Visa requirements for EU citizens
If you’re a citizen of an EU member state (or Switzerland), you won’t need a visa to work in Spain. However, you will need to register for a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).
Visa requirements for non-EU citizens
If you’re a citizen of a country outside of the EU (including the UK), you’ll need to obtain a visa before moving to Barcelona. You’ll also need a NIE.
Visa options
Spain offers several visa options for families looking to move to Barcelona.
These include:
Popular visa options explained
Work Visa
If you’ve secured a job offer in Barcelona, your prospective employer will help you with your visa application. The application should be submitted to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also apply for a Self-employment Work Visa.
Family Reunion Visa
If you plan on joining family members in Spain, you may be eligible for a Family Reunion Visa. This visa is designed for those who wish to reunite with family members, such as spouses, children, and parents of legal residents.
Non-lucrative Visa
This visa application is suitable for individuals who don’t intend to work in Spain but have sufficient funds to support themselves.
Golden Visa (Investor Visa)
The Spanish Golden Visa programme is designed to attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs. This programme gives eligible applicants the opportunity to obtain a renewable residence permit in exchange for a significant investment in the country.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa is a special visa programme designed to attract digital nomads and entrepreneurs to Spain.
The cost of living in Barcelona, while relatively high compared to many other Spanish cities, is generally more affordable than other major European hubs. However, while rent, for example, might be cheaper than in cities like Paris or London, prices have steadily increased in recent years.
What is the cost of living in Barcelona?
Based on 2025 data from Numbeo, the estimated monthly living cost for a family of four in Barcelona is approximately €2,873, excluding rent. These figures assume a comfortable lifestyle in the city centre; however, costs will vary depending on where you choose to live and your spending habits.
Barcelona has a robust healthcare system, which combines excellent public and private options.
EU citizens with registered residence can access the city’s public healthcare system. Non-EU expats, however, must have private health insurance in place until they qualify for public healthcare.
Public healthcare in Barcelona
Barcelona’s public healthcare, delivered under the Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), provides all-round coverage to residents. The system offers low-cost and free access to a wide range of medical care, including paediatrics and specialist treatments.
CatSalut is responsible for ensuring public, comprehensive, and quality healthcare. It manages services, resources, and planning across the region, including hospitals, primary care centres, and emergency services.
Public facilities include the Hospital Clinic and Hospital de Sant Pau, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly skilled professionals.
Private healthcare in Barcelona
Private healthcare in Spain runs alongside the public system, with some hospitals offering both private and public services. Private healthcare is a popular option for many people, especially expat families.
The cost of private health insurance in Spain varies depending on the company and plan you choose. For this reason, it’s important to carefully research the options offered by each provider.
Living in Barcelona, your family will love the city’s fantastic Mediterranean climate. The region boasts warm, sunny weather during the summer, mild winters, and limited rainfall all year round.
The warmest period in Barcelona spans roughly three months, from late June through to September. August is the hottest month of the year, with peak temperatures reaching 84°F (29°C).
Winters in Barcelona are extremely mild, and snow is very rare. Daytime temperatures typically average 57°F (14°C), and nighttime lows drop to around 43°F (6°C). You’ll rarely experience freezing conditions.
While the city doesn’t get much rain, autumn tends to bring the wettest weather. October sees the most rainfall, and thunderstorms are more common between August and November. The sea is warmest from July through to September.
Crucially, Barcelona enjoys over 2,500 hours of sunshine each year. Spring and autumn serve as pleasant transitional seasons, although April and November can be unpredictable as temperatures shift.
You can keep track of the weather in Barcelona by using Spain’s official meteorological website, AEMET. The El Tiempo app is a good source of accurate weather information, too.
Moving to Barcelona, you’ll discover that many locals are bilingual and speak both Spanish and Catalan.
While Catalan is the official first language of the city, Castilian is still very much the lingua franca. This is due to the large number of non-Catalans (including expats) who live and work here.
Of course, many people also speak English. However, learning Spanish is the best way to smooth your transition into life in the city – and help you to connect with others. There are several language schools in Barcelona that can help you, as well as online courses, apps, and programmes.
Our city offers a wealth of accommodation choices for families moving to Barcelona, spanning a diverse range of neighbourhoods. Picking the right area will, of course, depend on your needs and preferences.
Neighbourhood guide
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is a peaceful, upscale, and affluent district. It has a local, community-focused vibe, and is home to lots of green spaces, including Jardins de Sant Gervasi and Turó Park. There are lots of activities for expat families, and the area is well-connected to the city via FGC trains.
More centrally located, Gràcia has a bohemian charm with a community feel. The area is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of squares and playgrounds, space to run around, and cafés (Plaça de la Virreina and Plaça del Sol). The neighbourhood is also home to a large expat community as well as local families.
