May 22, 2025

Moving to Barcelona as an Expat: Powerful Insights for a Smooth Start

Barcelona, Spain, is a magnet for expats, blending a sun-soaked Mediterranean lifestyle with a booming tech and creative scene. From Gaudí’s whimsical architecture to the innovative startups in the 22@ district, this city offers a dynamic home for digital nomads, professionals, and families. But moving to Barcelona as an expat comes with challenges—housing, visas, and navigating the bilingual culture of Spanish and Catalan. This ultimate guide, crafted by Globexs, dives deep into Barcelona’s neighborhoods, expat hangouts, and cultural nuances, with relocation services in Spain and furnished apartments in Barcelona to make your move seamless. Save this guide for a roadmap to your new life in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities.

Why Choose Barcelona? A City for Expats

Barcelona’s allure lies in its ability to balance work, play, and culture. As a hub for tech giants like HP and startups like Wallapop, it attracts digital nomads and professionals. Its Mediterranean vibe—think beachside paella and evening paseos—creates a lifestyle that’s hard to resist. Here’s why expats flock to Barcelona:

Tech and Creative Hub: With events like Mobile World Congress, Barcelona is a hotspot for innovation. Coliving for digital nomads in Barcelona offers workspaces to connect with this ecosystem.
Cultural Riches: From the Sagrada Família to flamenco nights in El Born, Barcelona’s heritage is a daily inspiration.
Affordable Living: Compared to London or Amsterdam, Barcelona offers value, with furnished apartments in Barcelona starting at €1,200/month and meals at €15-€25.
Expat Community: A thriving international scene, supported by expat relocation support in Spain, helps you feel at home.

Whether you’re chasing career goals or a sunlit lifestyle, Barcelona delivers. But its bilingual culture—Spanish and Catalan—shapes daily life, from schools to social integration. Let’s explore this unique aspect.

Navigating Barcelona’s Bilingual Culture: Spanish and Catalan

Barcelona is proudly bilingual, with Spanish and Catalan both official languages. Catalan, deeply tied to local identity, is widely used in schools, government, and daily life, while Spanish is universal. Understanding this duality is key for expats, especially for families and social integration.

Why Bilingualism Matters

Schools: Most public and many international schools in Barcelona teach in Catalan, with Spanish and English as secondary languages. For expat children, this can be a hurdle but also an opportunity to learn a unique language. Globexs’ school search for expats helps you find bilingual or English-medium schools, such as the British School of Barcelona or Lycée Français.
Work and Social Life: While English is common in tech hubs, knowing Catalan builds trust with locals. Simple greetings or phrases make you feel like a true Barceloní.
Cultural Pride: Catalans value their language, especially during festivals like Sant Jordi (Catalonia’s Valentine’s Day). Learning a few words shows respect and opens doors.

7 Catalan Phrases to Become a Local

To help you integrate, here are seven beginner-friendly Catalan phrases (with pronunciations) that expats can use to connect with locals:

Hola, com estàs? (OH-lah, kom es-TAHS?) – Hello, how are you?
Gràcies (GRAH-see-es) – Thank you.
Si us plau (see oos PLOW) – Please.
Com et dius? (kom et DEE-oos?) – What’s your name?
D’acord (dah-KORD) – Okay/Agreed.
Bona nit (BOH-nah NEET) – Good night.
Visca Catalunya! (VEES-kah kah-tah-LOO-nyah) – Long live Catalonia! (Use sparingly at cultural events!)

Practice these at markets like La Boqueria or cafés in Gràcia, and you’ll earn smiles from locals. Globexs’ translations services can assist with official documents in Catalan or Spanish, ensuring you’re covered.

Housing in Barcelona: Your Home Away from Home

Finding the right housing is critical when moving to Barcelona as an expat. Globexs offers furnished apartments in Barcelona and coliving for digital nomads in Barcelona, tailored for mid-term stays (1-11 months) to suit your lifestyle.

Furnished Apartments for Expats

Barcelona’s housing market is diverse, from sleek flats in Eixample to cozy lofts in El Raval. Globexs’ furnished apartments in Barcelona include:

All-Inclusive Rentals: Cover utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance (all-inclusive rentals for 1-11 months).
Flexible Terms: Perfect for temporary assignments or settling in (temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Barcelona).
Prime Locations: Near tech districts like 22@ or cultural gems like the Gothic Quarter.

Expect to pay €1,200-€2,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the neighborhood.

Coliving for Digital Nomads

For remote workers, coliving for digital nomads in Barcelona is a game-changer. Globexs’ coliving spaces in Barcelona, located in vibrant areas like Poblenou, offer:

Private rooms with shared kitchens and coworking spaces (coliving with coworking spaces in Barcelona).
Community events to network with expats and locals (community-driven coliving).
Flexible contracts for those exploring multiple cities (flexible coliving contracts).

