🇪🇸 Expat guide to Barcelona

Everything you need to live in Barcelona — in English

The Mediterranean tech and creative hub. A magnet for international talent, with one of the largest English-speaking expat communities in Spain.

Browse by category in Barcelona

Verified, English-speaking businesses and services across Barcelona.

🏠Housing & AccommodationFind your next home in Barcelona. Verified listings, expat-friendly landlords, and seamless rentals without the usual bureaucratic headaches.1 listing →📋Bureaucracy, Legal & RelocationSettle in Barcelona stress-free. Connect with English-speaking lawyers and gestores who understand expat taxes, visas, and legal paperwork.2 listings →💼Jobs & CareerGrow your career and business in Barcelona. Discover English-speaking jobs, top coworking spaces, and vibrant networking events.0 listings →🛠️Professional & Local ServicesTrusted local services in Barcelona. From English-speaking handymen to reliable pet sitters and web designers, we've got you covered.0 listings →🎓Families & EducationTop-tier education for your family in Barcelona. Explore international schools, universities, and Spanish/Catalan language tutors.0 listings →🩺Health & WellnessYour health comes first. Find certified, English-speaking doctors, dentists, and wellness professionals in Barcelona.0 listings →🎉Leisure, Culture & CommunityEmbrace the lifestyle in Barcelona. Discover upcoming expat events, community groups, local tours, and exclusive discounts.0 listings →🏷️Classifieds MarketplaceBuy and sell safely within the expat community in Barcelona. Find secondhand furniture, electronics, and last-minute event tickets.0 listings →

Your expat guide to Barcelona

The Mediterranean tech and creative hub. A magnet for international talent, with one of the largest English-speaking expat communities in Spain. Whether you're moving to Barcelona or already settling in, this YouExpats guide brings together English-speaking housing, legal and visa help, jobs, healthcare, schools and community — everything you need in one place, with verified, expat-friendly businesses across Barcelona.

Explore other cities in Spain

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Frequently asked questions

Is Barcelona a good place for expats?

Barcelona is one of Spain’s most popular destinations for international residents, with a welcoming community, English-speaking services and a high quality of life. This guide brings together everything you need to settle in.

Do I need a NIE to live in Barcelona?

Yes — the NIE (foreigner identification number) is required for almost everything in Barcelona: renting, working, opening a bank account or signing contracts. You can find English-speaking specialists to help in the Bureaucracy & Legal section.

How do expats find housing in Barcelona?

Most newcomers start with rooms or co-living while they search, then move to a long-term rental. Browse expat-friendly housing options for Barcelona in the Housing section of this directory.

Do I need to speak Spanish to live in Barcelona?

You can get by in English in Barcelona thanks to its large international community and English-speaking services, but learning Spanish (or Catalan, where relevant) makes daily life much easier.