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Relocation Services
Moving to Barcelona raises a lot of questions, and rightly so. Between visas, housing, healthcare, schools, and the day-to-day reality of life in a new country, there’s a lot to navigate. This moving to Barcelona FAQs page brings together clear, practical answers to the questions we hear most often from expats and families planning a relocation. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact us, we’re happy to help.
It depends on the type of visa. A non-immigrant visa usually takes between 2 and 4 months to process, including the preparation of documents, the appointment at the consulate and the official decision. On the other hand, Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visas are issued more quickly, whilst a family reunification visa can take up to four months. We always recommend starting the process earlier than you think you need to, as appointments and the legalisation of documents can cause unexpected delays.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a tax identification number assigned to foreigners in Spain. You'll need it for almost everything, opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, buying a car, registering with a doctor, and paying taxes. EU citizens receive a green NIE certificate (CUE), while non-EU citizens receive it as part of their TIE residency card. Getting your NIE is one of the first things to sort after arriving in Barcelona.
The empadronamiento is your registration on the municipal census (padrón) of Barcelona. It's technically mandatory for anyone living in Barcelona long-term, and it's practically essential, you'll need it to apply for your TIE residency card, enrol children in school, access public healthcare, and more. You register at your local Oficina d'Atenció al Ciutadà with proof of your address. Read our full empadronamiento guide here.
No, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) specifically prohibits work in Spain, whether employed or self-employed. It's designed for people who can support themselves financially without working in Spain (through savings, pensions, rental income, or remote income from outside Spain). If you plan to work in Spain, you'll need a different visa type such as a Digital Nomad Visa or work permit.
To register as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain, you need to register with the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) and the Social Security system. You'll need your NIE/TIE, a Spanish bank account, and to choose your CNAE activity code. The monthly autónomo social security contribution starts at a reduced rate for new self-employed people. We strongly recommend working with a gestor (local accountant/administrator) to navigate this process correctly.
The documents depend on your nationality and visa type. Generally you'll need: valid passport, visa or entry stamp, proof of address (rental contract or empadronamiento certificate), and proof of financial means or employment. EU citizens registering as residents need their passport/ID and proof of income or employment. Non-EU citizens apply for the TIE card through a cita previa at the relevant immigration office.
Yes, once you are legally registered and contributing to Spain's social security system (either as an employee or autónomo), you're entitled to use the public healthcare system (Sistema Nacional de Salud).
To get your Targeta Sanitària Individual (TSI), the public health card in Catalonia, you'll need your empadronamiento certificate, your NIE or TIE, and proof of social security affiliation or residency status. You register at your local CAP (primary healthcare centre). Once registered, you'll be assigned a GP and can access the full public health system.
Private healthcare in Barcelona is high quality and widely used by expats, particularly those who aren't yet entitled to public healthcare or who prefer shorter waiting times and English-speaking doctors. Private insurers like Sanitas, Adeslas, and Asisa offer comprehensive plans. Many private hospitals and clinics in Barcelona have international patient units with multilingual staff.
Costs vary depending on age, coverage level, and insurer. As a rough guide, individual plans typically range from €50–€150 per month. If you're applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, your policy must meet minimum coverage requirements set by the Spanish consulate, usually a minimum of €30,000 coverage with no co-payments and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
In private clinics and hospitals, English-speaking doctors are widely available. In the public system it's less consistent, some GPs speak English, others don't. In larger public hospitals there are often international patient services. If language is a concern, Going to Barcelona can accompany you to medical appointments and interpret as part of our settling-in and post-relocation services.
Call 112 (the European emergency number) or go directly to the nearest urgències (A&E). Barcelona has several major hospitals with 24-hour emergency departments including Hospital Clínic, Hospital de la Vall d'Hebron, and Hospital del Mar. In non-urgent situations, your local CAP (public) or private clinic is the right first call.