Booking with Globexs

Globexs simplifies your search with verified rentals and personalized support. Whether you need a corporate on-demand rental apartment in Barcelona or a coliving space for professionals in Barcelona, we’ve got you covered. Book Your Apartment Now.

Barcelona’s Neighborhoods: Where to Live

Choosing the right neighborhood is key to loving Barcelona. Each area has a distinct vibe, from trendy to budget-friendly. Globexs provides neighborhood guidance for expats to find your perfect fit.

Trendy Neighborhoods

Eixample: Known for its grid layout and Gaudí’s masterpieces (Casa Batlló), Eixample is upscale and central. Ideal for professionals needing furnished apartments in Barcelona near Passeig de Gràcia. Expect €1,800-€3,000/month for a one-bedroom.
Poblenou: The tech hub (22@ district) with a beachy vibe. Perfect for digital nomads in coliving for digital nomads in Barcelona. Rents range from €1,200-€2,200/month.
Gràcia: Bohemian and village-like, with lively squares like Plaça del Sol. Great for creatives seeking temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Barcelona. Rents: €1,300-€2,000/month.

Affordable Neighborhoods

Sants-Montjuïc: Family-friendly with green spaces like Parc de Montjuïc. Offers furnished apartments in Barcelona at €1,000-€1,800/month, ideal for budget-conscious expats.
Sant Andreu: A quieter, local area with lower rents (€900-€1,600/month). Perfect for those wanting authentic Catalan life with temporary housing in Barcelona.

Neighborhoods to Approach with Caution

El Raval: Vibrant but gritty in parts, with higher petty crime rates. While it has cool bars and multicultural charm, choose verified rentals through Globexs to avoid subpar housing.
Parts of Ciutat Vella (Gothic Quarter): Tourist-heavy areas can be noisy and overpriced. Opt for quieter streets or work with Globexs for furnished apartments in Barcelona in safer zones.

Local Tip: Visit neighborhoods during the day and evening to gauge the vibe. Globexs’ neighborhood guidance for expats includes virtual tours to help you decide.

Relocation Support: Making Your Move Seamless

Relocating to Barcelona involves paperwork, visas, and logistics. Globexs’ relocation services in Spain and expat relocation support in Spain ensure a stress-free transition.

Visa and Legal Support

Spain’s visa options cater to various expat profiles, and Globexs simplifies the process:

Digital Nomad Visa in Spain: For remote workers, offering up to 3 years with tax perks. Globexs’ expat paperwork assistance in Spain handles applications.
Golden Visa in Spain: For property investors (€500,000+), granting residency (property investments in Spain).
Non Lucrative Visa in Spain: Ideal for retirees or those with passive income (legal immigration consultancy in Spain).

We also assist with NIE numbers, bank account opening for expats in Spain, and city hall registrations, ensuring compliance.

Family Relocation

For families, Globexs offers:

School Search for Expats: Find Catalan-medium, bilingual, or international schools (e.g., Benjamin Franklin International School). Catalan’s prominence in education means early planning is key.
Relocation Support for Families: From school search for expats to neighborhood guidance for expats, we help you settle in family-friendly areas like Sarrià or Sants.

Practical Services

Globexs’ comprehensive relocation services in Spain include:

Translations: For Catalan/Spanish documents, such as leases or school forms.
Car Registrations: For those bringing vehicles to Spain.
General Relocation Services: From moving logistics to cultural orientation.

With Globexs, moving to Barcelona as an expat is a breeze. Contact Us for Relocation Support.

Living the Barcelona Lifestyle: Where to Spend Your Time

Barcelona’s lifestyle is a blend of work, culture, and leisure. Here’s how to dive in:

Work-Life Balance

The city’s tech scene thrives in areas like Poblenou, where coliving with coworking spaces in Barcelona fosters productivity. After work, unwind at:

Barceloneta Beach: Perfect for sunset walks or paddleboarding.
Parc Güell: A Gaudí-designed park for picnics and inspiration.
Cafés in Gràcia: Try Satan's Coffee Corner for digital nomad vibes.

Globexs’ remote work rentals for 1-11 months in Barcelona let you work from home or nearby coworking spaces.

Cultural Immersion

Embrace Barcelona’s culture:

Festivals: Join La Mercè (September) for parades and fireworks, or Sant Jordi (April) for book and rose exchanges. Say “Visca Catalunya!” to cheer with locals.
Cuisine: Savor calçots (spring onions) at Can Cortada or tapas at Bar del Pla. Budget €15-€30 for a meal.
Markets: Shop at La Boqueria or Mercat de Santa Caterina for fresh produce and Catalan specialties.

