Blog Posts & Relocation Guides

Blog posts and relocation guides to help you get settled in to your new life in Barcelona as an expat.

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 Spanish CV? Barcelona Expat Life has organised the German Week. Read the week recap here.

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 to consider the heat when making plans. We’ve put some of the nicest activities together that you can do at different times of the day, so you can get the most out of your summer in the city!

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 this blog where we literally take you to explore the streets of Barcelona.

Barcelona has a lot to offer when it comes to beaches. Read about the beautiful beaches in Barcelona and Catalunya.

Barcelona is next up on the race schedule. Since everything has shifted in Formula 1, the race in Barcelona on the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya is bound to be a thrilling one!

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 all year round.

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 Dance’ in Barcelona.

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 vintage shops in the city.

Discover the true nature of Barcelona by watching some of the many TV series and documentaries that are based here. Check out our list of ‘must-sees’ here.

Is there a better way of preparing for your life in a new city than reading a great book in the place in which it is set? See our ‘must-reads’ set 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 in Barcelona.

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.

June in Barcelona is brimming with festivals, events, and opportunities to celebrate the start of summer. Check out this blog for fun ways to get to know Catalan culture through tapas, wine, art, views, and the beach this month!

The month of May promises to be a very beautiful, sunny month. Read about all the festivals and events taking place in Barcelona in May so you won’t miss a thing!

April is the month that many have been waiting for. There are many fun things to do and festivities to celebrate!

Need some help with your job search in Barcelona or want to know more about working in BCN? Check out ‘Work in Barcelona!’, from Monday 2nd May – Tuesday 31st May.

March is the month that many have been waiting for; the official start of spring. There are many fun things to do and festivities to celebrate!

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.

In this blog I’m going to fill you in on the activities and neighbourhoods in Barcelona – the best bits.

We have gathered some tips from a resident in Barcelona to help you escape the hustle and bustle of main tourist traps, improve your lifestyle and live like a local.

Discover the art, culture and history of Barcelona at one of its many museums. Take advantage of the free museum days on offer. Read our blog to find out more.

Every year in June, the LGBTI community celebrates across the globe. Pride in Catalonia is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year.

Take a look at our 2022/2023 calendar to stay informed on exciting upcoming events and all public holidays in Barcelona.

Work in Barcelona: Meet Ivan – Language Team Lead at TELUS International AI Data Solutions. Marta Dansó Llaquet interviewed Ivan for Barcelona Expat Life about his experience as Expat in Barcelona.

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 to establish a social life and network. In the last week of the Work in Barcelona! month we discuss all these things, so you’re fully ready to start your life in the city!

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 things to take into regard, all of which we discuss in week 3 of the Work in Barcelona month!

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 from payslips, calling in sick and job search tools to the business landscape in Barcelona and relocating.

Find new career and networking opportunities by updating your LinkedIn profile with the help of these 10 tips!

In week of the Work in Barcelona! month we will discuss the best job search tools and how to level up your social media presence, as well as why you should come to our job fair!

Understanding your payslip is of course very important. After reading this article, you will be able to with more ease!

Need some help with your job search in Barcelona or want to know more about working in BCN? Check out ‘Work in Barcelona!’, from Monday 2nd May – Tuesday 31st May.

Work in Barcelona: Meet Svojmir – Recruitment Team Lead at DataForce by TransPerfect. Sybil Guillem interviewed Svojmir Sazavsky for Barcelona Expat Life about his experience as expat in Barcelona.

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 Beckham Law is a special tax regime in Spain whereby you can keep on being taxed as a non-resident for your first 6 years in the country. Find out more here!

From content to layout – this article explains everything you need to know about preparing a CV to apply for Jobs in Barcelona and the rest of Spain.

Do you have unanswered questions about working in Barcelona as an expat? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding all things work related.

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.

Read our article to find out if you’re eligible for El Paro (unemployment benefit) in Spain and how to apply in Barcelona.

Do you have questions regarding the challenges of finding a job in Barcelona as an expat? Read our latest blog for useful tips!

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!

With such a dominating football culture, combined with incredible beaches and delicious food, Barcelona is the perfect place to combine sport and leisure.

Every year in June, the LGBTI community celebrates across the globe. Pride in Catalonia is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year.

