{"id":22749,"date":"2024-07-15T15:38:41","date_gmt":"2024-07-15T13:38:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/?post_type=destinationcpt&#038;p=22749"},"modified":"2026-02-26T14:13:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T13:13:46","slug":"city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia","status":"publish","type":"destinationcpt","link":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Barcelona: our guide to a successful relocation to Catalonia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ready to drop anchor on the Costa Brava? One of Europe&#8217;s most cosmopolitan cities, Barcelona has attracted tens of thousands of expatriates, who make up nearly 20% of the population in some areas. And for good reason: replete with dynamic culture, an excellent quality of life and a thriving economy, the festive city of Barna has become a chosen haven for expatriates from all over the world. Global Health offers a guide to ease your relocation to Barcelona!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-living-in-barcelona-pros-and-cons\">Living in Barcelona: pros and cons?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-advantages\">The advantages:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A vibrant, multicultural environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life is cheaper here than in other European cities such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/expat-life-in-london-key-tips-for-a-successful-relocation\/\"><strong>London<\/strong><\/a> or<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/living-in-paris-as-an-expat-our-tips-for-a-successful-relocation\/\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/living-in-paris-as-an-expat-our-tips-for-a-successful-relocation\/\"><strong>Paris<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An agreeable climate featuring plenty of sunshine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A gorgeous coastline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A rich cultural heritage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A foodies\u2019 paradise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-disadvantages\">The disadvantages:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hordes of tourists!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barcelona&#8217;s administration is very slow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lots of noise, especially in the tourist areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fairly high cost of living compared to other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/living-as-an-expat-in-spain-our-recipe-for-a-successful-expat-life\/\">Spanish<\/a> cities, especially for property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The language barrier: proficiency in Spanish is recommended for working in Barcelona; learning Catalan is essential to fit in!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-barcelona-versus-valencia\">Barcelona versus Valencia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While Valencia is cheaper and smaller than Barcelona, and offers a more relaxed lifestyle, Barna offers more cultural and professional opportunities than &#8216;la Terreta&#8217;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-barcelona-versus-madrid\">Barcelona versus Madrid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Spanish capital, like its Catalan sister, is very dynamic and boasts a diverse cultural heritage, but Barcelona is much more multicultural and has a better climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-barcelona-versus-lisbon\">Barcelona versus Lisbon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the weather in Barcelona, like in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/expat-life-in-lisbon-your-guide-to-a-successful-relocation\/\"> Lisbon<\/a>, is pleasant and sunny, and the cost of living in the Portuguese capital is lower than in the Catalan metropolis. On the other hand, Barcelona is more multicultural and boasts richer and more diverse cultural and artistic possibilities than Lisbon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-barcelona-versus-london\">Barcelona versus London<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/living-as-an-expat-in-the-uk-our-tips-for-a-successful-relocation\/\">British<\/a> capital and Barcelona are both dynamic multicultural cities, offering a richness of culture, history and excellent professional opportunities. But in comparing the two, life in Catalonia is more relaxed and offers more days in the sun than in London!