Blog posts and relocation guides to help you get settled in to your new life in Barcelona as an expat.
Latest posts
February is a quieter tourist month in Barcelona, making it a fine time for visiting the city’s top sights and enjoying the local Carnival celebrations.
If you are looking for an affordable skiing holiday then look no further. The Catalonia region has countless ski resorts that are currently in season.
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
After all those celebratory moments in December, January gives everyone a moment to relax and recharge. However, it does not mean the end of winter
Activities, Hobbies & Sport
If you are looking for an affordable skiing holiday then look no further. The Catalonia region has countless ski resorts that are currently in season.
Running in Barcelona is a popular activity for many people living here, so it’s no surprise that Barcelona is host to many incredible running events
With such a dominating football culture, combined with incredible beaches and delicious food, Barcelona is the perfect place to combine sport and leisure.
Cycling is a fun, efficient and healthy way to get around Barcelona. From urban cycle paths to mountain bike trails, Barcelona is every cyclists dream.
Agenda & Events
The warm days of July are here. Time to spend long days at the beach, watch movies outdoors, and go to festivals. It is important
The cooler days have now finally arrived in Barcelona. But as with every other month, there is still a lot to do and see around
The cooler days have now finally arrived in Barcelona. But as with every other month, there is still a lot to do and see around
October is the month to delve into Spanish autumnal traditions, culture festivities and continuing to explore the city further through all the great activities that
Career
If you’re starting your new job as an expat in Barcelona, there are a few things you should know about the Spanish work culture.
When working in Barcelona, it is crucial to understand the Spanish work culture. In week 2 of the Work in Barcelona! month, we discuss everything
To be able to work in Barcelona, you will need to arrange a NIE, empadronamiento, seguridad social, a bank account and taxes. There are many
Living in Barcelona is great, but it is important to have an idea of the costs of living, housing, private and public healthcare and how
Culture & History
This article goes into depth about the Castellers of Barcelona. This Catalan tradition has been going on for centuries and continues to be one of
Barcelona is city with many different districts, each with its own people its own microcultural differences and its own history.
What better way to start your Sunday afternoon than with a nice glass of Vermouth? Check out our top recommendations for Vermuterias in Barcelona!
Have you ever noticed the different tile patterns in Barcelona? These have a more interesting history and meaning than you might initially think. Check out
Entrepreneurship
From cost savings to collaboration opportunities, coworking spaces make for ideal offices. So why not reap the benefits of the Coworking spaces in Barcelona?
The owner of Eroica Caffé Barcelona where she tells us about her lifestory and her Italian restaurant/caffé where you can get drinks and delicious Italian
Cardiologist Juan Carlos talks about his relocation to Barcelona and the core values of his company, helping expats and non expats with the Spanish healthcare
Meet Mirjam Maarleveld, the founder of Barcelona Expat life. Find out all about why she decided to start BEL and her reasons for moving to
Expat Stories
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
Read about the expat journey of Zoe Hornby, as she discusses the highlights and struggles of being an expat in Spain, and what life is
Check out the stories of Maud, a Dutch expat living her best life in Barcelona. Sharing advice, Q&A’s and personal experiences regarding student life in
Having doubts about doing an internship in Barcelona? Read about the first-hand experience of an intern in Barcelona, gain useful tips and put your mind
Families
Read on to find out how to find the perfect school for your child, how the education system here works and what makes educating your
Want to find the best rooftop bar in your area? Or maybe you’re searching for the perfect apartment. We’ve listed the best apps for living
Read about the expat journey of Zoe Hornby, as she discusses the highlights and struggles of being an expat in Spain, and what life is
If you’re planning on starting a family in Barcelona, read on to find out everything you need to know about pregnancy and childbirth in BCN.
Food & Drinks
Un café con leche, por favor! Check out our latest blog for insight into the various coffee drinks in Catalunya and tips on how to
What better way to start your Sunday afternoon than with a nice glass of Vermouth? Check out our top recommendations for Vermuterias in Barcelona!