Meet entrepreneur Abbie Hibler, who saw the need for new types of books for kids and created a book subscription of books that are a better representation of the world we live in.

Our latest entrepreneur spotlight covers Wezero. At wezero, we know that zero waste, rather than a minimum requirement, is a goal to aspire to.

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 1500 listings from 500 providers.

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 Dance’ in Barcelona.

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 Barcelona.

Entrepreneur Ali Oliver talks about her personal coaching company, helping individuals navigate through transitions and create the life they truly desire.

A new entrepreneur spotlight covering ‘Her Roomies’, a rental platform in Barcelona offering a safe, female-focused community with a variety of rental offerings.

Our latest entrepreneur spotlight covers BodyWorxHub, a high energy social fitness crew, dedicated to one mission: “Making sports empowering and fun for everyone!”.

From cost savings to collaboration opportunities, coworking spaces make for ideal offices. So why not reap the benefits of the Coworking spaces in Barcelona?

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!

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 like in Barcelona.

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 at ease.

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 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 entrepreneur Abbie Hibler, who saw the need for new types of books for kids and created a book subscription of books that are a better representation of the world we live in.

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 1500 listings from 500 providers.

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.

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 like in Barcelona.

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 child in Barcelona so unique.

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 in Barcelona.

We have put together a list of our favourite rooftop bars in Barcelona to help you discover the perfect spot to wine, dine & enjoy tapas with a view.

What better way to start your Sunday afternoon than with a nice glass of Vermouth? Check out our top recommendations for Vermuterias in Barcelona!

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 order a coffee in Barcelona.

We can decide which people/projects can lead us out of the pandemic. Here are 5 creative forces in Barcelona which help us to rethink how we eat, shop & travel.

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 in Barcelona.

Dinners That Matter is an exciting social initiative, helping to raise awareness for the most vulnerable members of the Barcelona community.

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

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 been impacted during the pandemic.

Personal Online Therapy can help expats overcome challenges and problems. Sign up today and take advantage of therapy in the comfort of your own home.

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 more information.

Inspire Property Experts is sharing their vision about the developments in the property market in Barcelona in 2022.

9 tips for buying a second property in Barcelona For people in Spain, buying a second property is not very out of the ordinary. 14.3%

In this brand new blog, I will share with you everything I know from my own experiences regarding searching for housing in Barcelona. Find out key tips here!

Want to know more about buying property in Barcelona, including the buying process and the different costs you can expect? We’ve got you covered!

Want to know more about the various rental opportunities, the renting process in Barcelona and how to avoid scam? We’ve got you covered!

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 in Barcelona.

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.

Unfortunately expats can be the main target for scammers in Barcelona. Our latest article can help you to recognise and avoid apartment scams.

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 at ease.

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 internships here!

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 this blog for the 10 most common student mistakes.

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 fit in and get to know Catalan culture!

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 should know!

Despite Barcelona being an expat friendly city, there are still some things to keep in mind to be able to integrate effectively and overcome stereotypes.

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 an expat 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 in Barcelona.

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 expat.

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 belong to?

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 help.

Together with our partner, Swapfiets, we have created an overview of the Circular Economy in Barcelona. For more information, click here.

Barcelona Global invites the expat community to take part in the International Talent Monitor Survey – Help make Barcelona a better place to live!

Dinners That Matter is an exciting social initiative, helping to raise awareness for the most vulnerable members of the Barcelona community.

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 information.

The Beckham Law is a special tax regime in Spain whereby you can keep on being taxed as a non-resident for your first 6 years in the country. Find out more here!

Barcelona International Welcome is here to help you find answers to all of your unanswered questions as an expat 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 in Barcelona.

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 tax returns on our website.

There are various documents needed to live, work and study legally as an expat in Barcelona. Here you will find details of all essential paperwork.

Relocating to Barcelona made less stressful with our 12-step checklist for expats in BCN, helping you kick-start your new life in the Catalan capital.

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 to obtain your NIE 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 in Barcelona.

Having hesitations about moving to Barcelona? Our latest blog gives you the heads up about the top 10 cons of living in Barcelona.

When relocating to Barcelona, it’s likely that you will want to both send and receive items or care packages to and from your home country.

Essential guide to all public transport in Barcelona, including information on the metro, trains, buses, taxis, cars, bicycles, ferries and the airport.

