Barcelona is a digital hub replete with revelatory creators, innovative thinkers, and a thriving international scene.

Barcelona, located on Spain’s stunning northeastern coastline, is an excellent option for those seeking to move abroad. With its picturesque beaches, misty mountains, and charming cobblestone streets in the Old Town, this Catalonian gem has something for everyone. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or seeking short- or long-term employment, Barcelona boasts diverse opportunities to grow your career and develop your skills. We warmly invite you to consider all that this vibrant city offers and take the first step towards an exciting new adventure.

If you’re wondering what it’s really like to work and live in Barcelona, here’s everything you need to know about the job market, paperwork, work culture, self-employment, and the ex-pat life. Look no further for the ultimate insider’s guide to working in Barcelona, Spain.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

• Working in Barcelona

• Job Culture in Barcelona

• Finding a Job in Barcelona

• Self-Employment in Barcelona

• Coworking Spaces in Barcelona

• 6 Reasons to Work in Barcelona

• FAQs

Working in Barcelona

Barcelona is the place to be if you’re looking for a job. Many opportunities exist here, especially if you speak Spanish, Catalan, English, or French. You’ll find lots of big companies that offer stable contracts for these languages.

There’s lots of seasonal, casual, and short-term work available in the hospitality sector, with high season honing in the need for more restaurant, bar, and hotel workers. For English-speaking ex-pats, there are opportunities to try out temporary work in fields such as teaching English, call centres, babysitting and au-pair jobs.

The growing number of start-ups has created a high demand for editors, translators, and management positions—additionally, skilled technicians, customer representatives and IT professionals.

Working in Spain is also great for those interested in automobiles, appliance manufacturing, and banking, the city’s biggest industries.

Websites like Jobs in Barcelona, Job Today, and Indeed have plenty of things available, especially during the high season (May to October).

Job Culture in Barcelona

One thing that sets Spain apart from its European neighbours is its unique work culture. If you work in Barcelona, you’ll have the opportunity to adjust to a new schedule, as many jobs offer a lengthy lunch break that can last anywhere from 3 to 4 hours.

Locally known as horario partido, the time can be taken to your advantage – enjoying some speciality coffee, having a siesta, going out for tapas, taking a Spanish class, getting your heart rate up in the gym, or hitting up one of the many free things to do. Compared to other bustling cities like Melbourne, Paris or London, this type of schedule offers a stellar work-life balance. 

Finding a Job in Barcelona

If you’re from the European Union or Switzerland, you can easily get a job in Barcelona without applying for a Spanish work permit. Others are legally required to apply for a valid work visa and additionally obtain an official work contract.

You will be entitled to healthcare, educational, and pension benefits upon signing the contract. After becoming eligible to work in Barcelona, you can explore various job opportunities and search for them online. Consulting a job recruiter can also expedite the process. Having an impressive CV, improving your Spanish proficiency, and preparing for interviews is crucial. This will ensure that you are fully equipped to embark on your new career path.

Self-Employment in Barcelona

Freelancers in Spain, locally known as autonomo, run the scene here. But with surprisingly expensive self-employment fees, it’s not exactly all that affordable. New freelancers can get by simply paying €60 per month, but after the first two years pass, you’ll be expected to pay €300.

If you plan on freelancing in Spain, getting a gestor (accountant) is essential because the paperwork can get confusing.

Coworking Spaces in Barcelona

Barcelona is home to a wide variety of laptop-friendly cafes and coworking spaces. Next to every barrio (neighbourhood) has some sort of trendy space, teeming with opportunities to roam around and meet other like-minded ex-pats.

You can read more about the best offer here depending on your preferences regarding price, location, and facilities.

6 Reasons to Work in Barcelona

There’s an entire realm of reasons to work in Barcelona, but here are six simple points.

1. The city’s public transport system is accessible, affordable and runs frequently. Learn how to navigate the network of options available in this in-depth guide to Getting Around Barcelona.

2. Barcelona is a creator’s hub. Literally, the city hosts year-round creative activities and events that offer up to 130,000 jobs per year. From thrift store pop-ups and food festivals to neighbourhood parties and cinema-based beach events, there is something to satisfy everyone.

3. Located on the cusp of the beachfront and backed by mountain tops, the city offers the best of both worlds. Hiking, snorkelling, and adventure are always one foot around the corner. Day trips out to Tarragona or Girona is among the most popular, making the city even more enticing for those who love to get outdoors.

4. It’s an iconic international hub. Beneath the buzzing tourist scene’s depths is a rather rowdy crowd of expats. You’ll find people from every walk of life here in Barcelona.

5. Barcelona is home to two of the top five business schools in Europe. So if you’re interested in high-quality education in business and law, look no further.

6. The lifestyle here really can’t be beaten. Topped with an awe-worthy gastronomy scene, rich history, warm climate, bliss-inducing beaches, sprawling sports and cultural events, and jaw-dropping architecture, there’s something for everyone. The inventory of pleasurable pursuits will whisk you into a state of inspiration.

FAQs

Is it easy to find a job in Barcelona?

Depending on the field you’re interested in, getting a decent job in Barcelona requires patience, time, and, sometimes, money. It’s advised to start the job hunt well before you leave your country and begin to learn some Spanish-speaking skills for the inevitable interview process. Compared to other cities in Spain, finding a job as an expat can be relatively more straightforward.  

Can you work in Barcelona without speaking?

The short answer is yes, you can. But once again, it depends on the type of job you’re searching for. Getting by daily with only English is relatively hassle-free; however, most jobs will require at least a basic level of Spanish (Castellano).

What jobs are in high demand in Barcelona?

According to recent data, the highest-demand jobs are Sales, Engineering, Technology, Marketing, Administration, and Finance.

What’s the cost of living in Barcelona?

The cost will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle preferences, living expenses, and income. Check out this comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about the cost of living in Barcelona.

Is it worth living in Barcelona?

100% yes. From the blissful weather and beautiful beaches to the delectable food and history-ridden streets, this city is replete with enticing elements.  

Working in Barcelona offers an eclectic expanse of opportunities for growth, networking, and expanding your skill set. Along with the evident spectrum of beautiful things to do and see throughout the city, the wide variety of jobs offers something to appease everybody. 

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