A Guide To Moving To Barcelona

A Guide To Moving To Barcelona

From the most compacted cultural and historical heritage to avant-garde modernity, Barcelona strikes a balance between tradition and innovation. With breathtaking architecture, beautiful Mediterranean beaches and an enviable quality of life, this is a destination that draws expats from around the world
and if you plan on making this Spanish gem your new home, this guide will run you through the basics of moving to Barcelona.

Understanding the City Layout and Neighbourhoods to Consider The city is divided into several districts, each with its own character. The most famous is
Ciutat Vella which includes the Gothic Quarter, El Born and La Barceloneta. From here the historic centre opens up into a maze of narrow streets full of charm and tourist attractions.
Famously, L’Eixample was built according to an orthogonal plan and houses various architectural marvels designed by Gaudí. Gràcia offers a village-like atmosphere with boutique shops and vibrant plazas, while up-and-coming areas like Poblenou are fast becoming hip for young professionals and artists. For families, areas such as Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Les Corts offer quiet residential streets with good schools. Whereas trendier areas like El Born, Gràcia, or even beachside Barceloneta are popular with young professionals. If your budget is a bit tighter, consider the up-and-coming areas of Poblenou or Sant Andreu.

Climate and Weather

Among the highlights that make Barcelona appealing is the Mediterranean climate it possesses. It has warm and sunny summers with the temperature usually hovering around 25°C to 30°C, while winters are mild at 10°C or higher. The amount of sun hours Barcelona receives annually is approximately 2,524 hours; hence, Barcelona is a good spot for those who like outdoor living. However, be prepared for heat waves during summer and some humid days throughout the year.

Language

While most people in Barcelona speak Spanish, the capital of Catalonia is co-officially in Catalan, with many signs, official documents, and local TV channels being in Catalan. You can get by in touristy areas and international companies with English, but at least basic Spanish-ideally some Catalan-will go a long way in enhancing your experience and integrating you into the locals. Those are available in numerous courses for expats offered by many language schools; there are also numerous events on language exchange with thelocals.

Visa and Residency Requirements

If you are an EU citizen, you can stay in Barcelona without a visa and work in the city, but you will have to register for a residency certificate with local authorities after three months. Unless you are a resident of the EU, you will have to get the right visa before making the move. Common types include work visas, student visas, and non-lucrative visas, like retirees who can support themselves without working. It can be complex and time-consuming, so allow ample time for this and seek the help of an immigration lawyer or relocation service where possible.

Finding a Place to Live

Before shipping your belongings you will need to find a place to live and it is advisable to start your housing search well in advance so as to be prepared to make an offer immediately if you like a place. The most popular websites to find rentals and purchases include Idealista, Fotocasa, Habitaclia. It is a good idea to work with a local real estate agent who will help you through the process and assist in working around the language barrier. Note that most landlords want several months' rent in deposit, and you may also be asked to have a Spanish bank account and your NIE-a Foreigner Identification Number-to sign the lease. Although Barcelona generally tends to be cheaper compared to cities like London and Paris, it is one of the most expensive cities in Spain. Rent will probably be the biggest expense, averaging about €900-€1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre.

Healthcare System

Spain has a very good public health service, free to residents who pay into social security. However, the waiting lists are usually long, unless it's an emergency. Many foreigners living in Spain take out private health insurance, which can often cover them for quicker times to see specialists and English-speaking doctors. Companies such as Sanitas and Adeslas have specific plans available to expats. Once you've sorted your residency remember to register for a health card from your local health centre.

Work Opportunities

The economy of Barcelona spans from a strong tourist industry to technology and design, and international business. Many multinational companies have opened operations in the city and there is now an expanding startup scene. Competition is intense, and salaries are generally lower compared to most European capitals. Knowledge of Spanish will very much help you get by (and even better, knowledge of Catalan). It's all about networking: attend industry events and professional groups that let you connect with people.

Transportation

The city has excellent public transport which boasts metro, buses, trams and a popular bike sharing scheme (Bicing – only available for residents). Additionally, for travelling outside the city there is a high-speed rail system in Spain and an international airport. Many residents do not find the need to have a car as the city is well connected and parking is complicated, as well as expensive.

Cultural Adjustment

Moving to Barcelona only means changing one space of life. For example, Spaniards typically eat lunch very late-once around 2-3 pm-and dinner very late at night, as compared to others, around 9 to 10 pm. Many shops still close for an afternoon siesta, although less so in Barcelona. Nightlife in Barcelona is great; people often congregate in plazas and outdoor cafes deep into the night. Enjoy the local culture, but expect some culture shock initially.

Bureaucracy and Paperwork

Moving to Barcelona will include quite a lot of bureaucracy, so get ready. You will need to get an NIE (a unique identity number issued to non-Spanish citizens who are in Spain for work, study, or other reasons), register at the ayuntamiento, open a bank account-maybe even apply for a social security number if that is what is required. This can be very time consuming and frustrating if you dont speak Spanish, so you may want to hire a gestor professional that can help them with all those tasks-to help you out with that.

Settling In

Barcelona hosts a large and very diversified community of foreigners; therefore, it is not that hard to find other people from other parts of the world. Join expat groups on
social media, language exchange or meetups according to your interests. But dont just stop at the expat bubble. Engaging with locals will enrich this experience and
help you understand and appreciate Catalan culture. Once you have had time to settle in, take the time to appreciate everything Barcelona has to offer: the Gaudí
buildings, sunbathing on the city beaches, wandering around the food markets, and just generally soaking up the atmosphere. From world-class museums to local
festivals such as La Mercè just join in with the local culture, be patient with bureaucracy, and soon you may feel just like a true Barceloní.