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fgh-slogan__wrapper has-ivory-background-color\">\n    <div class=\"fgh-slogan fgh-slogan--black-centered has-obsidian-background-color wp-block-fgh-slogan\">\n        <div class=\"fgh-slogan__container\">\n            \n            \n                            <div class=\"fgh-slogan__mandala-centered\">\n                    <div class=\"animated-mandala\">\n                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"147\" height=\"66\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 252 113\"><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".4\" d=\"M132.251 103.523a4.327 4.327 0 0 1 1.276 3.065v1.903a55.952 55.952 0 0 1-6.501 2.115v-2.146c0-.564-.221-1.107-.617-1.512l-4.639-4.749v7.655a2.119 2.119 0 0 1-1.843 2.113 57.114 57.114 0 0 1-4.658.391V88.751l1.073-1.074 15.909 15.846ZM110.188 88.604v23.748a56.932 56.932 0 0 1-6.5-.672V93.618a60.178 60.178 0 0 0 4.708-6.808l1.792 1.794ZM98.665 110.629a55.993 55.993 0 0 1-6.5-2.104v-2.033c0-.83.239-1.635.679-2.325a60.496 60.496 0 0 0 5.821-5v11.462ZM146.376 101.357a56.429 56.429 0 0 1-5.549 3.626L119.886 84.13l4.586-4.59 21.904 21.817ZM143.894 70.117c2.321 0 4.547.918 6.186 2.551l11.591 11.548a56.003 56.003 0 0 1-3.639 5.529l-11.984-11.937a4.384 4.384 0 0 0-3.092-1.275h-5.246l17.153 17.086a56.458 56.458 0 0 1-4.574 4.56l-22.274-22.186 5.871-5.876h10.008ZM61.433 79.483c-1.504-3.288-2.256-5.716-2.52-6.575l1.564-1.495a4.385 4.385 0 0 1 3.104-1.221h7.401l-9.55 9.29ZM169.073 58.638a56.291 56.291 0 0 1-.641 6.475h-9.65l3.756 3.733a4.382 4.382 0 0 0 3.089 1.271h1.776a55.63 55.63 0 0 1-2.051 6.416h-2.477a4.382 4.382 0 0 1-3.092-1.275l-5.163-5.14h.003l-3.757-3.733a4.381 4.381 0 0 0-3.089-1.272l-8.892.001 6.47-6.476h23.718ZM80.25 58.638l1.091 1.093-5.298 5.382h-18.97a54.702 54.702 0 0 1-.678-6.476c3.828-.002 23.823-.006 23.855.001ZM157.867 22.982v7.86a2.98 2.98 0 0 1-.878 2.11l-10.303 10.262.026.026-4.379 4.362h26.041c.384 2.512.514 3.933.624 6.476-3.828.002-23.788.007-23.817 0l-9.248-9.257 21.93-21.844.004.005ZM62.555 36.183c1.16 0 2.273.459 3.093 1.275l8.948 8.902c.27.268.572.497.896.684l5.763 5.853-1.179 1.18H56.357c.09-2.183.304-4.334.637-6.446h9.687l-3.756-3.73a4.383 4.383 0 0 0-3.09-1.273H58.02a55.519 55.519 0 0 1 2.059-6.445h2.476Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".4\" d=\"M163.997 33.159c1.557 3.263 2.231 5.754 2.508 6.61l-1.538 1.519a4.383 4.383 0 0 1-3.084 1.27l-7.435.015 9.549-9.414ZM150.132 14.55a56.663 56.663 0 0 1 4.539 4.524l-22.285 22.197-4.529-4.533 22.275-22.187ZM115.242.364c2.202.1 4.372.327 6.501.672V26.58l18.918-18.843a56.505 56.505 0 0 1 5.55 3.627L133.266 24.26v.015l-6.501 6.474v-.014l-2.459 2.45-9.064-9.072V.364ZM110.162 23.965l-1.074 1.074-3.642-3.629A60.54 60.54 0 0 0 92.473 8.267a4.318 4.318 0 0 1-.57-2.14V4.225a56.044 56.044 0 0 1 6.501-2.116v2.147c0 .564.222 1.106.617 1.511l4.64 4.75V2.862c0-1.066.779-1.979 1.843-2.113a56.931 56.931 0 0 1 4.658-.391v23.607Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".4\" d=\"M126.765 2.087a56.074 56.074 0 0 1 6.501 2.104v2.033c0 1.15-.459 2.253-1.276 3.067l-5.225 5.204V2.087Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".1\" d=\"M215.178 103.523a4.327 4.327 0 0 1 1.276 3.065v1.903a55.952 55.952 0 0 1-6.501 2.115v-2.146c0-.564-.221-1.107-.617-1.512l-4.639-4.749v7.655a2.119 2.119 0 0 1-1.843 2.113 57.151 57.151 0 0 1-4.658.391V88.751l1.073-1.074 15.909 15.846ZM193.115 88.604v23.748a56.932 56.932 0 0 1-6.5-.672V86.136l-5.023 5.003v.006l-6.501 6.475v-.006l-7.394 7.365a56.23 56.23 0 0 1-5.539-3.62l21.904-21.817 9.053 9.062Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".1\" d=\"M181.592 110.629a56.03 56.03 0 0 1-6.501-2.104v-2.033a4.33 4.33 0 0 1 1.276-3.067l5.225-5.204v12.408ZM229.303 101.357a56.429 56.429 0 0 1-5.549 3.626L202.813 84.13l4.586-4.59 21.904 21.817ZM180.518 75.995l-22.273 22.186a58.106 58.106 0 0 1-1.194-1.091 59.992 59.992 0 0 0 11.779-18.533l7.141-7.112 4.547 4.55ZM226.821 70.117c2.321 0 4.547.918 6.186 2.551l11.591 11.548a56.003 56.003 0 0 1-3.639 5.529l-11.984-11.937a4.384 4.384 0 0 0-3.092-1.275h-5.246l17.153 17.086a56.458 56.458 0 0 1-4.574 4.56l-22.274-22.186 5.871-5.876h10.008ZM252 58.638a56.07 56.07 0 0 1-.642 6.475h-9.649l3.756 3.733a4.382 4.382 0 0 0 3.089 1.271h1.776a55.63 55.63 0 0 1-2.051 6.416h-2.477a4.382 4.382 0 0 1-3.092-1.275l-5.163-5.14h.003l-3.757-3.733a4.381 4.381 0 0 0-3.089-1.272l-8.893.001 6.47-6.476H252ZM172.424 67.895l-.551.547c.063-.305.123-.611.181-.918l.37.37ZM240.794 