Living in Barcelona: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Barcelona.
As one of the world's leading economic, trade and business hubs, Barcelona is very welcoming towards expatriates. Known as the Southern European City of the Future in 2014, it is one of the best global cities for quality living.
Barcelona, located in Catalunya, the richest region in Spain, is full of opportunities for expatriates. By moving there, you will also enjoy a lively cultural scene and a bustling nightlife.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Barcelona with general information to discover the destination.
Discover Barcelona
With spectacular architecture, fantastic gastronomy and one of the best football clubs in the ...
Ajdusting to the local culture in Barcelona
When settling into your new life in Barcelona, you'll experience a lifestyle that is probably ...
Developing your social circle in Barcelona
Meeting new people in Barcelona can be challenging for various reasons, such as recently relocating ...
Work
Dive into the Barcelona labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Barcelona.
Working in Barcelona
Are you an expat looking for work in Barcelona? Spain's second-largest city ...
The labor market in Barcelona
Barcelona is the economic, cultural and administrative heart of Catalonia, a creative, cosmopolitan ...
The work culture in Barcelona
If you've made up your mind to live and work in Barcelona, you're probably curious about ...
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Barcelona. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Barcelona
Barcelona sits on the coast of north-eastern Spain, the capital and largest city in the autonomous ...
Rental options in Barcelona
When making your big move to Barcelona, one of the most important decisions is where you ...
Find your ideal home in Barcelona
Explore real estate listings in Barcelona to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Barcelona.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Barcelona.
Getting around Barcelona
When planning a visit or considering settling in Barcelona, an important aspect to bear in mind is how to get around. Barcelona makes it easy with a ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Barcelona.
Things to do in Barcelona with your crowd or alone
Are you looking to enjoy Barcelona in your downtime? Wondering where you can go and what you can do ...
Nightlife in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city with an intense nightlife, with options for all tastes and budgets. There are ...
Outdoor activities in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city bursting with leisure options, myriad ways to spend your downtime. If you love ...
Articles from the magazine
New life in Spain
I am a Norwegian Señorita who has moved to Spain in search of the good life and to escape some Norwegian winter. I come from a small town in Norway, but have lived all over the country, always looking for that perfect place where I felt like home. When I ran out of interesting places in Norway I tho
Barcelona: A major hub for startups in Europe
We had the opportunity to speak with Xavier Mayo Torres, Head of Foreign Economic Promotion, who gives us the keys to understanding the success of a city whose appeal continues to grow.
How does the new real estate law in Spain affect foreign tenants and owners?
Published in the Official Gazette on June 2, Spain's new real estate law has been in force since June 30. The law was urgently introduced to regulate Spain's strained real estate market and facilitate access to housing, especially in "stressed areas". The new law tightly regulates rents and puts tenants and landlords on an equal footing. So what do you need to keep in mind when buying property in Spain?
From Argentina to Barcelona: A freelancer's adventure
Born in Argentina, Vanessa has always been passionate about her Italian roots. This led her to Rome in 2015, the same year when she met the love of her life. In 2021, she decided to follow him to Barcelona, where they now enjoy a fulfilling expat life. Being a freelance translator, Vanessa shares her story of why she chose to move to Europe and all that comes with it.
Sara in Altea: "Altea is breathtakingly gorgeous"
In 2009, Sara and her Spanish husband decided to make a life change and moved from New York City to Spain. They own a bar in Altea, Alicante, where they have been able to meet some amazing people, including film directors and artists.
Lottie in Granada: "It is the most beautiful city, full of wonderful architecture"
Lottie was born in London. She moved to Granada with her husband three years ago following their stay in Indonesia. She particularly enjoys painting, drawing and printmaking.
Allison in Valencia: "Spanish people are very welcoming"
Originally from Denver, Colorado, Allison lives in Valencia, Spain, after 2 years in Almeria, working as an English teacher.
Ina Schumann: the testimony of a serial-expat
"Slow-travel" lover since more than 10 years and expat since 2000, Ina lived in seven different countries! Now, she set her luggages in Barcelona with her boyfriend, learning spanish and writing for her blog. She gives us her feelings about how a serial-expat way of life looks like, between France, UK, Ireland, Spain and Australia.
