How to Move to Barcelona

Barcelona is a vibrant, modern but historic city in northeastern Spain with some of the world’s best food, architecture, and nightlife. It is also home to a blossoming international business sector, which makes Barcelona a great place to live and launch your career. It may seem like an overwhelming task if you’re considering a move there, but the process doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips for moving to Barcelona. If you still have questions or concerns, it is often helpful to enlist an experienced third party who can help manage the logistics while you focus on your new adventure.

Landing a Job 

If you plan to live abroad, you must be able to support yourself. Luckily, there is a thriving international business sector in Barcelona that needs both English and Spanish-speaking employees. There are several ways to go about landing a job, but it’s beneficial to speak with a licensed third party if you are new to the workforce. There are tremendous numbers of opportunities open to students or recent grads looking for internships and entry-level positions. An internship placement company can help you look for jobs by field and level of experience. Further, they will be able to help you identify opportunities that best complement and enhance your resume.

Finding Your Neighborhood

Barcelona is a dense, urban city with beautifully distinct neighborhoods. Some of the most popular include the historic Gothic Quarter (Old City), bustling La Ramba, scenic Montjuïc, and the port and waterfront. The business sector is located in the Innovation District, an area formerly known as Poblenou. Since 2001, the number of people living in the central business district has increased by around 22%. While living close to your office is ideal, it’s not necessary to live right next door. Barcelona has an extensive public transportation system, including the metro, so you can quickly travel from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Language 

There are two predominant languages in Barcelona, Spain. The first is Catalan and the other is Spanish. They are both official languages and are widely spoken. Barcelonans often consider themselves part of Catalonia rather than Spain, so you will particularly impress them if you learn some phrases in Catalan. One great benefit of living in Barcelona, however, is that a significant percentage of the population speaks or understands English. Barcelona is also a booming international business hub, and many companies need English-speaking employees to stay relevant.

The Fine Print

Anyone relocating to Barcelona must  obtain a Numero de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE). It’s your residency number and proves that you can support yourself financially. There are different processes for different purposes and time lengths, so it’s best to consult your local Spanish embassy for the most up to date information. For example, you may not need to show proof of funds if you’re only going to be living in Barcelona for less than three months. Anyone staying longer than three months may need additional paperwork. If you don’t feel comfortable navigating the relocation process yourself, you can work with a third party who can help facilitate the logistical aspects of an international move. Paperwork should never be an obstacle to a life-changing experience.