Living in Barcelona: an expat guide
What to expect when moving to Barcelona
Known for its blend of historic charm and modern living, Barcelona is home to a lively expatriate community, excellent international schools, and a diverse, family-friendly lifestyle. While Spanish and Catalan are the official languages, English is widely spoken in the city, especially in international neighbourhoods, easing the transition for newcomers. With an emphasis on work-life balance, world-class healthcare, and cultural and recreational activities, Barcelona provides a warm, cosmopolitan environment that helps families feel at home quickly.
Barcelona’s location on the northeastern coast of Spain puts it at the heart of the Mediterranean, offering easy access to the beach and the mountains. Just a few hours away by plane or train from major European cities, it serves as the perfect base for travel within Spain and beyond. With its blend of seaside relaxation and metropolitan energy, Barcelona allows families to enjoy weekend escapes to nearby coastal towns or the Pyrenees, making it an ideal spot for those who love both urban life and the outdoors.
Language
Spain’s second-largest city is also the capital of Catalonia. While many people in Barcelona speak English, learning Spanish and/or Catalan will help you integrate better and make day-to-day life easier. The overwhelming majority of residents consider themselves fully bilingual, but the further outside of the city you travel, the more Catalan you will hear.
Many Catalan families speak only Catalan at home, seeing it as a core part of their identity. Catalan is the primary language of instruction in state schools across Catalonia, with Spanish and sometimes English taught as additional languages. It’s the official language for administrative matters and the working language of local government bodies and institutions. Most websites and official correspondence will be in Catalan and Spanish and if you visit a government building, you will always have the option to be attended to in either language, but don’t be surprised to sometimes hear an automated answering service in Catalan only.
That being said, Spanish is spoken extensively in Barcelona too. A considerable part of Barcelona’s population is made up of residents who come from other parts of Spain or from other Spanish-speaking countries.
There are ample opportunities to learn both languages in an array of official language schools (Escola Oficial d’Idiomes), private centres, or language exchange meet-ups (known as intercambios). Free Catalan courses are also offered through the Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística.
Most non-native Spanish speakers tend to learn Spanish first and then may attempt to learn Catalan too. The Catalans are very proud of their language and will definitely appreciate it if you are able to to at least learn some basics.
With an emphasis on work-life balance, world-class healthcare, and cultural and recreational activities, Barcelona provides a warm, cosmopolitan environment that helps families feel at home quickly.
Safety
Overall Barcelona is a safe city with very low levels of violent crime, but it is rife with pick-pockets, particularly around La Rambla and surrounding neighbourhoods and in and around the metro. It’s almost a rite of passage to be a victim of petty theft and once it has happened, for sure you’ll be on your guard not to let it happen a second time!
Where to live in Barcelona
Barcelona offers diverse neighbourhoods (known as barrios) and surrounding areas that cater to different lifestyles, each popular with international families. Barcelona is one of Spain’s more expensive cities, particularly in central areas, and rent can vary greatly depending on the neighbourhood.
Which part of the city or surrounding towns you choose to live in will depend greatly on the school your children attend. Most international schools are clustered around the affluent neighbourhoods of Pedralbes, Sarrià, and Sant Gervasi, but there are also reputable international schools in the surrounding areas, north, south, and west of the city.
City neighbourhoods
Barcelona’s most affluent area, Zona Alta, includes the neighbourhoods of Pedralbes, Sarrià, and Sant Gervasi. Home to luxury properties, foreign consulates and embassies, and a handful of international celebrities, this exclusive area is popular among locals and internationals alike for its green spaces, low levels of traffic, excellent medical centres, and access to great bars and restaurants. Benjamin Franklin International School, BSB City, Kensington School, Oak House, St Peter’s School, The Learn Academy, and The Swiss School can all be found here.
The Eixample district is Barcelona's Modernist heart. With its central location and rich history, if you live here, you will experience the essence of Barcelona every day. A reliable public transport system means getting to schools in Zona Alta is not a hardship.
More trendy alternatives would be Gràcia and Poble Nou. Gràcia is often referred to as a village within the city and its small narrow streets set it apart from other neighbourhoods. Gràcia has a bohemian atmosphere reflected in its many small locally owned shops, cafes and restaurants, and has a strong sense of community.
The beachfront barrio of Poblenou was once home to Catalonia’s heaviest concentration of factories, but now you’ll find urban parks, industrial spaces turned into nightclubs, and 22@, an urban transformation project aimed at creating a new innovation district. The Rambla de Poblenou is the historic heart of the barrio and is always full of life. The area is popular with internationals wanting to stay away from the more touristy parts of the city.
Surrounding towns
Sant Cugat del Vallès, 15 kilometres northwest of Barcelona is a favourite for those seeking a quieter, village-like atmosphere. With green spaces, reputable schools, and an easy train commute into the city, it is ideal for families who want a relaxed suburban feel close to Barcelona yet away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Agora International School and the European International School of Barcelona are popular amongst international families.
The coastal towns of Castelldefels and Sitges, located 20 and 35 kilometres respectively southwest of Barcelona, are both easily accessible by train or car. Sitges in particular oozes charm and the town’s relaxed atmosphere, along with large sandy beaches and a promenade give it a distinct holiday feel. Their close proximity to Garraf Natural Park,12,000 hectares of natural beauty, makes this area the perfect location for outdoor enthusiasts. This coastline also boasts several top international schools — The British School of Barcelona (campuses in both Sitges and Castelldefels), The British College of Gavà, and The Olive Tree School (Sant Pere de Ribes) — making it very popular with international families. The short drive to the airport makes it a practical choice for frequent travellers but be aware there’s an expensive toll road between Castelldefels and Sitges.