22.982v7.86c0 .79-.316 1.55-.879 2.11l-10.302 10.262.026.026-4.379 4.362h26.041c.384 2.512.514 3.933.624 6.476-3.828.002-23.788.007-23.817 0l-9.248-9.257 21.93-21.844.004.005ZM180.343 36.723l-5.901 5.905h-2.933a59.161 59.161 0 0 0-1.909-6.445h1.048l-1.677-1.67a59.96 59.96 0 0 0-11.999-18.975c.361-.338.726-.672 1.096-1.001l22.275 22.186Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".1\" d=\"M246.924 33.159c1.557 3.263 2.231 5.754 2.508 6.61l-1.539 1.519a4.38 4.38 0 0 1-3.083 1.27l-7.435.015 9.549-9.414ZM233.059 14.55a56.663 56.663 0 0 1 4.539 4.524l-22.285 22.197-4.529-4.533 22.275-22.187ZM198.169.364c2.202.1 4.372.327 6.501.672V26.58l18.918-18.843a56.505 56.505 0 0 1 5.55 3.627L216.193 24.26v.015l-6.501 6.474v-.014l-2.459 2.45-9.064-9.072V.364ZM188.472 28.586l-4.586 4.59-21.904-21.817a56.365 56.365 0 0 1 5.548-3.626l20.942 20.853ZM193.088 23.965l-1.073 1.074-15.909-15.846a4.331 4.331 0 0 1-1.276-3.066V4.225a56.098 56.098 0 0 1 6.501-2.116v2.147c0 .564.222 1.106.617 1.511l4.64 4.75V2.862c0-1.066.779-1.979 1.843-2.113a56.944 56.944 0 0 1 4.657-.391v23.607Z\"\/><path fill=\"#7E7E7E\" fill-opacity=\".1\" d=\"M209.692 2.087a56.074 56.074 0 0 1 6.501 2.104v2.033c0 1.15-.459 2.253-1.276 3.067l-5.225 5.204V2.087Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M75.894 103.824a4.368 4.368 0 0 1 1.275 3.085v1.914a55.706 55.706 0 0 1-6.5 2.13v-2.16c0-.568-.222-1.114-.617-1.522l-4.64-4.779v7.703c0 1.073-.779 1.992-1.843 2.127a56.673 56.673 0 0 1-4.658.394V88.958l1.074-1.082 15.909 15.948ZM53.83 88.81v23.899a56.263 56.263 0 0 1-6.5-.675V86.326l-5.022 5.035v.007l-6.5 6.516v-.007l-7.395 7.413a56.365 56.365 0 0 1-5.54-3.643L44.778 79.69l9.054 9.12Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M42.308 110.975a55.67 55.67 0 0 1-6.5-2.117v-2.046a4.37 4.37 0 0 1 1.275-3.086l5.225-5.237v12.486ZM90.019 101.645a56.306 56.306 0 0 1-5.549 3.648L63.53 84.307l4.586-4.62 21.904 21.958ZM41.234 76.12 18.96 98.45a56.742 56.742 0 0 1-4.557-4.57l22.284-22.338 4.547 4.58ZM87.536 70.205c2.322 0 4.547.924 6.187 2.567l11.591 11.621a56.581 56.581 0 0 1-3.64 5.565L89.691 77.945a4.369 4.369 0 0 0-3.093-1.283h-5.246l17.154 17.195a56.745 56.745 0 0 1-4.575 4.59L71.658 76.118l5.87-5.914h10.008ZM.038 58.651c3.828-.002 23.822-.006 23.854.002l9.248 9.316-21.93 21.983-.004-.005v-7.913c0-.794.315-1.557.875-2.12L26.74 65.168H.714a55.401 55.401 0 0 1-.676-6.518Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M7.223 70.28h7.402l-9.55 9.35c-1.504-3.308-2.256-5.752-2.519-6.616L4.12 71.51a4.37 4.37 0 0 1 3.104-1.23ZM112.716 58.653a56.784 56.784 0 0 1-.642 6.516h-9.65l3.756 3.757c.82.82 1.931 1.28 3.09 1.28h1.775a56.046 56.046 0 0 1-2.051 6.456h-2.476a4.371 4.371 0 0 1-3.093-1.283l-5.162-5.174h.002L94.51 66.45a4.37 4.37 0 0 0-3.09-1.28l-8.892.001 6.47-6.517h23.719ZM101.509 22.77v7.909c0 .796-.315 1.56-.878 2.124L90.329 43.13l.026.026-4.38 4.39h26.041c.384 2.528.514 3.958.625 6.518-3.829.002-23.788.007-23.817-.001l-9.249-9.316 21.931-21.983a.24.24 0 0 0 .003.005ZM6.198 36.054c1.16 0 2.273.462 3.092 1.283l5.193 5.204 3.755 3.755c.82.82 1.931 1.28 3.09 1.28h8.83l-6.44 6.487H0c.09-2.197.304-4.362.637-6.487h9.686L6.568 43.82a4.369 4.369 0 0 0-3.09-1.28H1.664a56.11 56.11 0 0 1 2.059-6.486h2.476ZM41.058 36.597l-5.9 5.944h-9.949a8.738 8.738 0 0 1-6.186-2.568L7.402 28.323a56.548 56.548 0 0 1 3.64-5.565L23.024 34.77a4.369 4.369 0 0 0 3.093 1.284h5.245L14.21 18.859a56.762 56.762 0 0 1 4.574-4.59l22.274 22.328Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M107.64 33.01c1.557 3.284 2.231 5.792 2.508 6.652l-1.539 1.529a4.369 4.369 0 0 1-3.083 1.28l-7.435.014 9.549-9.475ZM93.774 14.284a56.75 56.75 0 0 1 4.54 4.552L76.028 41.175l-4.53-4.563 22.275-22.328ZM58.885.006c2.202.101 4.371.329 6.5.676V26.39L84.303 7.426a56.39 56.39 0 0 1 5.55 3.65L76.909 24.055v.015l-6.5 6.516v-.015l-2.46 2.465-9.063-9.13V.007ZM49.187 28.409l-4.586 4.62L22.697 11.07a56.374 56.374 0 0 1 5.549-3.649l20.941 20.986ZM53.804 23.758l-1.073 1.081L36.822 8.892a4.369 4.369 0 0 1-1.276-3.086V3.892a55.79 55.79 0 0 1 6.501-2.13v2.16c0 .569.221 1.115.617 1.522l4.64 4.78V2.52c0-1.073.778-1.991 1.843-2.126A56.57 56.57 0 0 1 53.804 0v23.758Z\"\/><path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M70.408 1.74a55.78 55.78 0 0 1 6.5 2.117v2.047a4.369 4.369 0 0 1-1.275 3.086l-5.225 5.237V1.74Z\"\/><\/svg>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"fgh-slogan__content\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"fgh-slogan__title\">Looking for health coverage abroad?