Living in Murcia
Everything you need to know about living in Murcia as a foreigner
Why move to Murcia?
Main advantages
- Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year
- Lower cost of living compared to other Spanish cities
- Recognized universities and research centers
- Proximity to the coast and natural spaces
- Growing international community
Best areas for foreigners
Choosing the right neighbourhood is essential for your experience in Murcia.
La Flota
Residential neighborhood with a quiet atmosphere, well-connected and with services such as supermarkets and schools. Rentals from 600€/month for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Vistalegre
Central area with a young and dynamic atmosphere, close to the university. Rentals from 500€/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.
El Carmen
Traditional area with neighborhood life, markets, and shops. Rentals from 450€/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.
Juan Carlos I
Modern area with shopping centers and services. Rentals from 700€/month for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Cost of living: Real prices 2026
Housing rental
1-bedroom apartment in the center: 500-700€/month. 2-bedroom apartment in the outskirts: 600-800€/month. Shared room: 250-350€/month. Specific data for Murcia.
🏢Property purchase
Average price per m² in Murcia: 1,500-2,000€. City center vs outskirts. Trends 2026.
🛒Food and groceries
Weekly supermarket (2 people): 50-70€. Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: 12€. Menu of the day: 10€. Coffee: 1.50€.
🚗Transport
Bus/tram ticket: 1.50€. Monthly pass: 40€. Taxi start: 3.50€. Gasoline per liter: 1.60€. Data from Murcia.
Climate
Murcia has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures in summer are around 30°C, while in winter they drop to 10-15°C. Rainfall is scarce, concentrated in autumn. The best time to enjoy the climate is spring and autumn.
💡Utilities (water, electricity, internet)
Electricity + gas (70m² apartment): 80-120€/month. Internet: 30-50€/month. Water: 20-30€/month. Mobile: 15€/month.
Your first 30 days in Murcia
Step-by-step guide for your first month. Don't waste time: follow this plan.
Week 1: Documentation and registration
Organize a folder with documents. Make an appointment for registration at the Murcia Town Hall. If you have a residence visa, make an appointment for TIE.
Week 2: Healthcare and housing
Attend the registration appointment. Research access to healthcare (health center in Murcia). If temporary, look for private insurance.
Week 3: Bank account and rental
Open a Spanish bank account (banks in Murcia: CaixaBank, Banco Sabadell, BBVA). Look for permanent housing on portals or local groups.
Week 4: Integration and support network
Visit migrant support associations in Murcia (see integration section). Enroll in a Spanish course. Review the month.
Essential procedures
Settling legally in Spain requires completing several procedures.
- 1
Step 1: Request NIE at the Murcia Police Station (bring passport and form EX-15)
- 2
Step 2: Open a bank account (bring NIE and passport)
- 3
Step 3: Register at the Murcia Town Hall (bring rental contract and passport)
- 4
Step 4: Register at the Murcia Town Hall (Plaza de la Glorieta de España, 1)
- 5
Step 5: Request TIE at the Foreigners Office (Calle Francisco Rabal, 8)
💡 Recommendation: Procedures can be complex. We connect you with specialised professionals who speak your language.
Request contact →Consulates and embassies
Foreign consulates in Murcia or the province offer services to citizens of their countries. Some procedures require going to the consulate in Madrid or major capitals.
Germany / France / Netherlands
Honorary consulates or agencies (verify according to country)
Search on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs websiteLatin American countries
Some have honorary consulates. Many refer to Madrid/Barcelona
Search 'Consulate of [country] in Spain'Basic documents for consular procedures
- • Passport or identity document
- • Specific forms for the procedure
- • Passport-sized photographs
- • Proofs (depends on the procedure: registration, qualification, etc.)
