Barcelona combines Mediterranean lifestyle, international business and a strong local identity, making it one of Spain’s most attractive destinations for international professionals and families.

But relocating to Barcelona also means navigating local administrative procedures and adapting to the particularities of life in Catalonia. From registering with your local Ajuntament (Town Hall) to accessing the Catalan healthcare system, there are several practical steps to take when settling into your new home.

What do you need to do when moving to Barcelona?

Once you have the right immigration status for your situation, some of the most important steps are local to Barcelona and Catalonia.

One of the first is empadronamiento, or registration with the municipal census. You must register at the Town Hall of the municipality where you live. In Barcelona, the Padró municipal is used to officially register your residence and can be important for accessing services and completing other administrative procedures. (seuelectronica.ajuntament.barcelona.cat)

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to arrange:

• Your NIE and/or residence documentation
• Registration with the local Town Hall
• Access to the Catalan public healthcare system
• A CatSalut TSI (Targeta Sanitària Individual), where applicable
• A Spanish bank account and other everyday services
• School registration for children
• Utilities and other services for your new home

The exact requirements depend on your nationality, residence status and personal circumstances.

Healthcare in Catalonia

Healthcare is another important part of settling in Barcelona. CatSalut, the Catalan Health Service, manages access to the public healthcare system in Catalonia.

For eligible residents, the TSI (Individual Health Card) identifies you and provides access to the public healthcare centres and services assigned to you. Registration with a municipality in Catalonia is a key requirement for obtaining the definitive physical TSI. (CatSalut. Servei Català de la Salut)

Understanding which documents you need and which CAP (Centre d’Atenció Primària) corresponds to your address can make this process considerably easier.

Finding a home in Barcelona

Finding accommodation in Barcelona can be one of the most challenging parts of relocating. The city is facing a significant shortage of rental housing, while high demand continues to put pressure on rental prices. In addition, the increasingly complex regulatory framework around renting can make the search more difficult, particularly for newcomers who are unfamiliar with the local requirements.

Barcelona offers a wide range of neighbourhoods, from central areas such as Eixample and Gràcia to quieter residential areas outside the city centre. The right choice will depend on your workplace, lifestyle, budget, schools and access to public transport.

A relocation partner can help you identify suitable properties, organise viewings and navigate the local rental process.

Understanding Catalan culture

Moving to Barcelona also means discovering Catalonia’s distinctive culture and identity.

Catalan and Spanish are both widely used in everyday life, while Catalan is the official language of Catalonia alongside Spanish. You will encounter Catalan in public institutions, schools, local businesses and cultural life.

Understanding local customs, traditions and the importance of Catalan culture can help international residents integrate more easily and feel part of their new community.

From Sant Jordi and Castellers to local festivals and neighbourhood traditions, embracing Barcelona beyond its international image is an important part of making the city feel like home.

Moving to Barcelona with your family

For families, relocation involves additional considerations such as finding the right school, choosing a suitable neighbourhood and arranging healthcare for every member of the household.

Barcelona offers a wide range of international and local schools, as well as extensive public services and activities for children. Planning these arrangements before or shortly after arrival can make the transition much smoother.

How can a relocation company help?

Moving to Barcelona means dealing with both national immigration requirements and local Catalan procedures. For someone unfamiliar with the system, coordinating everything can be time-consuming.

BRS Global Mobility helps individuals, families and companies relocate to Barcelona, providing tailored support with home search, immigration, school search, settling-in and the practical arrangements required to establish your new life in the city.

Ready to move to Barcelona?

Whether you are relocating for work, moving with your family or transferring employees to Barcelona, BRS Global Mobility can help you navigate the process from before arrival through to settling into your new home.

Contact our relocation experts to discuss your move to Barcelona.