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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Practical answers for your move to Barcelona and the surrounding region – (Garraf, Sant Cugat, the Maresme, Girona, and the Costa Brava).

We are more than a relocation agency:
we are your dedicated project managers, coordinating specialist tax and legal partners so your transition is financially sound and legally secure, from first plan to fully settled.

Visas & Immigration

Visas & Immigration

How long does the visa application process take?

It varies by visa type. Most non-immigrant visas take roughly two to four months from start to finish, once you factor in gathering and legalising documents, securing a consulate appointment, and waiting for the official decision. Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) routes tend to move faster, while family reunification can run to about four months. Because appointment slots and document legalisation are common sources of delay, we advise clients to begin planning earlier than feels necessary.

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the identification number Spain assigns to foreigners for tax and administrative purposes. Almost nothing official happens without it: opening a bank account, signing a lease, buying a vehicle, registering with a GP, or paying tax all require one. EU citizens receive a green NIE certificate (CUE); non-EU residents have the number printed on their TIE residency card. Securing your NIE is among the first things we help arrange after arrival.

Empadronamiento is your entry on the local municipal register (the padrón). For anyone settling long-term it is legally required, and in practice it is unavoidable: you will need the certificate to obtain a TIE card, enrol children in school, register for public healthcare, and complete many other formalities. Registration takes place at your town’s citizen services office (in Barcelona, the Oficina d’Atenció al Ciutadà) with proof of address. We handle the appointment and paperwork as part of getting you settled.

Can I work in Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa?

No. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) does not permit any work in Spain, whether as an employee or as a freelancer. It is intended for people who can support themselves without local employment — through savings, a pension, rental income, or remote income earned outside Spain. If your plan involves working while in the country, a different route such as the Digital Nomad Visa or a work permit will be the right fit, and we can advise on which one suits your situation.

Becoming an autónomo means registering with both the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) and Social Security. You will need your NIE or TIE, a Spanish bank account, and the correct CNAE code for your activity. New freelancers benefit from a reduced Social Security contribution in their early period of trading. Because the registration and ongoing obligations are easy to get wrong, we connect clients with a trusted gestor from our partner network to manage the process correctly from the outset.

Requirements depend on your nationality and visa type, but you should generally expect to provide a valid passport, your visa or entry stamp, proof of address (a rental contract or empadronamiento certificate), and evidence of income or employment. EU citizens register as residents using their passport or national ID together with proof of means or work. Non-EU citizens apply for the TIE card via an appointment (cita previa) at the relevant immigration office. We confirm the exact checklist for your case before you begin.

 

Healthcare

Can foreign residents access public healthcare in Barcelona?

Yes. Once you are legally resident and contributing to Spanish Social Security — as an employee or as an autónomo — you are entitled to use the public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud). Certain visa holders and pensioners may access it through other arrangements, which we can explain based on your circumstances

To obtain your Targeta Sanitària Individual (TSI), the public health card used in Catalonia, you will need your empadronamiento certificate, your NIE or TIE, and proof of Social Security affiliation or residency status. You register at your nearest CAP (primary care centre), after which you are assigned a GP and gain access to the wider public health network.

Private healthcare in Barcelona is excellent and widely used by international residents — particularly those not yet entitled to public cover, or who value shorter waits and English-speaking clinicians. Established insurers such as Sanitas, Adeslas, and Asisa offer a range of comprehensive plans, and many private hospitals run international patient units with multilingual staff. We can help you compare policies and choose cover that fits your needs and, where relevant, your visa requirements.

How much does private health insurance cost in Barcelona?

Premiums depend on age, the level of cover, and the insurer, but individual plans commonly fall somewhere between €50 and €150 per month. If you are applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, your policy must meet the consulate’s minimum standards — typically full cover with no co-payments and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. We make sure any policy you take out is compliant before you submit your application.

In private clinics and hospitals, English-speaking doctors are easy to find. Within the public system it is less predictable: some GPs speak English and others do not, though larger public hospitals often run international patient services. Where language is a concern, our settling-in support includes accompanying you to appointments and interpreting, so you are never navigating a consultation alone.

Call 112, the Europe-wide emergency number, or go straight to the nearest emergency department (urgències). Barcelona has several major hospitals with 24-hour A&E, including Hospital Clínic, Hospital Vall d’Hebron, and Hospital del Mar. For non-urgent matters, your local CAP or a private clinic is the right first point of contact.

