Are you planning to move and live in Spain but aren’t sure about where to reside? Barcelona is one of the best cities you can choose to live in, for Plenty of good reasons. From the brilliant weather and stunning beaches & mountains to the low cost of living, there are many reasons to move to Barcelona. But how hard is it to move to Barcelona? Continue reading this guide to the end to learn how to move to Barcelona and the benefits of working and living in this great city.
Is moving to Barcelona a good idea?
Whether you are a student, tourist or an ex-pat moving to Barcelona can be a good idea. This city is the ultimate destination for many EU and Non-EU citizens for many reasons. Here are some reasons you should move to this EU city.
1. Conducive weather
When you move to Barcelona, you will love the weather. The city boasts warm climates almost all year round. Other than from late November to early February, when the city is mostly rainy and chilly, you can bask and enjoy the sunny weather in all the other months. However, even during winter, it does not get as cold as in most cities in Spain.
2. The beaches
Since Barcelona is located along the western coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea, you can find unique and scenic beaches in the heart of this great city. You can do many activities on the beaches, from sports to sunbathing. Also, you can have a beautiful view of the Barcelona coast and the Mediterranean Sea along the beaches.
3. Food
You will enjoy your stay in Barcelona if you are a food lover. The city has infinite restaurants and eateries serving Spanish and Catalan dishes. Furthermore, if you are on a budget, you can still find a wide selection of tasty street food at affordable prices.
4. Endless Nightlife
Barcelona is one of the most fun cities in Europe. If you like to party, you will be wowed by the city’s hundreds of nightclubs, clubs, and bars that play live music from the most famous DJs.
5. Strategic location
Barcelona is strategically located for further adventures. While living and working in this city, you can easily explore other parts of Spain. Also, the city is well located if you want to visit Northern Africa and other parts of Europe, including France and Portugal.
6. Schools
Barcelona is home to some of the best learning institutions in Spain, offering high-quality education at affordable rates. Whether you are looking for public, private, or international schools, you will all find them here. One of the best international schools you can consider is the American school of Barcelona.
7. Transport
Accessing this beautiful city is not a problem thanks to the great transportation system in Barcelona. Several public transportation services in the city include buses, suburban trains, metro, and trams that you can use to reach any corner of Barcelona. Furthermore, their charges are quite affordable.
Do I need a visa when moving to Barcelona?
That will depend on where you come from. There are different visa regulations for EU and non-EU citizens moving to Spain.
EU Citizens
If you are an EU citizen and want to go and live in Barcelona, you will not require any visa for entry into that country. That is because the EU movement laws allow any resident from the EU country to Explore any other European Union country with no visa requirement.
However, once you arrive in Barcelona and intend to stay there for more than 90 days, you will have to acquire an NIE number that acts as a foreigner’s tax and identification number. With an NIE, you can apply for a bank account, enter a work agreement, and access other important services in the country.
Non-EU citizens
If you are from a non-EU country, you must have a visa. There are different types of visas you can get depending on what you will do in Barcelona. Below are some visas you can acquire if you are a non-EU citizen.
Work visa
If you want to go and work in Barcelona, you will need to get a work visa. However, you must first secure an employment contract before applying for this visa. Luckily there are many jobs in Barcelona so getting one is relatively easy. With a working visa, you can live and work in that city.
Non-lucrative visa (NLV) Spain
Alternatively, if you don’t have a job offer, you can apply for an NLV that allows you to move and live in any part of Spain. However, to apply for a non-lucrative visa, you must prove sufficient funds to sustain your stay in the country. With this visa, you can bring your family and don’t have to invest in the country. Also, with the Non Lucrative visa Spain, you can easily transition to a work permit after living in Spain for one year. But it’s good to note that an NVL does not allow you to work there.
Golden visa Spain
If you are wealthy, you can move to Barcelona using a Golden visa. You will need to make an investment option to qualify for a Spanish Golden visa. You can either invest in Spanish real estate or public debt, buy company shares, or deposit in a Spanish bank. The benefit of acquiring a Spanish Golden visa is that it doesn’t tie you to reside in the country for you to renew this visa. Also, you can work and enjoy the Spanish health and education System. Furthermore, if you want to live in Barcelona, you become eligible for permanent residence after five years.
Student Visa
If you want to go and study in Barcelona, you must apply for a student visa. Furthermore, the city boasts some of the most prestigious learning institutions, from international and British schools to private schools. You can apply for a student visa if participating in an exchange program or studying at an institution in Spain.
Family reunification visa
If you are related or married to a Spanish citizen, you can apply for a family reunification visa to move to Barcelona.
Entrepreneur visa Spain
Suppose you are a non-EU citizen and would like to move to Barcelona and develop your entrepreneurial business activities in this city. In that case, you can apply for a Spanish entrepreneur visa. The application process for this visa is much faster and allows you to move with your family.
Is it mandatory to learn to speak Spanish when Living in Barcelona?
Many foreigners planning to move to Spain are often concerned about the language barrier issue. Fortunately, most of the major cities in Spain, such as Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, have residents who mostly speak English. But is it necessary to learn to speak Spanish when you move to Barcelona? The answer is yes. Even if people do speak English, their proficiency level is quite low. Furthermore, Learning Spanish can open up more employment opportunities and help you integrate into society better, making you stop to feel like a foreigner.
Conclusion about move to Barcelona
There are many reasons to move to Barcelona, from the weather, schools, beaches, food, and more. Furthermore, housing is also affordable in Barcelona. You can choose either long term or short term rental. If you are an EU citizen, you can move anytime because there is no visa requirement. However, for no EU citizens, you will need a visa, and the above guide will help you choose the appropriate visa. Furthermore, when in Barcelona, consider learning how to speak Spanish. It can help you integrate better into society and open up more job offers.