<\/h2>\n                \n                            <\/div>\n\n                            <div class=\"fgh-slogan__button\">\n                    \n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline-white-arrow-right\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/application.globalhealth.insurance\/\">get a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-finding-accommodation-in-barcelona\">Finding accommodation in Barcelona<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Barcelona&#8217;s runaway success with expatriates and tourists has contributed to drive <strong>up the price of accommodation<\/strong> for both short and long-term rentals. The price per square metre for rentals has reached \u20ac20.8. For example, a one-bedroom flat in the city centre costs between \u20ac850 and \u20ac1,500 per month, depending on the district and the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the <strong>property market<\/strong> is very buoyant, with a wide variety of properties available for both rent and purchase, including studios, flats and villas. If modern living is your thing, you may like the large residential complexes that have changed the face of the city through urban development projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s best to start looking for your dream home as soon as you arrive. Start by renting for a short period to give you time to explore the city and get a better idea of the area that best suits your needs and preferences. You can browse the classifieds on websites such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.idealista.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Idealista<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.habitaclia.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Habitaclia<\/a>, contact estate agents or rely on your own network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need an NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) and a Spanish bank account of which both are required to rent accommodation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/pexels-enricoperini-705423-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"expat life barcelona\" class=\"wp-image-22690\" style=\"width:338px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/pexels-enricoperini-705423-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/pexels-enricoperini-705423-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/pexels-enricoperini-705423-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/pexels-enricoperini-705423-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/pexels-enricoperini-705423-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/pexels-enricoperini-705423-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-best-areas-for-expats\">What are the best areas for expats?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many expatriate families choose to live in l&#8217;<strong>Eixample<\/strong>, a large, lively and pleasant district right in the centre of the city, with easy access to the old town and the sea. Equally pleasant and lively are <strong>Pablenou and Sant Gervasi-Galvany<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The upmarket residential district of <strong>Pedralbes<\/strong>, to the west of the city, is also very popular with expat families, with its beautiful houses and peaceful gardens. Some choose to live on the outskirts of the city, or in neighbouring provincial towns such as <strong>Sitges<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re more of an urban soul, you can settle down in the city&#8217;s central districts, either as a couple or on your own, such as El Raval or El Born, both very multicultural and trendy areas, or Gracia, a lively and popular district for urbanites. If you want to be as close to the sea as possible, drop anchor in Barceloneta, one of Barcelona&#8217;s most emblematic districts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a lifestyle that&#8217;s both exclusive and relaxed, head to the &#8216;<strong>Zona Alta<\/strong>&#8216;, one of Barcelona\u2019s most luxurious residential areas, where impressive villas rub shoulders with top-notch schools as well as healthcare and sporting facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-daily-life-in-barcelona\">Daily life in Barcelona<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cost-of-living\">Cost of living<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The cost of living in Barcelona is relatively low compared with other European cities such as Paris or London, but it is still quite expensive compared to other