Housing & Neighbourhoods

Which areas are best for international residents — in the city and beyond?

The right area depends on your lifestyle and family situation. Within the city, Eixample is central and walkable and popular with professionals; Gràcia has a village atmosphere and a strong international community; Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is quieter and greener with many international schools nearby; and Poblenou draws a younger, up-and-coming crowd. Beyond Barcelona, many families choose more spacious, calmer locations across Garraf, the Maresme coast, Sant Cugat, Girona, and the Costa Brava, trading a longer commute for more room and value. We match each client to the area that fits their priorities as part of our home-finding work.

Under Spanish law, leases from a private landlord typically run for a minimum of five years, and seven where the landlord is a company, though shorter or furnished lets outside this framework are common and often priced higher. Before signing, confirm whether the contract falls under the Urban Rental Law (LAU), the deposit required (usually one to two months), any agency fees, and whether utilities are included. We review contracts before you commit so there are no costly surprises.

Can I rent a flat in Barcelona without a Spanish bank account?

It is difficult, though not impossible. Most landlords expect rent and bills to be paid by direct debit from a Spanish account, and opening that account requires an NIE — which creates a chicken-and-egg problem for new arrivals. Some landlords will accept international transfers, and digital banks such as N26 or Wise can bridge the gap temporarily. In practice, sorting your NIE and a local account in the first weeks after arrival is the cleanest solution, and something we prioritise with every client.

A two-month deposit is the usual starting point. In Barcelona’s competitive market, landlords frequently ask for two to three months and may also request a bank guarantee or proof of income. It is always worth distinguishing what the law actually requires from what an individual landlord is asking — a check we carry out on your behalf.

 

Schools & Education

What types of schools are available for international families?

Families can choose from free state schools (taught in Catalan and Spanish), state-subsidised concertada schools, and private international schools. International schools follow British, American, French, German, or IB curricula, taught mainly in English or the relevant language, with fees typically ranging from around €8,000 to €25,000 or more per year. We help families shortlist and secure the right school across Barcelona and the wider region.

For state and concertada schools, admissions run through the city council’s annual process each spring; applications are made online and places allocated on criteria such as proximity, existing siblings, and income. International schools generally operate rolling admissions, but the most sought-after fill quickly, so applying early makes a real difference. We track deadlines and manage the applications so nothing is missed.

 

Is it hard for international children to adapt to schooling in Catalonia?

Settling into a new language environment usually takes somewhere between six and twelve months, but most children adapt well with the right support. State schools teach primarily in Catalan, with Spanish taught as a subject, and many run welcome programmes for newly arrived international pupils. If full immersion is not the right path for your family, an international school may be the better fit — a decision we help you weigh.

Buying Property

Can foreigners buy property in Barcelona?

Yes. Foreign buyers, including those from outside the EU and the United States, can purchase property in and around Barcelona with relatively few obstacles — Spain is generally welcoming to international buyers, with a clear and well-trodden process. The key to a smooth purchase is the right team around you. As your project managers, we coordinate trusted legal and tax partners, guide you through the paperwork, and keep the transaction secure from offer to completion.

Prices vary widely by location and property type. In central Barcelona, modern apartments often start from around €250,000, while high-end homes in the most exclusive districts can run well beyond €1 million. If you are after more space, houses on the city’s outskirts and in the surrounding region — Garraf, the Maresme, Sant Cugat, Girona, and the Costa Brava — typically begin in the region of €500,000 and offer a calmer setting with good access to the city.

Is buying property in Barcelona a good investment?

Barcelona has long been an attractive market for property investment, supported by steady tourism and consistent rental demand. Buyers chasing short-term rental yields often focus on central or visitor-heavy districts, while those after stable long-term returns tend to look near business hubs and universities, where tenant demand is reliable. As with any investment, the right strategy depends on your goals — which is exactly what we help you define before you commit.

Yes, letting out property is common and can be profitable, but it must be done in line with local rules. Barcelona regulates both long-term and, especially, short-term holiday lets, and tourist licences can be hard to secure in some districts because of policies designed to protect residential neighbourhoods. Long-term letting is more straightforward. Either way, working with people who understand the regulations is essential to avoid penalties and protect your income — guidance we and our partners provide throughout.