Your Expat Community in Barcelona

Barcelona is a great city for expats, but it depends on what you’re looking for.

There are job opportunities, though not all offer the career growth you might want. Housing can be tricky and finding something affordable takes time and effort.

One of the biggest perks is that Barcelona has a high quality of life with amazing weather, a friendly community, excellent healthcare, and a good work-life balance. The language, Spanish, is also easy to pick up if you want to connect more with the locals. In the end, it’s all about finding the right balance between what matters most to you.

The salary you need to live comfortably in Barcelona depends on your lifestyle, but generally, a single person would need around 2,000 EUR to 2,500 EUR per month after taxes to cover basic expenses like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. If you’re sharing accommodation or living outside the city center, costs can be lower.

For a family or if you prefer a more comfortable lifestyle with dining out, travel, or other extras, a monthly salary of around 3,000 EUR to 4,000 EUR or more might be necessary.

Keep in mind that salaries can vary depending on your job, location within the city, and personal spending habits. You can check how much you would be paid at your job with Salary Expert

You can find housing through online platforms like Idealista, Fotocasa, and local real estate agencies.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona for expats are:

Eixample – Central, lively area with wide streets and gorgeous modernist buildings. It’s great for those who want to be near shops, restaurants, and public transport. It’s a bit pricier, but you’re right in the heart of the action.

Gràcia – A trendy spot with a village vibe (and more affordable than the city center.) It’s full of cafes, bars, and parks, so it’s perfect for younger expats or families looking for a cozy atmosphere.

El Born – A charming, historic neighborhood with narrow streets, boutique shops, and lively nightlife. Plus, it’s close to the beach and cultural spots. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but you get a lot of charm for your money.

Poble Sec – A quieter area not far from the city center. This well-connected, green neighborhood offers affordable living with plenty of local bars, restaurants, and cultural venues. It’s perfect if you want a calm vibe but still want to be close to everything.

Sant Antoni – A cool neighborhood known for its food scene and the famous Sant Antoni Market. It’s lively but still has a relaxed lifestyle, making it ideal for anyone wanting to experience local life without being overwhelmed. It’s reasonably priced for the location.

Sarrià-Sant Gervasi – A peaceful, upscale area, perfect for families or anyone looking for a quieter neighborhood. It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s a great spot if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle while still being close to the city center.

Poblenou – A modern, up-and-coming neighborhood near the beach. It’s popular with tech workers and digital nomads, offering a good mix of affordability and modern living. A great spot for anyone looking for a balance between beach life and city convenience.

It can be competitive, but there are opportunities especially in tech, tourism, and education. Remember that networking can be helpful in your search. You can explore job opportunities on websites like InfoJobs, Indeed, JobsInBarcelona, or EnglishJobsSpain.

If you’re moving to Spain for work, the requirements differ depending on whether you’re from the EU/EEA/Switzerland or a non-EU country.

For EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: You don’t need a work permit or visa to work in Spain. However, you must:

1. Register with local authorities: You’ll need to register at the local town hall (empadronamiento) and get a residence certificate.

2. Social security: Register with the Spanish social security system to access healthcare and contribute to taxes.

For Non-EU citizens: You will need a work visa and permit to work in Spain. The process generally involves:

1. Find a job: Your employer must prove no EU/EEA candidate is available for the position.

2. Work visa application: Apply at the Spanish consulate in your home country, providing documents like a job contract and proof of qualifications.

3. Residence permit: Once you arrive, you must apply for a residence permit to stay longer than 90 days.

4. Foreigner’s identity card (TIE): Within 30 days of arrival you must also obtain a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). You’ll need to make an appointment at the police station and pay a fee.

The specific requirements can vary, so it’s important to check with the Spanish consulate or immigration office.

In Spain, expats have access to both public and private healthcare options.

Public healthcare is tax-funded and provides comprehensive medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency services. To register for public health insurance, you need to meet the following requirements:

1. Legal residency: You must have legal residency in Spain.

2. Registration with the INSS: You need to register with the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS), the National Institute of Social Security.

3. Obtain a health card: After registration, you will receive a public health card (tarjeta sanitaria individual), which you must present every time you visit a healthcare provider.

If you’re not eligible for public healthcare, you can apply for the Convenio Especial, which gives you access to the system for a monthly fee. You can request this by submitting form TA-0040 at your local social security office.

Private healthcare is commonly used by expats who prefer faster access and more flexibility in choosing doctors and hospitals. To access it, you can sign up for a health insurance plan, which covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and treatments. There are various plans available, and you don’t need any residency requirements to register. Costs vary depending on the coverage level and provider.

You can check out these private health insurances: Asisa, Genki, and Sanitas.

Look for language exchanges to practice Spanish while meeting locals or explore groups on social networking platforms tailored to expats in Barcelona.

Additionally, you can connect with people at local cafes, bars, and co-working spaces, or join sports clubs and fitness classes. Cultural events and festivals like La Mercè are also great for meeting new people.

And don’t forget to join the InterNations Barcelona Community, where you’ll find regular social events, exciting networking opportunities, and activities based on different hobbies. It’s an easy way to meet people who are in the same situation — fellow InterNations members will know exactly what it’s like to move to a new city where you don’t know anyone yet!

Barcelona is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s important to be aware of pickpockets, especially in tourist areas. Some spots to be cautious about include Las Ramblas, El Raval, and Barceloneta Beach. As long as you stay alert and take basic precautions, you can enjoy the city safely.

To open a bank account, you’ll need documents like your passport, proof of address (for example a rental contract), and usually also your Spanish NIE (foreigner identification number) as well as proof of your income, such as an employment contract or payslip.

Popular banks among expats include: Banco Sabadell, CaixaBank, and Santander. If you want to open an online bank account, you can check N26.

The average cost of living for a single person is around 1,000 to 1,500 EUR per month, including rent, food, and transportation. However, this can vary based on lifestyle choices and neighborhood. Here’s an overview of the rough cost of living to expect:

In Barcelona, both Spanish and Catalan are widely spoken. Many locals also speak English, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and among younger people.

While knowing some basic Spanish can be helpful, it’s also appreciated if you try to use a few phrases in Catalan.

Overall, you should be able to get by with English in many situations, but not always! Spanish/Catalan will be especially helpful if you’re looking for a job, when you register with authorities or open a bank account — and in many other typicaldaily life scenarios. Learning at least a bit of the local language will definitely enhance your overall experience.