Building your own network when you moved for a partner's job

Terms used

• Intercambio — An intercambio is a language exchange meetup where people practise Spanish and other languages together.
• AMPA — The AMPA is a school's parent association, which organises events and lets parents meet each other.
• Extranjería — Extranjería is the immigration office that handles foreigners' residence permits and their conditions.
• Grupos de senderismo — Grupos de senderismo are local hiking groups that organise regular walks.
• Asociaciones de vecinos — Asociaciones de vecinos are neighbourhood associations that organise local activities and represent residents.
• Cofradías — Cofradías are religious brotherhoods that organise processions and social life, especially around Easter.
• Peñas — Peñas are social clubs of friends that organise events and festival activities.
• Fallas — Fallas are local groups, mainly in Valencia, that organise the spring festival of the same name.

Key rules

• Volunteering: If you are legally resident, you can generally volunteer with a registered non-profit even if your permit does not allow work, as long as you get no pay beyond expenses.
• Permit conditions: Check your exact permit conditions with Extranjería and the organisation before you start volunteering.
• Local friends: Join the same Spanish-language activity every week, because Spanish friendships build slowly through repeated contact.
• Expat groups: Use expat groups to get started, but add at least one local activity in Spanish.

Start with groups you can join this week

You do not need a work permit, or your partner's contacts, to build a social life in Spain. Most of the options below are open to anyone who lives here. Pick two or three, and go back to them regularly. Showing up repeatedly matters more than which group you choose.

Expat networks: the quickest first step

Other newcomers are usually the easiest people to meet at first, because they are looking for friends too.

• Expat event networks and Meetup groups run regular events in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other big cities.
• Expat groups on social media often exist for each city. Search for your city's name plus "expats".
• Newcomers clubs, American Women's Clubs and national chambers of commerce (British and others) run social events and coffee mornings.
• Some employers' relocation firms run partner programmes. Ask your partner to check whether theirs does.

Group names and activity levels change, so check what is running now.

Meeting Spaniards, not only expats

Expat groups are a good start, but local friends need a different approach. Spaniards tend to build friendships through circles they already belong to, so expect it to take months. Join activities in Spanish, in the same place, every week.

Settings that work well:

• Intercambio meetups, where people swap languages.
• Sports clubs and gyms, amateur choirs, and hiking or climbing groups (grupos de senderismo).
• Classes at a university, an adult-education centre, or a cultural or civic centre run by the town hall.
• Neighbourhood associations (asociaciones de vecinos).
• Local festival groups, such as cofradías, peñas or fallas.

Availability varies by city and town. Places with active associations give you more choice.

Volunteering if your permit does not allow work

Unpaid volunteering with a registered non-profit is not employment. If you are legally resident, you can generally volunteer even when your permit does not let you work. The organisation should give you a volunteer agreement, and you should receive no pay beyond repayment of your expenses. Anything that looks like disguised work is not allowed.

Tourist stays are more limited. Check your exact permit conditions with the immigration office (Extranjería) and with the organisation before you start.

Volunteering with a local NGO is also one of the best ways to meet Spaniards, because you work alongside them.

If you have children

International schools and their parent associations (AMPA) are a major way to meet people. The same goes for a local state school's AMPA, where you will meet Spanish parents. Go to the first meetings and offer to help with events.

A simple plan

1. In your first weeks, go to one expat event and one intercambio.
2. Choose one weekly activity in Spanish, such as a sport, choir or class.
3. Add volunteering once your permit conditions are confirmed.
4. Keep going for several months before judging whether it is working.

The questions below cover the most common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I volunteer if my permit does not let me work?

Yes, you can generally volunteer through a registered non-profit if you are legally resident, as long as you get no pay beyond expenses. Unpaid volunteering with a volunteer agreement is not treated as work. Arrangements that look like disguised work are not allowed, and tourist stays are more limited.

How do I meet Spaniards and not only other expats?

Join regular activities in Spanish, such as a language exchange (intercambio), a hiking group, an amateur choir or a neighbourhood association. Going to the same place every week works best.

Does a school help me build a circle if I have children?

Yes, the parent association (AMPA) at your child's school is a good way in, and international schools have very active ones. It mixes you with local families. Town hall civic centres and adult-education classes work the same way if you have no children.