Spain
Your start in Barcelona
Catalonia's capital is a bilingual city of 10 districts and 73 neighbourhoods. Immigration cards are issued by the National Police, the padró and local services by the city council, health care by CatSalut, and rents are capped as a stressed housing market.
At a glance
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and the second-most populous municipality in Spain after Madrid. Catalan and Spanish are both official, and Catalan is the main language at school. The city is divided into 10 districts and 73 neighbourhoods (barris), each district with its own citizen service office.
Who handles what for newcomers
- Padró and city services: Barcelona City Council (Ajuntament de Barcelona) registers residents in the padró at its Citizen Service Offices (OAC) and online; its information line is 010.
- Immigration: the central government's immigration offices (Passeig de Sant Joan 189-193 and Carrer de Múrcia 42) handle residence applications; National Police stations in the province issue TIE cards and EU registration certificates by appointment.
- Health: the Catalan health service CatSalut issues the individual health card (TSI) through primary care centres (CAP); 061 Salut Respon answers health questions.
- Work: the Catalan public employment service SOC and the city's agency Barcelona Activa.
- Housing: the city's Housing Offices give free advice; deposits are lodged with INCASÒL.
- Free newcomer help: the Barcelona International Welcome Desk (Carrer de Roc Boronat, 117) and the SAIER (Carrer de Tarragona, 141).
Renting in Barcelona
Barcelona is a declared stressed housing market: rents of new leases are capped by the previous rent and, for large landlords, by the state reference index. New main-residence leases averaged about €1,153 a month in the third quarter of 2025, according to INCASÒL deposit data. Agency fees cannot be charged to tenants.
The HomiStart Barcelona guides are general information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm details with the official sources linked in each guide.
An overview of moving to Spain, your first month in Barcelona and the emergency numbers to save on day one.
Moving About 30 minutes to read; preparation usually takes several months Arrival Spread over about four weeks; most steps need one appointment or online form Emergencies Five minutes to save the numbers in your phone
Choosing a visa or residence route, the NIE and TIE, the EU registration certificate, and registering in the padró.
Residence and visas Several weeks to several months, depending on the route and the consulate Registration About an hour to prepare forms and fees; appointments can take weeks to obtain Residence and visas One appointment of under an hour; finding an appointment can take several weeks Registration About 30 minutes at the office once you have an appointment; about seven days online Registration One appointment or online application; confirmation in Barcelona takes about seven days online
Finding a flat in a tight market, rent caps, deposits and your rights as a tenant.
Housing Often several weeks to a few months Housing About 30 minutes to read before you sign a lease
How the public health system works, getting your CatSalut health card and the social security number.
Healthcare Usually a few days to a few weeks after you are registered in the padrón and with Social Security Healthcare About 20 minutes to apply; the physical card arrives by post later Insurance About 20 minutes online; requests without a digital certificate need identity verification first
Looking for a job, recognition of qualifications and your rights as an employee.
Jobs Ongoing; plan several hours a week, often for months Employment About 20 minutes to read; keep it for reference Insurance About 20 minutes online; requests without a digital certificate need identity verification first
Opening a bank account, income tax, the annual return and the special regime for people moving to Spain.
Banking Under an hour in a branch or online, once you have your documents Taxes Under an hour for a simple return using the draft; longer with foreign income or self-employment
Metro, buses, trams and trains on one integrated fare system, 2026 prices and Bicing.
Schools, nursery places, admissions for children arriving mid-year and leave for parents.
Learning Spanish and Catalan, free CPNL courses and exams for Spanish nationality.
Neighbourhoods on the map
Select a pin to read about a neighbourhood.
Map of neighbourhoods in Barcelona