Work and entrepreneurship
Main sectors
Where to find employment
- → Infojobs, Indeed, LinkedIn
- → SEPE Office in Murcia
- → Temporary employment agencies (ETT): Adecco, Randstad
- → Personal networks and Facebook groups in Murcia
- → Specific portals for the agricultural sector
Start a business
- 💼 Register as self-employed: ~250€/month fee
- 💼 Chambers of Commerce in Murcia/province offer advice
- 💼 Coworkings in Murcia: 'Murcia Coworking', 'La Oficina'
- 💼 Resources: INFO (Murcia) or IVACE (Valencia) depending on province
- 💼 Business plan essential before starting
Entry conditions to Spain
Without visa
- ✓ EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: free movement
- ✓ Many Latin American countries: up to 90 days in 180 days without a visa
- ✓ You must carry: valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation, financial means (min 100€/day, first day 900€), medical insurance 30,000€
With visa
- → If your country requires a Schengen visa: process it at the Spanish consulate
- → Long-term visas (residence): studies, work, non-lucrative, family reunification
- → Once in Spain, collect TIE within 30 days
Required documents
- 📄 Valid passport (min 3 months after planned departure)
- 📄 Round-trip ticket (or exit from the Schengen area)
- 📄 Accommodation reservation or invitation letter
- 📄 Medical insurance with coverage 30,000€
- 📄 Proof of financial means
- 📄 Visa (if applicable)
Border crossing risks
Common mistakes
- ⚠️ Not carrying a return ticket within 90 days
- ⚠️ Not being able to prove financial means
- ⚠️ Inconsistencies between your story and documents (saying 'tourism' but carrying a CV)
- ⚠️ Fake or unconfirmed hotel reservations
- ⚠️ Passport about to expire
What NOT to do
- ✗ Do not lie about the purpose of the trip
- ✗ Do not enter with a work contract if you come as a tourist
- ✗ Do not use false or manipulated documents (serious crime)
- ✗ Do not argue with the border agent
- ✗ Do not travel without medical insurance if it is mandatory
Advice
- ✓ Carry copies of all documents (physical and digital)
- ✓ Answer questions clearly and coherently
- ✓ If detained, request to speak with a lawyer and contact your consulate
- ✓ Know your rights: right to an interpreter, explanation, assistance
- ✓ In case of denial, you can file appeals
Legal residency and nationality
Types of residency
- 1Temporary residence (1 year, renewable): studies, work, family reunification, non-lucrative
- 2Renewed temporary residence (2 years): after the first year
- 3Long-term residence (5 years): after 5 years of continuous legal residence
- 4Social roots: 3 years in Spain + work contract + ties
- 5Labor roots: 6 months worked (even without papers, difficult to prove)
Nationality process
- 🏛️ After 10 years of legal residence (general rule)
- 🏛️ After 2 years for Latin Americans, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal
- 🏛️ After 1 year for those born in Spain, refugees, married to a Spaniard
- 🏛️ Requirements: clean criminal record, DELE A2, CCSE, integration
- 🏛️ Advantages: EU citizenship, freedom of movement, voting rights
Practical integration
Support associations
- 🤝 Murcia Acoge
- 🤝 Cruz Roja Murcia
- 🤝 Social services of the Murcia Town Hall
- 🤝 Fundación Cepaim
- 🤝 Other local NGOs
Language courses
- 📚 Escuela Oficial de Idiomas (EOI) of Murcia
- 📚 Free courses at the Murcia Town Hall
- 📚 NGOs: Cruz Roja, migrant associations
- 📚 Private academies
- 📚 Language exchanges in cafes and cultural centers
Useful apps
- 📱 Mi Carpeta de la Seguridad Social (employment history)
- 📱 Digital Certificate / Cl@ve (online procedures)
- 📱 Google Maps / Moovit (Murcia transport)
- 📱 Idealista / Fotocasa (housing)
- 📱 Local public transport app if available
Online communities
- 🌐 Facebook groups: 'Foreigners in Murcia', 'Latinos in Murcia'
- 🌐 Expat forums and blogs in Spain
- 🌐 Reddit: r/IWantOut, r/Spain
- 🌐 WhatsApp or Telegram groups of your nationality
Checklists
Before travelling
- ✅ Visa approved (if applicable)
- ✅ Valid passport (min 6 months)
- ✅ Medical insurance contracted (30,000€)
- ✅ Round-trip ticket
- ✅ Accommodation reservation for the first days
- ✅ Apostilled and translated documents
- ✅ Initial budget calculated
- ✅ Emergency contacts (consulate, lawyer, family)
First days
- ✅ Make an appointment for registration
- ✅ Make an appointment for TIE (if you have a residence visa)
- ✅ Look for permanent accommodation
- ✅ Locate health center
- ✅ Open a Spanish bank account
- ✅ Buy a Spanish SIM card
- ✅ Get oriented in the city (transport, supermarkets, services)
Procedures
- ✅ Registration completed
- ✅ TIE collected (if applicable)
- ✅ Registered with Social Security (if working)
- ✅ Rental contract signed
- ✅ Utilities registered (electricity, water, internet)
- ✅ Health card requested
- ✅ Digital certificate or Cl@ve obtained
Integration
- ✅ Enrolled in a Spanish course
- ✅ Visited support association
- ✅ Joined a local group or community
- ✅ Familiar with neighborhood services
- ✅ Established routine
- ✅ Basic social network created
- ✅ Leisure activities identified
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to move to Murcia?
To move to Murcia, consider an initial budget of 2,000-3,000€ covering: deposit (1 month), first month's rent, installation expenses, reserve for the first months.
Is it difficult to find a job in Murcia?
In Murcia, the sectors with the most demand are: agriculture, logistics, services, and technology. The job market is competitive but there are opportunities. Resources: SEPE Murcia, Infojobs.
What visa do I need to live in Murcia?
It depends on your nationality and situation. EU citizens do not need a visa. Others: study, work, non-lucrative visa, etc. Check with the Spanish consulate in your country.
Are there consulates in Murcia?
In Murcia, there is an Honorary Consulate of the United Kingdom. For most countries, you must go to Madrid or Alicante.
Where can I learn Spanish in Murcia?
In Murcia, you can: Escuela Oficial de Idiomas, town hall (free courses), NGOs like Cruz Roja, private academies.
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