FOR the first time in six years, Madrid has recorded more births than deaths – although the capital’s population is still decreasing.
In 2025, 27,097 children were born, 844 more than the previous year.
Meanwhile 26,533 people died, according to figures presented by deputy mayor Inma Sanz following a Governing Board meeting.
Despite this shift, Madrid lost 30,647 residents overall last year, bringing the total population down to 3,497,277.
This 0.87% decrease brings Madrid’s total population below the record-breaking 3.5 million reached in 2024.
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City officials insist the decline is largely down to a major administrative adjustment to the municipal register rather than a sudden departure of residents from the capital.
Around 100,000 administrative removals were processed in 2025, representing an unusually high figure.
These cases include foreign nationals who failed to renew their registration, as well as people still listed at addresses where they no longer live.
These administrative removals are a standard procedure, but one that has been applied more intensively this year.
Without it, Madrid’s population would have grown by an estimated 70,000 residents, Sanz explained.
Even so, the data points to a more complex picture.
Both Spanish nationals and foreign residents have decreased compared to 2024, with a notable drop among the foreign population.
Although 117,706 people from abroad registered in Madrid last year – with many arriving from countries such as Venezuela, Colombia and Peru – the figure is lower than the previous year.
More than 11,000 foreign residents also left the city.
Far more people are leaving Madrid for other parts of the country than moving in, with a negative balance of nearly 38,000 residents.
Many are relocating to nearby municipalities or provinces including Toledo, Valencia and Alicante, continuing a trend seen in recent years.
Within the city itself, movement remains high, with over 111,000 people changing addresses between districts.
The strongest growth is seen in developing areas such as Vicalvaro and Villa de Vallecas, while central districts including Centro, Salamanca and Ciudad Lineal have seen the biggest declines.
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