Settling in Barcelona Made Easy

SERVICES > MUST-HAVES ON ARRIVAL

Moving to Barcelona involves more than finding a home. Our Settling-in Services cover every essential administrative step so you can start your new life stress-free. From registration at the town hall (empadronamiento) to obtaining your social security number or bank account, we make sure your documents are complete and your transition is seamless.

Essential Steps for Settling in Barcelona

When you move to Barcelona, “settling in” includes all the key steps that make your relocation official — from obtaining your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) to registering your address and accessing public services.
Our team assists you with every requirement, helping you:

    • Complete official registrations.

    • Manage paperwork efficiently.

    • Comply with Spanish legal and residency obligations.

Each step is coordinated with local institutions, ensuring your move to Barcelona is both compliant and stress-free.

How We Make Settling in Barcelona Simple

Our relocation specialists handle all paperwork and coordinate directly with local offices, saving you time, stress, and unnecessary delays. We verify every document before submission, accompany you to key appointments, and make sure every detail is correctly filed.

We work closely with experienced immigration lawyers and trusted local partners, offering full transparency and guidance throughout the process.
Whether you’re relocating alone or with your family, we make your first months in Barcelona easier, safer, and more organized.

Our clients avoid the common loop of “come back tomorrow” or “you’re missing one document.” We ensure you bring the proper papers, go to the right office, and get it right the first time. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and feel confident knowing every step is handled efficiently and correctly.

Settling in Barcelona: How Our Services Help You

Our services cover every essential administrative step for new residents in Barcelona — and complement our other relocation solutions such as Home Finding and School Search.

Bank Account Assistance for Settling in Barcelona

We help you choose the most suitable bank, schedule your appointment, and prepare all required documentation.

Social Security (Número de Seguridad Social)

If you’re working in Spain, registering with the Social Security system is mandatory. We arrange your appointment, prepare forms, and guide you through the process.

Town Hall Registration Support in Barcelona

Registering at your local Town Hall is essential accessing healthcare, schools, and other services. We schedule and accompany you to yourfor  appointment.

Digital Certificate

A Digital Certificate allows you to manage many official procedures online. We handle the application process and guide you through activation.

Public Health Card

We assist in applying for your CatSalut card so you can access Barcelona’s healthcare system without delays.

Driving Licence

If you hold a foreign driving license, we guide you through the exchange process or new application, ensuring compliance with Spanish law. For more details on residency and permit options, see our Immigration Support in Barcelona page

FAQs About Settling In

  • What does “settling in” mean when moving to Barcelona

    Settling in covers all the practical steps that make your move complete — registering your address (empadronamiento), opening a bank account, getting your social security number, and applying for your digital certificate or health card. Our settling-in services in Barcelona help you handle all of these with guidance and efficiency.

  • Can I open a bank account in Barcelona without a NIE?

    Some banks allow you to open a non-resident account with a passport, but it’s often temporary. Once you have your NIE, it’s best to switch to a resident account to avoid restrictions. We guide you on which banks accept your documents and prepare everything so your account opening goes smoothly.

  • How do I register my address (empadronamiento) in Barcelona?

    You need proof of residence (rental contract or owner’s authorization) and your passport or NIE. Appointments are often required at the Town Hall. We manage the booking, help with documents, and even accompany you if needed, ensuring your registration is accepted on the first visit. Please note that certain rental contracts will not allow you to register with the local council.

  • How long does it take to get a Social Security number or health card?

    The social security number is usually issued within a few days once the paperwork is correct. The public health card (CatSalut) takes longer, depending on the assigned medical center. Our team prepares all forms and follows up until everything is completed.

  • What is the Digital Certificate and why do I need it?

    The Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) is used for signing official forms online — for example, tax declarations or Town Hall requests. It’s essential for anyone living in Spain long-term. We help you apply for and activate it correctly, saving you multiple visits and errors.

  • Can you help me with the driver’s license exchange or validation?

    Yes. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to exchange your license directly or go through a medical and driving test. We coordinate all the requirements, book your appointments, and guide you through the process with the DGT.

  • Do I need to be in Barcelona to complete these procedures?

    Most procedures must be done in person, but we can prepare all forms and schedule appointments before your arrival, so you can complete them efficiently once you’re here.

What Our Clients Say

Everything was done very quickly and smoothly! I used services when moving to Spain and I got help from Tristan who explained everything very clearly and helped me find a way in the complicated Spanish bureaucracy 🙂 Everything was done very quickly and smoothly, 100% recommended.
 Lujza Tokosova, via Google Reviews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