Spanish cities, especially when it comes to accommodation and leisure activities. In fact, the cost of living in the Catalan capital has risen significantly over the last decade, particularly in the property market, where rents have risen by 88% over that period of time. For example, a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around \u20ac2,100. Monthly charges for water, electricity and gas are about \u20ac150, and a gym membership costs an average of \u20ac45 a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-getting-around-barcelona\">Getting around Barcelona<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Barcelona&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tmb.cat\/ca\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public transport system<\/a> (bus, train, tram and metro) is modern, reliable and quite cheap. It is undoubtedly the most practical way to get around the city, and even the provinces. If you&#8217;re planning to move to Barcelona, don&#8217;t forget to get the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tmb.cat\/ca\/tarifes-metro-bus-barcelona\/t-mobilitat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> T-mobilitat<\/a>, an electronic ticketing system that makes it easy to get around. Cycling is also an option if you work and live in the city centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-parles-catala\">Parles Catala?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Barcelona is Catalan before it is Spanish, and although Castilian is spoken here, it is still the second language. It is possible to live in Barcelona without speaking Spanish, if you make the effort to learn&#8230; Catalan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many administrative formalities can now be carried out in English, but it&#8217;s still important to learn Catalan for everyday life. Although Barna is a very cosmopolitan city, learning the language of Dali is a guarantee to better integration into Barcelona society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpnl.cat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CNPL<\/a> (Consorci per a la Normalitzaci\u00f3 Ling\u00fc\u00edstica), a Catalan public institution, offers free Catalan courses at all levels for residents of Barcelona. And if you prefer to study the language online from home, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/parla.cat\/login\/index.php?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Parla.cat<\/a> !<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-working-in-barcelona\">Working in Barcelona<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Barcelona is the <strong>economic heart of Catalonia<\/strong>. It offers many job opportunities, particularly in the tourism, e-commerce, marketing, ICT, education, automotive and textile industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless you choose to work as a freelancer, digital nomad or create your own start-up, a good level of Spanish, or even Catalan, is necessary to work as an employee in a local company. Speaking Catalan is compulsory in public administration and in certain companies dealing with a Catalan-speaking public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Barcelona is home to many international companies where speaking English will be highly valued, if not required. In fact, the more international the company, the less need to speak Catalan or even Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>average annual salary<\/strong> in Barcelona is \u20ac32,324 and the maximum working week is 40 hours. Depending on the company, it is not uncommon, as in other Spanish cities, to work from 9am to 1.30pm and then, after a long lunch break (and a good siesta!), to resume work around 4pm to 5pm. In summertime, some employees work continuously from 9am to 3pm and then stop.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-barcelona-as-a-family-sending-your-children-to-school\">Barcelona as a family: sending your children to school<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Expat parents can choose between state schools, public schools and international public schools for their children, some of which offer French-language tuition. If you are interested in enrolling your kids in Catalan schools, you can consult the list of state, private and semi-private schools in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.edubcn.cat\/ca\/alumnat_i_familia\/informacio_general_matriculacio\/arees_influencia\/consulta_de_centres_educatius#\/cerca\">&#8220;zone