Relocating to Barcelona made less stressful with our 12-step checklist for expats in BCN, helping you kick-start your new life in the Catalan capital.

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.

If despite all precautions you are the victim of a robbery in Barcelona, you should take immediate action. Read our article for more information.

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 expat.

If you’re considering studying a Master’s degree at one of the many international Business Schools in Barcelona, check out our guide.

In this brand new blog, I will share with you everything I know from my own experiences regarding searching for housing in Barcelona. Find out key tips here!

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!

Barcelona is by far one of the greatest destinations in Europe for foreign students and is full of many exciting prospects and opportunities. As the

Read all about ‘working whilst studying’ in Barcelona. German Masters student Riekje fills us in on the pros and cons of working alongside studying.

In this blog I’m going to fill you in on the activities and neighbourhoods in Barcelona – the best bits.

Barcelona is one of Europe’s top student cities. Here are 5 things you need to know about studying in Barcelona & choosing the right Degree/University for you.

Check out the stories of Maud, a Dutch expat living her best life in Barcelona. Sharing everything you need to know about student life in Barcelona.

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 Barcelona.

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.

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 Barcelona!

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!

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 been impacted during the pandemic.

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!

Meet entrepreneur Abbie Hibler, who saw the need for new types of books for kids and created a book subscription of books that are a better representation of the world we live in.

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 patriotic right as an American.

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 Dance’ in Barcelona.

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 like in Barcelona.

Entrepreneur Ali Oliver talks about her personal coaching company, helping individuals navigate through transitions and create the life they truly desire.

A new entrepreneur spotlight covering ‘Her Roomies’, a rental platform in Barcelona offering a safe, female-focused community with a variety of rental offerings.

Age in Spain’s Residency Helpline helps British Nationals that need to complete their Spanish residency application.

The ultimate Brexit guide offers advice for British expatriates in Barcelona now that the UK has left the EU.

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 1500 listings from 500 providers.

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 Barcelona.

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 Barcelona.

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 at ease.

Our latest entrepreneur spotlight covers BodyWorxHub, a high energy social fitness crew, dedicated to one mission: “Making sports empowering and fun for everyone!”.

Informatie over wonen en werken voor Nederlanders in Barcelona. Handige tips, vacatures en een overzicht van alle Nederlandstalige bedrijven gevestigd in Barcelona.

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 1500 listings from 500 providers.

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!

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.

Hilfreiche Information für Deutschsprachige in Barcelona. Finde Deutsche Jobs, Deutschsprachige Gesundheitsfachleute & hilfreiche Adressen für Deutschsprachige in Barcelona.

Unser neuester Blog für Deutsche bietet Statistiken über die Deutsche Gemeinschaft von 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!

Are you curious about the German community locations in Barcelona? We have listed them for you.

Read all about ‘working whilst studying’ in Barcelona. German Masters student Riekje fills us in on the pros and cons of working alongside studying.

Mit der 12-Schritte-Checkliste für Auswanderer in BCN wird der Umzug nach Barcelona weniger stressig.

Our latest entrepreneur spotlight covers BodyWorxHub, a high energy social fitness crew, dedicated to one mission: “Making sports empowering and fun for everyone!”.

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 1500 listings from 500 providers.

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!

A new entrepreneur spotlight covering ‘Her Roomies’, a rental platform in Barcelona offering a safe, female-focused community with a variety of rental offerings.

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!

Our latest blog for Italian expats provides statistics on the most popular districts for the Italian community and gives insight into expat life in Barcelona.

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 Barcelona.

Feel welcome to contact us, we are always happy to help!

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 find out more!

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 can help you expand your branding among the expat community and help you reach your target market.

Blog Posts & Relocation Guides

Latest posts

Activities, Hobbies & Sport

Agenda & Events

Career

Culture & History

Entrepreneurship

Expat Stories

Families

Food & Drinks

Healthcare

Housing

Internships

Language

Social Life

Social Responsibility

Paperwork

Practicalities

Students

Statistics

Surveys

Women

Americans

Brits

Canadians

Dutch

French

Germans

Irish

Italians

About Barcelona Expat Life

We would love to hear from you!

Disclaimer: The content displayed on this website is for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change. Barcelona Expat Life does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information.

Copyright © 2022 Barcelona Expat Life