Want to find the best rooftop bar in your area? Or maybe you’re searching for the perfect apartment. We’ve listed the best apps for living
We have put together a list of our favourite rooftop bars in Barcelona to help you discover the perfect spot to wine, dine & enjoy
Healthcare
If you’re an expat in Spain, it can be challenging to get your head around a different health system. Read our article to find out
Coronavirus restrictions will remain in place across Spain for the foreseeable future. Even though some of these restrictions may start to ease, it’s still wise
Cardiologist Juan Carlos talks about his relocation to Barcelona and the core values of his company, helping expats and non expats with the Spanish healthcare
We have summarised our key findings from the ‘Effects of Coronavirus on Expats in Barcelona’ Survey, which captures expats’s feedback on how their lives have
Housing
Read our latest blog to find out about the cost of living in Barcelona and the expenses you should expect when moving to the city.
Want to find the best rooftop bar in your area? Or maybe you’re searching for the perfect apartment. We’ve listed the best apps for living
Unfortunately expats can be the main target for scammers in Barcelona. Our latest article can help you to recognise and avoid apartment scams.
Though buying a second home in Barcelona can be super exciting, it can also be incredibly tiring and difficult. These 9 tips will help you
Internships
It’s easy to save money with these student discounts in Barcelona. Find cheap ways to travel to the airport, ride around the city, or experience
Learn all about being an intern in Barcelona! Use our expertise to find the best internship program or work placement for you. Check out BCN
AE Internships shares 7 reasons to do an internship in Barcelona, and explains why it is the best city for young professionals.
Having doubts about doing an internship in Barcelona? Read about the first-hand experience of an intern in Barcelona, gain useful tips and put your mind
Language
Knowing the local language will go a long way when living in another country. Here are 14 words and phrases that every expat in Barcelona
Do you think you know the most common mistakes that students make when learning Spanish? and, more importantly, are you making them yourself? Check out
Oftentimes, you will hear people in Barcelona speak Catalan instead of Spanish. Being familiar with some of the words and expressions will help you to
Lifestyle
Do you love vintage fashion? Want to know more about vintage shopping here in Barcelona? Check out our blog on where to find the best
You can’t seem to find a place for a haircut or style in Barcelona? Here is a list of some of the best English-speaking hairdressers
Barcelona has a huge expat population, with people being drawn to the city for all sorts of reasons. So which Barcelona expat tribe do you
Social Life
Making friends in a new city isn’t always easy, especially now thanks to Covid-19. Check out the best ways to maintain your social life as
Want to find the best rooftop bar in your area? Or maybe you’re searching for the perfect apartment. We’ve listed the best apps for living
To help you adapt to life in Barcelona we have prepared some information about the local etiquette for you to bear in mind as an
Barcelona has a huge expat population, with people being drawn to the city for all sorts of reasons. So which Barcelona expat tribe do you
Social Responsibility
Together with our partner, Swapfiets, we have created an overview of the Circular Economy in Barcelona. For more information, click here.
For some time now, the world has been watching how Ukraine is enduring a terrifying reality. However, there are ways in which we all can
Dinners That Matter is an exciting social initiative, helping to raise awareness for the most vulnerable members of the Barcelona community.
Barcelona Global invites the expat community to take part in the International Talent Monitor Survey – Help make Barcelona a better place to live!
Paperwork
If you are living and working in Spain, you will be liable to pay taxes on your income and assets. Find out more about Spanish
The Modelo 720 form is a declaration of overseas assets that all Spanish tax residents are obliged to fill out. Read our blog for more
Read our all-inclusive FAQ, for both EU and Non-EU expats living in Barcelona, on how to exchange your driving licence to a Spanish one.
What is a NIE number and how can I get one? Our guide for expatriates can tell you what you need to know and how
Practicalities
Read our latest blog to find out about the cost of living in Barcelona and the expenses you should expect when moving to the city.
Want to find the best rooftop bar in your area? Or maybe you’re searching for the perfect apartment. We’ve listed the best apps for living
If despite all precautions you are the victim of a robbery in Barcelona, you should take immediate action. Read our article for more information.
Essential guide to all public transport in Barcelona, including information on the metro, trains, buses, taxis, cars, bicycles, ferries and the airport.
Students
Barcelona is by far one of the greatest destinations in Europe for foreign students and is full of many exciting prospects and opportunities. With it’s
If you’re considering studying a Master’s degree at one of the many international Business Schools in Barcelona, check out our guide.
It’s easy to save money with these student discounts in Barcelona. Find cheap ways to travel to the airport, ride around the city, or experience
Barcelona hosts more than 10 international business schools where you can study a Master’s degree. For more information on universities in Barcelona, click here!