of influence<\/a>&#8220;, depending on where you live. If you need more information, schools organise open days from January onwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anglophone expats often choose to send their kids to International and English-speaking schools in Barcelona such as St Peter\u2019s School, the British School of Barcelona or Hamelin-Laie International School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-healthcare-in-barcelona\">Healthcare in Barcelona<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Barcelona, as in the rest of Spain, the social security system, and in particular public health insurance, provides universal protection for everyone, including expatriates. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/destination\/international-health-insurance-for-expats-in-spain\/\">The Spanish national health system<\/a> is one of the cheapest and most efficient in Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Barcelona, you will need to register with<a href=\"https:\/\/catsalut.gencat.cat\/ca\/inici\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> CatSalut,<\/a> the Catalan public health insurance scheme, once you have been registered with the municipal register of inhabitants (<a href=\"https:\/\/atc.gencat.cat\/es\/tributs\/impost-emissions-vehicles\/acces-padro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">padr\u00f3n<\/a>). Once you have completed these formalities, you will receive your individual health card (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.barcelona.cat\/internationalwelcome\/ca\/targeta-sanitaria-individual-tsi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TSI<\/a>), which will allow you to access the public health services, including the primary health centre (CAP &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/catsalut.gencat.cat\/ca\/centres-sanitaris\/index.html#googtrans(ca|en)\">Centre d&#8217;Atenci\u00f3 Primaria<\/a>) which is allocated according to where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the event of a medical emergency, you can go to your nearest CAP or hospital, or call 061 (<em>CatSalut Respon<\/em>) wherever you are in Catalonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Barcelona is home to 58 health establishments, 12 of them public and 46 private, some of which are internationally recognized, particularly in the fields of oncology, transplants and advanced surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Barcelona&#8217;s top hospitals include<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clinicbarcelona.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Hospital Cl\u00ednic<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.santpau.cat\/ca\/web\/public\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Hospital Vall d&#8217;Hebron<\/a>, and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.santpau.cat\/ca\/web\/public\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau<\/a>. Other medical institutions such as<a href=\"https:\/\/international.quironsalud.com\/en\/hospitals\/reference-hospitals\/centro-medico-teknon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Centro M\u00e9dico Teknon<\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sjdhospitalbarcelona.org\/fr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Hospital Sant Joan de D\u00e9u<\/a> (one of the oldest pediatric hospitals in Europe) and <a href=\"https:\/\/international.quironsalud.com\/es\/hospitales\/hospitales-referencia\/hospital-quironsalud-barcelona\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hospital Quir\u00f3nsalud Barcelona<\/a> are also highly regarded for the high quality of their medical services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For greater flexibility and better healthcare coverage in Barcelona and worldwide, many expatriates choose to take out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/\">international health insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":22687,"template":"","class_list":["post-22749","destinationcpt","type-destinationcpt","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"post_subtitle":"","post_badge":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Living in Barcelona as an expat | Global Health<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Barcelona, from the pros and cons to everyday life.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Living in Barcelona as an expat | Global Health\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Barcelona, from the pros and cons to everyday life.