Relocation Services
Below, you’ll find responses to some of the most common inquiries we receive. If you need more information or have a specific question that’s not covered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us—we’re always happy to assist.
If you are an EU resident who will reside in Spain for more than three (3) months, you must have your Community Residence Certificate (CUE).
Both the TIE and the CUE are identification documents for foreigners residing in Spain. The CUE is for EU citizens, and the TIE is for non-EU citizens.
The NIE is simply a tax/legal identification number. It is included in both the TIE and the CUE.
There are four scenarios for which an EU citizen can apply for a residence certificate:
– If you work for a company
– If you are self-employed
– Demonstrating funds to support yourself
– As a student
Although not all banks will allow you to open a bank account without a NIE, some will open a non-resident account. You can later change it to ‘resident’ status.
Although it is not compulsory, we strongly recommend it. Depending on the official, they may request it.
If you plan to reside in Spain for more than three months, you must have a driving licence issued by the Spanish Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).
If your licence was issued by one of the 23 countries with which Spain has an agreement (see next question), you can request an exchange. In other cases, you will have to apply for a new licence, for which you will have to take the corresponding exams.
Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Philipines, Guatemala, Macedonia, Marocco, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Repúblic of Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela
Barcelona, together with Madrid, are the two cities with the highest cost of living, especially in terms of rents. That said, it should also be noted that Barcelona still has cheaper rents than many other European cities. Just as a reference, a small flat in a good area, for one person or a couple, can hardly be rented for less than 1,100 euros per month. Please find more information about rentals in our blog.
Agencies charge either 10% of a year’s rent + VAT or one month’s rent + VAT. However, according to the latest changes in rental law, agencies cannot charge a commission to the tenant for long-term contracts (up to 5-7 years). On the other hand, they can do so for short-term contracts (up to 11 months). Please find more information about rentals in our blog.
The most common request is to present an employment contract and a salary slip to prove the ability to pay the rent. In addition, landlords usually ask for a two-month deposit which is returned at the end of the tenancy, after checking that there is no damage to the flat. If the landlord is not satisfied with the payment guarantees (either there is no contract or the monthly income is not the minimum required), the landlord may ask for more than two months’ deposit. Please find more information about rentals in our blog.
The duration of long-term contracts is 5 years if the owner is an individual; if it is a company, then the duration is 7 years. In both cases these terms are obligatory for landlords, but tenants can terminate the contract and leave the property after the first year by giving the notice stipulated in the contract (usually two months). Please find more information about rentals in our blog.
Barcelona is a safe city, but like many other cities that receive large numbers of tourists throughout the year, the busiest areas are the ones chosen by pickpockets. Following a few simple prevention rules allows you to move around the city without any problems. About anti-tourist protests with water skirts this is not the norm. This was a specific demonstration that was overreported. Please find more information about rentals in our blog.
The areas with the highest rate of pickpocketing coincide with those with the highest concentration of tourists. That is: El Raval, Gothic Quarter, El Born, Las Ramblas, Parc de la Ciutadella, Beaches, Barceloneta, Port, and metro stations. In these areas it is necessary to take some precautions and be careful with valuables (mobile phones, backpacks, money). Please find more information about rentals in our blog.
L’ Example, Les Cortes, Sarrià and Sant Gervasi, among others, are traditional residential areas for families. However, many expats choose to live in the old city or Poblenou as these areas have more night activity. Please find more information about rentals in our blog.
Living in the suburbs of Barcelona may be attractive or interesting for different reasons. For example, the proximity to the sea, in the case of Gavà and Castelldelfels, the more comfortable houses, in the case of Sant Gugat, or the proximity to some international schools, in the case of Esplugues or Sant Just Desvern.
In any case, these municipalities, and some others, may be good alternatives to living in Barcelona. Please find more information about rentals in our blog.