Thinking of relocating to Barcelona or elsewhere in Spain? Many expats underestimate how complex the process can be. From housing and schools to paperwork and timing, this article reveals the most common mistakes — and how to avoid them with the right support. Learn which mistakes expats make when moving to Barcelona
Introduction
Relocating to Barcelona is an exciting adventure — but it also comes with challenges that can lead to stress, delays, and unexpected costs. Many expats arrive with high expectations and good intentions but quickly find themselves overwhelmed by bureaucratic procedures, housing difficulties, or mismatched priorities.
In this article, we walk you through the most common mistakes expats make when moving to Barcelona and how you can avoid them with careful planning — or with the support of a relocation expert who knows the city inside and out.
Table of Contents
Overlooking Visa and Residency Procedures (Even for EU Citizens)
One of the biggest mistakes expats make when relocating to Barcelona is underestimating the importance of legal paperwork. While non-EU citizens often focus on securing the right visa (e.g. non-lucrative, digital nomad, or work visa), EU citizens must also obtain a Certificate of EU Registration (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión).
Although the EU process is more straightforward, it still requires:
Proof of residence
Proof of employment or sufficient funds
Health insurance coverage
An appointment with the immigration office, which can be hard to book
Many new arrivals are surprised to find that securing these appointments is one of the first challenges, and missing paperwork can delay or jeopardize your residency process. Having professional support here doesn’t just save time — it prevents potentially costly or stressful setbacks.
Underestimating How Competitive the Housing Market Really Is
Another frequent mistake when moving to Barcelona is not being prepared for how fast the rental market moves. Properties in popular neighborhoods like Eixample, Gràcia, or Poblenou can disappear in just hours. That means expats are often forced to make quick decisions or risk losing a good flat.
This leads to two problems:
Making stressful, rushed decisions without understanding the area or contract conditions
Delaying other key steps in the relocation process
Remember: in many cases, you’ll need to be registered at your new address to proceed with your immigration paperwork (e.g. empadronamiento / town hall registration). That’s why securing a suitable home early is critical — it provides a foundation for everything else.
With expert help, you’ll understand your options clearly, respond quickly to new listings, and avoid signing something you’ll regret. Read more about finding a house in Barcelona here.
Trying to Match a School and a Neighborhood Without Help
For families, finding a school is one of the most sensitive steps — and also one of the most complex. Many expats assume they’ll handle it after arrival, but in reality, Barcelona’s international and semi-private schools often have waiting lists, and public school enrollment depends on your residential address.
That creates a chicken-and-egg problem:
➡ Do you pick the school first and then search for housing nearby?
➡ Or find the house first and choose among the nearby schools?
This decision also depends on where the parents will work, how long the family plans to stay, and the child’s age and language needs (Catalan, Spanish, English, French, etc.).
Relocation professionals help families put all these pieces together strategically — avoiding last-minute pressure, long commutes, or settling for a less-than-ideal school simply because of timing.
Find more about choosing a school in Barcelona here.
Choosing the Wrong Health Insurance Plan
Whether you’re applying for a visa or registering as an EU resident, health insurance is a legal requirement in Spain. Most expats go with a private insurer — but here’s the catch: you typically need to commit to a 12-month policy.
Choosing the wrong plan can’t be easily corrected.
It’s not just about price — some insurance policies don’t meet the legal criteria for immigration, or they may not cover what you need (e.g. maternity, pre-existing conditions, mental health, etc.). Professional guidance ensures you choose a certified, suitable policy from the start.
Read more about healthcare in Barcelona here.
Ignoring Language and Integration Challenges
Many expats underestimate how much the language barrier can impact their experience, especially outside tourist zones. Even in Barcelona, many local services, documents, and appointments are handled in Catalan or Spanish.
This affects everything from:
Going to the doctor
Registering kids at school
Signing rental contracts
Dealing with city hall or the immigration office
Taking Spanish or Catalan classes early makes a huge difference in how connected and confident you’ll feel. And don’t underestimate how valuable it is to have someone translate or clarify procedures during your first few months.
Discover the benefits of learning the local languages.
Thinking Relocation Support Is Only for Big Corporations
Many people associate relocation agencies with corporate packages — but relocation support is not a luxury. In fact, individuals, freelancers, remote workers, and families moving for personal reasons are often the ones who benefit most from expert guidance.
Why?
Because they’re navigating the system without HR support, without local contacts, and often under time pressure. A good relocation consultant helps you:
Prioritize steps in the right order
Avoid costly or irreversible mistakes
Gain peace of mind during a major life change
Final Thoughts: Avoiding Mistakes Means Gaining Confidence
Moving to Barcelona should be exciting, not overwhelming. Most mistakes expats make — from visa confusion to housing stress — are completely avoidable with the right information and local guidance.
Whether you’re moving alone, with a partner, or with children, investing in professional relocation support helps you settle smoothly, avoid setbacks, and truly enjoy your new life from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Barcelona
Do EU citizens need to complete immigration paperwork when moving to Barcelona?
Yes. Even EU citizens must register their residence in Spain. This includes getting a Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión and providing proof of housing, financial means, and health insurance.
How competitive is the rental housing market in Barcelona?
Very. Desirable flats in areas like Eixample or Poblenou can disappear within hours. It’s important to be prepared with documents and support to act fast and avoid rushed decisions.
When should I start looking for schools if I’m moving with children?
Before arrival. Many schools, especially international ones, have waiting lists. Your housing location also affects public school enrollment, so planning both together is key.
What kind of health insurance do I need as an expat in Spain?
It depends on your visa or residency status. Most expats need a private insurance policy that meets legal requirements. Choose carefully — plans usually require a 12-month commitment.
Is relocation support only for corporate expats?
Not at all. Individuals, families, and remote workers often benefit even more from relocation consultants, since they don’t have HR departments helping them with housing, schools, or legal processes.