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Global Health\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-26T13:13:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/enes-f-DvU93UhTs-unsplash-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1708\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/\",\"name\":\"Living in Barcelona as an expat | Global Health\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/enes-f-DvU93UhTs-unsplash-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-07-15T13:38:41+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-26T13:13:46+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Barcelona, from the pros and cons to everyday life.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/enes-f-DvU93UhTs-unsplash-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/enes-f-DvU93UhTs-unsplash-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1708,\"caption\":\"living in barcelona expat\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Accueil\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Moving to Barcelona: our guide to a successful relocation to Catalonia\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/\",\"name\":\"Global Health\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Global Health\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logo-global-health-dark.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logo-global-health-dark.png\",\"width\":1285,\"height\":172,\"caption\":\"Global Health\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Living in Barcelona as an expat | Global Health","description":"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Barcelona, from the pros and cons to everyday life.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Living in Barcelona as an expat | Global Health","og_description":"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Barcelona, from the pros and cons to everyday life.","og_url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/","og_site_name":"Global Health","article_modified_time":"2026-02-26T13:13:46+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1708,"url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/enes-f-DvU93UhTs-unsplash-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/","name":"Living in Barcelona as an expat | Global Health","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/enes-f-DvU93UhTs-unsplash-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2024-07-15T13:38:41+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-26T13:13:46+00:00","description":"Discover all the tips and advice you need to prepare for your expatriation to Barcelona, from the pros and cons to everyday life.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/enes-f-DvU93UhTs-unsplash-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/enes-f-DvU93UhTs-unsplash-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1708,"caption":"living in barcelona expat"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/destination\/city-moving-to-barcelona-our-guide-to-a-successful-relocation-to-catalonia\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Accueil","item":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Moving to Barcelona: our guide to a successful relocation to Catalonia"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#website","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/","name":"Global Health","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#organization","name":"Global Health","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logo-global-health-dark.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/logo-global-health-dark.png","width":1285,"height":172,"caption":"Global Health"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"lang":"en","translations":{"en":22749,"fr":22686,"de":22886},"pll_sync_post":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destinationcpt\/22749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destinationcpt"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/destinationcpt"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destinationcpt\/22749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38077,"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/destinationcpt\/22749\/revisions\/38077"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22687"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/globalhealth.insurance\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}