Blog posts and relocation guides to help you get settled in to your new life in Barcelona as an expat.
Latest posts
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
How FC Barcelona went from a small, local club to one of the greatest football teams to have ever been.
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
Barcelona has a lot to offer when it comes to beaches. Read about the beautiful beaches in Barcelona and Catalunya.
Activities, Hobbies & Sport
How FC Barcelona went from a small, local club to one of the greatest football teams to have ever been.
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.
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
Agenda & Events
April is the month that many have been waiting for. There are many fun things to do and festivities to celebrate!
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
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
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
Career
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
Work in Barcelona: Meet Ivan – Language Team Lead at TELUS International AI Data Solutions. Marta Dansó Llaquet interviewed Ivan for Barcelona Expat Life about
Culture & 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!
How FC Barcelona went from a small, local club to one of the greatest football teams to have ever been.
With such a dominating football culture, combined with incredible beaches and delicious food, Barcelona is the perfect place to combine sport and leisure.
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
Entrepreneurship
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
Planet Venus is a Barcelona-based platform for female entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to learn, connect and grow their business. Find out more here!
Entrepreneur Ali Oliver talks about her personal coaching company, helping individuals navigate through transitions and create the life they truly desire.
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
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
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.
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
Meet entrepreneur Abbie Hibler, who saw the need for new types of books for kids and created a book subscription of books that are
Food & Drinks
What better way to start your Sunday afternoon than with a nice glass of Vermouth? Check out our top recommendations for Vermuterias in Barcelona!
Dinners That Matter is an exciting social initiative, helping to raise awareness for the most vulnerable members of the Barcelona community.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Housing
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
Unfortunately expats can be the main target for scammers in Barcelona. Our latest article can help you to recognise and avoid apartment scams.
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 know more about buying property in Barcelona, including the buying process and the different costs you can expect? We’ve got you covered!
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
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
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
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
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
Dinners That Matter is an exciting social initiative, helping to raise awareness for the most vulnerable members of the Barcelona community.
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
Barcelona Global invites the expat community to take part in the International Talent Monitor Survey – Help make Barcelona a better place to live!
Paperwork
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
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
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.
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.
Practicalities
Having hesitations about moving to Barcelona? Our latest blog gives you the heads up about the top 10 cons of living in Barcelona.
Essential guide to all public transport in Barcelona, including information on the metro, trains, buses, taxis, cars, bicycles, ferries and the airport.
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 our latest blog to find out about the cost of living in Barcelona and the expenses you should expect when moving to the city.
Students
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
If you’re considering studying a Master’s degree at one of the many international Business Schools in Barcelona, check out our guide.
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
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
Planet Venus is a Barcelona-based platform for female entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs to learn, connect and grow their business. Find out more here!
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.
Americans
Meet entrepreneur Abbie Hibler, who saw the need for new types of books for kids and created a book subscription of books that are
If you are traveling or planning on moving to Spain from America, then buckle up because there are many differences that you will encounter.
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!
Entrepreneur Ali Oliver talks about her personal coaching company, helping individuals navigate through transitions and create the life they truly desire.
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
A new entrepreneur spotlight covering ‘Her Roomies’, a rental platform in Barcelona offering a safe, female-focused community with a variety of rental offerings.
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!
Our latest entrepreneur spotlight covers BodyWorxHub, a high energy social fitness crew, dedicated to one mission: “Making sports empowering and fun for everyone!”.
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
French
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
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.
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
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!
Our latest entrepreneur spotlight covers BodyWorxHub, a high energy social fitness crew, dedicated to one mission: “Making sports empowering and fun for everyone!”.
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,
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
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
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!
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