Statistics
Read our latest blog to find out about the cost of living in Barcelona and the expenses you should expect when moving to the city.
Barcelona is one of the best cities in the world for talent and competitiveness, find out just how high they rank in our latest blog!
1 out of 5 residents in Barcelona are of foreign nationality. Read our ‘Foreigners in Barcelona’ blog to gain insight into the expat community in
Surveys
We have summarised our key findings from the ‘Effects of Coronavirus on Expats in Barcelona’ Survey, which captures expats’s feedback on how their lives have
Women
For women keen on advancing their careers and networking in Barcelona, a great place to start would be to join Professional Women’s Network Barcelona.
Planet Venus is a Barcelona-based platform for female entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to learn, connect and grow their business. Find out more here!
Americans
If you are traveling or planning on moving to Spain from America, then buckle up because there are many differences that you will encounter.
Meet entrepreneur Abbie Hibler, who saw the need for new types of books for kids and created a book subscription of books that are
Are you an American living in Barcelona and still want to vote from abroad? Check out this page to find out how to exercise your
Brits
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
Read about the expat journey of Zoe Hornby, as she discusses the highlights and struggles of being an expat in Spain, and what life is
The ultimate Brexit guide offers advice for British expatriates in Barcelona now that the UK has left the EU.
Do you have a passion for dance? Or do you simply want to take up a new hobby? Then check out the ‘English School of
Canadians
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
Looking for a place to discover and book activities for your kids? Check out toddl.co, the largest catalogue of kids’ activities in Barcelona, with over
Dutch
Informatie over wonen en werken voor Nederlanders in Barcelona. Handige tips, vacatures en een overzicht van alle Nederlandstalige bedrijven gevestigd in Barcelona.
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
Meet Mirjam Maarleveld, the founder of Barcelona Expat life. Find out all about why she decided to start BEL and her reasons for moving to
Are you curious about how the Netherlands and Barcelona differ in terms of work? We have listed 5 differences between working in the Netherlands and
French
Our latest blog for French expats provides statistics on the most popular districts for the French community and gives insight into expat life in Barcelona.
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
This article is about French restaurants in Barcelona. It’s French week and that’s why we’re taking a closer look at all the great French restaurants
Useful information for French speakers in Barcelona. Find French jobs, French speaking healthcare professionals & useful addresses for French speakers in BCN.
Germans
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
Hilfreiche Information für Deutschsprachige in Barcelona. Finde Deutsche Jobs, Deutschsprachige Gesundheitsfachleute & hilfreiche Adressen für Deutschsprachige in Barcelona.
Want to get involved in the German community within Barcelona? We’ve put together a list of the best options for German child care services, schools,
Do you want to read more about the experience of Germans in Barcelona? Or are you curious about the differences between a German and a
Irish
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
Looking for a place to discover and book activities for your kids? Check out toddl.co, the largest catalogue of kids’ activities in Barcelona, with over
Italians
Read the stories of fellow expats, gain invaluable tips and insight into life in Barcelona on our website. Help others by sharing your story too!
The owner of Eroica Caffé Barcelona where she tells us about her lifestory and her Italian restaurant/caffé where you can get drinks and delicious Italian
In this article we take a look at the history of the Italian food culture, Italian community in Barcelona and some delicious Italian restaurants in
A new entrepreneur spotlight covering ‘Her Roomies’, a rental platform in Barcelona offering a safe, female-focused community with a variety of rental offerings.
south american
Cardiologist Juan Carlos talks about his relocation to Barcelona and the core values of his company, helping expats and non expats with the Spanish healthcare
Swedish
In this article we take a look at how Swedish interior & design changed throughout the years, and where you can find it in Barcelona.
Swedish jobs in Barcelona: if you’re a Swedish speaker looking for work, we can help you find jobs in Barcelona in any language you desire.
Our latest blog for Swedish expats provides statistics on the most popular districts for the Swedish community and gives insight into expat lives.
About Barcelona Expat Life
Whether you are a company searching for your next expat hire, or you are an organisation that provides services and products to expats, our platform
Meet Mirjam Maarleveld, the founder of Barcelona Expat life. Find out all about why she decided to start BEL and her reasons for moving to
Welcome to Barcelona Expat Life, the one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about life as an expat in Barcelona. Read our expat guide to