It depends on your lifestyle and family situation. Eixample is central, walkable, and popular with professionals. Gràcia has a village feel and a strong expat community. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is quieter, greener, and popular with families, it's also close to many international schools. Poblenou is up-and-coming with a younger crowd. We help clients find the right neighbourhood based on their priorities as part of our home finding service.
Yes, many expat families choose towns in the Baix Llobregat (Castelldefels, Gavà) or Maresme (Premià de Mar, Vilassar de Mar) areas, which offer more space, lower rents, and good transport links to the city. The downside is longer commutes and less walkability compared to central Barcelona neighbourhoods.
Rental contracts in Barcelona are typically for a minimum of 5 years if the landlord is an individual, and 7 years if the landlord is a company under Spanish law, though many landlords offer shorter terms or charge higher prices for furnished flats outside this framework. Key things to check: whether the contract is under the LAU (Urban Rental Law), deposit requirements (usually 1–2 months), agency fees, and whether utilities are included. We review rental contracts as part of our home finding service.
Barcelona has a wide range of options: Spanish state schools (free, taught in Catalan/Spanish), subsidised concertada schools, and private international schools. International schools follow British, American, French, German, or IB curricula and are taught primarily in English or the respective language. They are fee-paying, with costs ranging from €8,000–€25,000+ per year depending on the school. Read more about our school search service.
For state and concertada schools, enrolment happens through the Barcelona City Council's annual admissions process, which runs in spring. Applications are submitted online and places are allocated based on proximity, siblings already enrolled, and income. For international schools, the process varies, most have rolling admissions but popular schools fill quickly, so applying early is essential.
It can take 6–12 months for children to become comfortable in a new language environment, but most adapt well with the right support. State schools in Catalonia teach primarily in Catalan, with Spanish as a subject. Many state schools have reception/welcome programmes for newly arrived international children. If language immersion isn't right for your family, an international school may be a better fit.
Barcelona is significantly cheaper than London, Paris, or Amsterdam, but has become more expensive in recent years. Monthly costs for a family of four (excluding rent) typically run €2,500–€4,000. Groceries, eating out, and public transport are notably affordable. Rent is the biggest variable.
Yes, Barcelona is consistently rated one of Europe's most family-friendly cities. It has excellent public spaces, beaches, parks, a strong international school network, and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. The healthcare system is solid, crime rates are low compared to other major cities, and the Mediterranean climate means plenty of outdoor time year-round.
Not immediately, Barcelona is an international city and English is widely spoken in professional and tourist environments. However, learning basic Spanish (and eventually some Catalan) will significantly improve your day-to-day life, particularly for dealing with public services, healthcare, and building local connections. Most expats find Spanish sufficient for daily life; Catalan is appreciated but not essential.
Barcelona has one of Europe's best public transport networks — Metro, bus, FGC trains, trams, and the Rodalies regional rail all connect the city efficiently. Most expats living centrally don't need a car. Those living in suburban areas or nearby towns typically find a car more practical.
It's difficult but not impossible. Most landlords require a Spanish bank account for rent payments and direct debits. Opening a bank account requires your NIE, which creates a chicken-and-egg problem for new arrivals. Some landlords accept international transfers, and some banks (like N26 or Wise) can be used temporarily. Getting your NIE and opening a bank account should be prioritised in the first weeks after arrival.
Landlords usually ask for a 2-month deposit. In practice, many landlords in Barcelona's competitive market ask for 2–3 months, and some request additional bank guarantees or proof of income. Always verify what is legally required versus what a landlord is asking for.
Yes, several agencies in Barcelona cater specifically to international clients and have English-speaking staff. However, the best flats in competitive areas often go through Spanish-language agencies or directly through landlords. Going to Barcelona works with a network of trusted agents and conducts the entire search process on your behalf, in Spanish and Catalan, to make sure you don't miss the best options.
Every relocation is different. If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for, get in touch — we’re Barcelona-based relocation experts and we’re happy to help, whether you’re at the planning stage or already on the ground.