The Maresme Coast, with its string of beachside towns just north of Barcelona, appeals to families drawn to coastal living with sandy beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, and a growing international community. With the Serralada Litoral Park and a plethora of padel and tennis clubs, sailing clubs, and golf courses, the Maresme is great for families looking to make the most of the outdoors.
Getting started in Barcelona
Starting a new chapter in Barcelona is exciting, but it’s important to be prepared for the practicalities of life in this vibrant (but often bureaucratic) city. When you first arrive, you need to complete several administrative procedures, such as applying for an NIE or TIE and registering on the municipal register. Barcelona International Welcome, an initiative from the Catalan government, is a useful place to start for information, advice, and networking.
Residency and visas
If you're moving from outside the EU, you'll need a visa to live and work in Spain. The process varies depending on your nationality and reason for moving (work, family, studies). Be sure to apply in advance and gather necessary documents like proof of employment or financial means. If you are moving here with a company, they will likely sort out this type of admin. Many expats who make the move to Barcelona as a lifestyle choice rely on the digital nomad visa (introduced in 2023).
Getting your NIE and/or TIE
The NIE is a foreign identity number (número de identidad de extranjero) assigned to every foreigner who comes to live or work in Spain. It is nothing to do with residence and it is not a work permit. You’ll need a NIE for transactions such as buying and selling property, buying or selling a vehicle, opening a resident’s bank account, completing tax procedures, etc.
If you’re an EU citizen, you’ll also need a certificate of registration if you wish to stay in Spain for more than three months. And if you are a non-EU citizen (the British are included in this) who wants to stay in Spain longer than six months, you’ll need a TIE and a physical identity card. The NIE appears on both the certificate of registration and the TIE.
To apply for an NIE, you’ll need an in-person appointment, and here's the tricky part: they are nigh-on impossible to get hold of! So we wholeheartedly recommend you use the services of a professional company to help you — and there are many reputable ones in Barcelona.
Empadronamiento
Empadronamiento (also called padrón) is a city hall registration to inform the municipal register where you currently reside. You’ll need to re-register if you move from one municipality to another. Registering is compulsory and gives the registrant the status of local resident. Once you have your padrón, you will have access to public healthcare and state education. Registering is straightforward and can be done at your local ayuntamiento.
Healthcare
Spain offers both public and private healthcare. Residents can access public healthcare through the Spanish social security system, but many expats opt for private health insurance for quicker access to services. AXA, Cigna, Adeslas, and Sanitas are popular choices.
Banking
Opening a Spanish bank account is necessary for paying rent, utilities, and receiving salaries. Most banks will require proof of address, your NIE, and proof of income. International banks like Santander and BBVA also have English-speaking staff.
Day-to-day living in Barcelona
Barcelona boasts an excellent public transport system, including buses, metro, and trams, which makes getting around the city easy. The city centre is small enough to walk everywhere and is very pedestrian-friendly. Neighbourhoods surrounding the city centre are all well-connected by bus and metro. Barcelona also has bike lanes, and many residents use Bicing, Barcelona’s bicycle-sharing system. For travel outside of the centre, the Rodalies, Catalonia’s regional rail network (Cercanias in Spanish) has excellent connections to the airport, and along the coast north and south.
Cultural integration
While Barcelona has a reputation for being very cosmopolitan, it's essential to embrace the local culture. Spaniards are known for their warm and friendly nature, so engaging in local festivals, understanding the local way of life, and learning the language and customs is all about integrating but also about enjoying life and having fun.
Catalans are very family-oriented and sometimes have a reputation for being somewhat distant from outsiders but showing genuine interest in their language and (slightly odd) customs will go a long way to warming their tough exterior. During your first Christmas in Barcelona, don’t be surprised if your children ask to have a Caga Tió (literally 'the pooping log') at home! Delight in the Castellers who create human towers of dizzying heights, give books and roses on Sant Jordi’s Day, a vibrant festival of love and literature, and be terrified watching a Correfoc (literally fire-run) as a group of people dressed as devils brandish flames and let off fireworks. Embracing these traditions will help you feel part of the community and more at home.
Public holidays
Each autonomous community in Spain is designated 14 public holidays per year — including the nine national ones. If a public holiday happens to fall on a Sunday an alternative date is designated. When the Spanish or Catalans have a public holiday that falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, it is quite common for employers to give their workers the Monday or Friday off (or for employees themselves to take the Monday or Friday off), and for schools to give extra days off and make a long weekend of it. This is known as ‘making a bridge’ and means there is ample opportunity to explore surrounding areas of Spain or other European cities throughout the year.
Meeting new people
Barcelona is home to a strong expatriate community, making it easier for newcomers to connect and build friendships. Barcelona is known for its rich cultural scene, outdoor lifestyle, and vibrant social life. From tapas bars and beach clubs to art museums and live music venues, there's always something to do. Joining local expat groups or community events can also help you make connections.
Most international schools have active parent groups and there are plenty of networking groups such as the Barcelona Women’s Network (BWN) and the Professional Women’s Network (PWN). The American Society is very active too. Backstory bookshop is not only a bookshop but is also an events space and has plenty of networking and community events for the English-speaking community. There are also a plethora of Facebook and WhatsApp groups for different neighbourhoods and specific interests.
Family-friendly
For families, Barcelona offers excellent parks, playgrounds, and activities for children, from the beach to adventure parks. There are also a number of family-friendly cafes and restaurants, and many neighbourhoods are safe and easy to navigate with kids.
The last word
Barcelona’s location gives families the best of both worlds: sun-drenched beaches just minutes away from the city centre and the Catalan countryside at your doorstep. Major European destinations are a quick flight away, and high-speed trains connect you to other parts of Spain with ease. This blend of coastal beauty, urban convenience, and international accessibility makes Barcelona an attractive base for families eager to explore Europe while enjoying a rich local lifestyle.