ones are the best fit for you. Have a look at this page for an overview.

  • Hooking up and dating as a queer woman can be tricky due to a general lack of apps and spaces that cater to this demographic. Besides well-known dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and HER, the app Wapa is one of the most popular dating apps for queer women in Spain.

    If you would like to meet queer women in person, Madrid has several lesbian bars and clubs all over the city. The most popular ones are Fulanita de Tal, Escape, Truco, and Club 33. Go to their respective websites to check out their opening hours and see which ones fit your vibe the most.

  • Madrid is a big city with plenty of options if you are looking to engage in casual sex. Mobile apps such as Grindr, Scruff, HER or Lex are very popular amongst queer people to find dates and hookups. As in any city, it's important to follow these safety tips:

    • Consider meeting your hookup in public first: if you met on an app, consider meeting in a public space, so that you can make sure they really are who they claimed to be, and assess whether or not you feel comfortable and safe with them before taking things further.

    • Let someone know where you’re going and who you’re going with: tell someone you trust that you are going for a hookup, so that if they do not hear from you after several hours they can check up on you. You can also share your location with them so that they know where you are in case you need help!

    • Discuss your boundaries and preferences: communicate clearly with your hookup about what type of sex you want to have (and if you want sex at all!). You should never do anything that you don’t feel fully comfortable doing.

    • Always ask for consent! Even if you have already discussed beforehand what you would like to do, you still need to get consent from the other person before you actually engage in any sexual activity. Remember that it is also okay to change your mind and say no if you no longer feel comfortable having sex with someone.

  • The overwhelming majority of queer spaces and dating apps in Madrid are trans-friendly. Nonetheless, if you are looking to hookup, it is best to always take some safety precautions. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, get away as soon as you can and if possible get help from a friend or anyone you feel safe with.

  • Cruising - looking for people to have sex with in a public place - is not illegal in Spain. Having sex in a public space is also not illegal, as long as you are careful not to be a nuisance to other people in that same space.

    You still need to make sure you are safe while cruising: if you are going to a new location, find out where the exits, dead ends and shortcuts are. Remember that consent is still important and you always have the right to say no - stick to your boundaries!

  • Madrid has many more places to connect beyond the commercial ‘scene’. Many of us don’t have the money to hang out in pubs or bars, or we might be sober or in recovery and want to avoid being around alcohol.

    La Berkana is Madrid’s LGBTQ+ bookshop - and one of the biggest queer bookshops in the world. You will also be able to find many other queer spaces around the Chueca neighbourhood - go for a walk and explore! Check out this website for a neighbourhood guide.