Moving to Barcelona

Expats moving to Barcelona will enjoy a major metropolis with vibrant and unique businesses, a pulsating nightlife, and sprawling, eclectic neighbourhoods amidst the character of a traditionally Mediterranean city.

Barcelona’s architecture is indicative of its long, rich history. Low and ornate Spanish influenced buildings appear between Gaudi’s skeletal structures and vie for attention with ultra contemporary downtown high rises. The push and pull between modern and old, Spanish and Catalan influences define the city in flux.

As Spain's second largest cosmopolitan centre and the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia, Barcelona is increasingly asserting itself on the world’s stage. The city is becoming a hotbed of tourist activity and businesses are taking advantage of plenty of new opportunities. A brighter spotlight has also caused an increase in Barcelona’s expat population.

Still, despite the Spanish city’s many high points, relocating expats often have difficulty making Barcelona their new home. Low wages, language barriers, the challenges of schooling and high costs of living are all initial drawbacks to moving to Barcelona.