Barcelona is a great city to live in and work, and for good reasons. The city is safe, has gorgeous weather, and has a low cost of living. Also, Barcelona offers lively nightlife and beautiful beaches. But how hard is it to move to Barcelona? In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know when moving to this great city, from why you should move there and the visa requirements to the best neighborhoods to live in.
Do I need a Visa when Moving to Barcelona?
The answer is yes and no depending on your home country. As an EU citizen, you will not need any visa to move to Barcelona. However, non-European citizens who intend to stay in this city for more than ninety days must apply for a visa. With a visa, you can obtain an NIE number which will enable you to open a bank account once you have arrived in Barcelona. But how can I immigrate to Barcelona as a non-EU citizen? There are several visas non-EU citizens can acquire to enable them to travel to Barcelona. The visa includes
Spanish Entrepreneur Visa
If you are a non-European citizen, you can relocate to Barcelona via an entrepreneur visa. This visa is a residence permit that allows you to live long term in Barcelona or any other part of Spain for two years, provided you start a business in Spain.
Non-lucrative Visa Spain
Another type of visa you can get if you are a non-European citizen and want to relocate to Barcelona for the long-term is a non-lucrative visa. You can apply for this Spanish visa if you have the financial means to support your stay. Also, when applying, you must have a clean criminal record and health insurance.
Student Visa
You can also move to Barcelona via a student visa. To apply for this visa, you need to be enrolled in a Spanish school or university. Also, you are eligible for this visa if you are taking part in the student exchange program in Spain.
Why Move to Barcelona?
Is moving to Barcelona a good idea? Barcelona can be a good choice if you want a city to live in or retire to Barcelona. However, to relate well with the locals, it is essential to learn Spanish. Most people in Barcelona speak Spanish, and others the language Catalan. Here are some of the reasons you should consider moving to Barcelona
#1. The weather
One reason that makes life in Barcelona favorable for foreigners and expats is its conducive weather. The city enjoys fantastic weather with a warm climate all year round. Although the temperature can rise slightly in summer, it does not get freezing in winter like in other European cities. Usually, the temperature does not drop below eight degrees Celsius.
#2. Excellent means of transport
Another good thing about living in Barcelona is the excellent public transportation that makes it easy to navigate the city. You can travel to every corner of the town using trolleys or buses. Also, Barcelona has a great subway system with 12 lines and more than 100 stops. Furthermore, the city has an affordable and easy-to-use bike-sharing system if you love cycling.
#3. Low cost of living
The cost of living in Barcelona is relatively low compared to other Spanish cities. Real estate in Barcelona is quite affordable. Also, there is a range of apartments for rent whether you need one for long- or short term rental. Buying or renting an apartment is reasonable, while the prices of foodstuffs in the city are considerably low. A single person can live comfortably in Barcelona with a monthly cost of about $775 without rent.
#4. Job opportunities
If you are looking for a city offering excellent job opportunities to grow your career, Barcelona offers precisely that. This city is one of the thriving places to set up start-up businesses in Europe. That means plenty of small and large companies are created in the region, which has transitioned to creating more new job positions. Therefore, if you move to Barcelona in search of a job, especially in digital marketing or the IT sector, you are guaranteed to get an opportunity with ease.
#5. High-quality education
Suppose you or your family member want to study once you move to Barcelona. You don’t have to worry. The city has the most reputable universities globally. Furthermore, whether you want international schools such as the American School of Barcelona or private schools, you will find them here.
#6. Excellent healthcare
The healthcare system in Barcelona is at par and holds a good reputation among the locals and foreigners. Both private and public healthcare sectors in the city offer exceptional treatment. Furthermore, all EU citizens can use their insurance cards to access healthcare during their stay in Barcelona. However, non-Eu citizens moving to Barcelona are advised to invest in robust private health insurance.
The Best neighborhoods to Live in Barcelona
Are you wondering where to live once you reach Barcelona? Here are the best neighborhoods you can consider
#1. Ciutat Vella
One of the best areas you can stay in Barcelona is Ciutat Vella, one of the oldest parts of this city. This lively area brings together four neighborhoods, including Santa Caterina i la Ribera, Raval, Barceloneta, Sant Pere, and Gotic. Ciutat Vella District is full of nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants.
#2. Gracia
Gracia is another great neighborhood where you can reside in Barcelona. It is one of the central districts in the area and is most famous for its wide range of bars and restaurants. Also, Gracia boasts some of the best markets and shops in the region. One of the main festive activities you can enjoy in the area is the Gracia Festival, a lively event that happens in August.
#3. Santi Marti
If you are a water sports fanatic, Santi Marti is an excellent area to live in. The district is home to Barcelona’s Olympic village and has vast stretches of beach. Also, it has tons of modern shopping centers and other modern living amenities.
#4. Barceloneta
Barceloneta is one of the dream towns for many residents. It offers access to a vast stretch of beach. Also, its housing ranges from simple to modest and most flats provide beautiful sea views.
Final Words
Is living in Barcelona worth it? For good reasons, Barcelona is the best and most secure Spanish cities to live in. It has a favorable year-round climate, good public transport, and excellent healthcare systems. Also, it has some of the best schools in the world. Furthermore, you don’t have to earn a lot to afford to stay in Barcelona. The cost of living in this city is one of the lowest in Spain. However, if you are a non-European citizen planning to travel to Barcelona, you must have a visa. You can opt for a tourist visa if you intend to live in that city for less than 90 days. However, if you need a residence permit, you will have to apply for a work visa, student visa, non-lucrative visa, or Spanish entrepreneur visa. Some of the best neighbourhood you can live in once you move to this city include Las Ramblas, Barceloneta, Santi Marti, Santi Marti, Ciutat Vella, and Gracia.