Eixample is an upscale neighbourhood located in the heart of the city centre. Wide, tree-lined streets, excellent amenities for families, and great public transport make the district an exciting and convenient place to live.
Neighbouring Eixample, Poble Sec is an affordable and authentic barrio, with a vibrant local community and growing population of expats. The area has excellent transport links and amenities, including Montjuïc Park, which is great for children.
Sant Martí is an up-and-coming coastal neighbourhood that is close to beaches like Bogatell and Mar Bella. Accommodation tends to be more modern, in new developments either overlooking or close to the sea. Excellent public transport and a growing community of expat families make Sant Martí a great option away from the bustle of the city centre.
Nord Anglia’s international school in Montgat
Hamelin-Laie International School is located in Montgat, a picturesque beachside suburb just 20 minutes from Barcelona city centre.
Montgat is a largely residential and commuter neighbourhood, attracting families and professionals seeking a more relaxed lifestyle but with easy access to the city. With beautiful former fishermen’s houses along the seafront and a long stretch of sandy beaches, Montgat retains the peaceful essence of a coastal village while also offering modern-day amenities.
Public transport in Barcelona is efficient, affordable, well-maintained, clean and safe. The integrated fare system means you only need one ticket to make any journey that involves different means of transport.
The Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) app
The TMB app is the city’s official transport information hub. It offers real-time information on metro, bus, tram and funicular services, route planning, and different payment options. We highly recommend downloading the app, as it’s great way for families to navigate the city.
Metro, tram and trains
The metro is the fastest way to get around the city. Eight metro lines, stretching across six zones, offer easy access to different neighbourhoods, tourist attractions, the coast, and places of interest.
Barcelona’s funicular operates like a metro with two stops: Parallel and Parc de Montjuïc, located on the mountain. It then links up with the Montjuïc cable car.
There are also two tram lines in Barcelona, covering 56 stops.
Barcelona has an excellent suburban rail network, too, which covers the city centre and wider metropolitan area.
Cycling
A great way to get to where you want to go while living in Barcelona is to use either the Bicing or AMBici bike rental services. They’re integrated into the city’s transport system and encompass around 8,000 mechanical and e-bikes. There are pick-up and drop-off points located all over the city.
Taxis
Taxi fares in Barcelona are quite cheap compared to other major European cities, but this does depend on the time of day and whether it is a public holiday. Apps like Free Now operate in the same way as Uber.
Driving
Driving in Barcelona can be challenging due to traffic congestion, limited parking, and strict low-emission zone regulations.
Anyone over 18 with a valid driving license can legally drive in Spain for a short period of time. For non-EU/EEA citizens, this applies for the first six months after moving to Spain and gaining residency. For EU/EEA nationals, it’s two years.
Get acquainted with life in Barcelona by embarking on an exploratory tour of the central city, where you’ll discover the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudi. Among his most famous works are Sagrada Familia, Casa Battló, Casa Mila, and Park Güell.
You can visit the city’s museums at any time, but many open their doors for free on Sundays. Must-visits include the Natural History Museum, the Ethnological and Cultures of the World Museum, the Design Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Picasso Museum.
When the sun comes out, do as the locals do and head to the beach. There is no shortage of excellent sandy expanses in and around the city. One of the closest is to the centre is Barceloneta.
Another way to enjoy the year-round great weather is to relax in a park. Barcelona boasts lots of green spaces, which are great for walking, running, playing sports and picnicking. These include Ciutadella Park, Aigües Park, Cervantes Park, and Laribal Gardens.
If you’re into football, head to the Camp Nou for an FC Barcelona match. This iconic sporting arena is one of the largest stadiums in the world and has a capacity of nearly 100,000.
You'll find fantastic restaurants in every district, some with Michelin stars. Dine on Catalan and Spanish cuisine in cozy corner bars, and embrace Spain’s famous tapas culture.
The city loves a good celebration, and living in Barcelona you’ll find festivals all year round. Some of the most famous include La Mercè, a large week-long festival in September, and Sant Jordi Day (the Catalan version of Valentine’s Day), when the streets are filled with books and roses. Taking part in these events is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture.
There are countless ways to connect with other families in Barcelona, from international parenting groups to cultural meetups.
Organisations for expat families in Barcelona often host events where parents can exchange tips and experiences. Many workshops and classes, such as baby yoga or breastfeeding support groups, are also available in English.
We’d also recommend:
You can browse apartments, houses, and condos using online platforms like Idealista, Habitaclia, and Fotocasa.
Due to high demand, it’s recommended to act quickly, work with a relocation agency, and ensure you understand lease and/or purchase terms.
Want to find out more about living in Barcelona - or the education we offer at Hamelin-Laie International School? Get in touch with our Admissions Team today.
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