Expat Hangouts

Connect with Barcelona’s expat community:

Meetup Groups: Join “Barcelona Expats” or “Digital Nomads Barcelona” for events in coliving for digital nomads in Barcelona.
Bars and Cafés: Brunch & Cake (Eixample) and Federal Café (Sant Antoni) are expat favorites.
Coworking Spaces: Betahaus or Aticco in Poblenou, often linked to coliving spaces in Barcelona, host networking nights.

Expat Story: Sarah, a Canadian digital nomad, moved to Barcelona in 2024. “I booked a coliving space for professionals in Barcelona through Globexs and joined a Meetup at Betahaus. Learning to say ‘Gràcies’ in Catalan made locals warm up to me instantly!”

Cool Places to Explore in Barcelona

Barcelona is packed with hidden gems and iconic spots. Here are must-visit places to make your expat life unforgettable:

Bunkers del Carmel: A hilltop with panoramic city views, perfect for picnics. Less touristy, loved by locals.
Labyrinth Park of Horta: A serene, less-crowded park with gardens and mazes, ideal for families.
El Raval’s Street Art: Wander Carrer de Joaquín Costa for murals and hip bars like Marmalade.
Tibidabo: A mountaintop amusement park and church with stunning views, great for a weekend outing.
Palo Alto Market: A monthly design and food market in Poblenou, drawing expats and creatives.

Local Tip: Download the “Time Out Barcelona” app for weekly event updates, from art pop-ups to expat meetups.

Practical Tips for Expats in Barcelona

To thrive in Barcelona, follow these tips:

Book Housing Early: Secure furnished apartments in Barcelona or coliving spaces in Barcelona 2-3 months ahead to avoid peak season shortages.
Master the Metro: A 10-ride T-Casual ticket (€11.35) is budget-friendly. Bicing (bike-sharing) is great for short trips.
Learn Catalan Phrases: Use “Si us plau” at shops or “D’acord” in conversations to blend in.
Avoid Tourist Traps: Skip overpriced restaurants on La Rambla; head to El Born or Gràcia for authentic dining.
Join Expat Groups: Platforms like InterNations or coliving for digital nomads in Barcelona events help you build a network.
Plan for Visas: Work with Globexs for Digital Nomad Visa in Spain or expat paperwork assistance in Spain to ensure a smooth process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the best neighborhood for expats in Barcelona?

Eixample and Poblenou are top choices for professionals due to their central location and tech hubs, with furnished apartments in Barcelona available through Globexs. Gràcia is ideal for a bohemian vibe, while Sants-Montjuïc suits families on a budget.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

A one-bedroom furnished apartment in Barcelona costs €1,200-€2,500/month. Daily expenses include €1.50 for coffee, €15-€25 for a meal, and €11.35 for a 10-ride metro pass. Globexs’ all-inclusive rentals for 1-11 months simplify budgeting.

Do I need to speak Catalan to live in Barcelona?

While Spanish and English are widely spoken, learning basic Catalan (e.g., “Gràcies”, “Si us plau”) helps with integration, especially for school interactions. Globexs’ translations services assist with official documents.

What visa do I need to move to Barcelona?

The Digital Nomad Visa in Spain is perfect for remote workers, while the Golden Visa in Spain suits investors. Globexs offers legal immigration consultancy in Spain to guide you through the process.

Where do expats hang out in Barcelona?

Expats frequent coworking spaces like Betahaus, cafés like Federal Café, and Meetup events in coliving for digital nomads in Barcelona. Bars in El Born and Gràcia are also popular.

How can Globexs help with my move?

Globexs provides furnished apartments in Barcelona, coliving spaces in Barcelona, and relocation services in Spain, including visa support (expat paperwork assistance in Spain) and school search for expats.

Why Choose Globexs for Your Barcelona Adventure?

Globexs is your partner for moving to Barcelona as an expat. We offer:

Furnished Apartments in Barcelona: Stylish, all-inclusive rentals for 1-11 months (temporary rentals for 1-11 months in Barcelona).
Coliving for Digital Nomads in Barcelona: Vibrant spaces for remote workers to live and network.
Relocation Services in Spain: From Digital Nomad Visa in Spain to bank account opening for expats in Spain, we handle the details.
Expat Relocation Support in Spain: Personalized guidance to make Barcelona feel like home.

Ready to embrace Barcelona’s tech and Mediterranean magic? Contact Globexs to book furnished apartments in Barcelona or explore coliving spaces in Barcelona. Start Your Journey.

Barcelona is more than a city—it’s a lifestyle. With its tech-driven opportunities, Mediterranean charm, and bilingual culture, it’s no wonder expats choose to call it home. From finding furnished apartments in Barcelona to mastering Catalan phrases like “Visca Catalunya!”, Globexs makes moving to Barcelona as an expat effortless. Our relocation services in Spain and temporary rentals for digital nomads in Barcelona ensure you settle in with ease. Bookmark this guide, connect with Globexs, and start your Barcelona adventure today.