Working In Barcelona

Why living in Barcelona is a good idea

Welcome in Spain! Barcelona is a city that combines modern living with historic charm, making it a fantastic place to call home. Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, it offers sunny weather almost year-round, perfect for enjoying its beautiful beaches or exploring its neighborhoods. 🏖️

The city's unique architecture, highlighted by Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, adds a magical touch to daily life! Barcelona is also a hub for food lovers, boasting everything from traditional tapas to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants.

Living in Barcelona means a lively social scene, with countless cultural events, festivals, and a thriving nightlife. The closeness to the mountains and sea offers endless outdoor activities, from hiking in Montjuïc to sailing in the Mediterranean.

For professionals, Barcelona is a dynamic hub of innovation and creativity. With growing industries in tech, tourism, and design, there are plenty of job opportunities in Barcelona for various skill sets. The city's international community also makes it welcoming for expats! 🌞

Barcelona: living in Spain’s cultural heart

History and cultural highlights of Barcelona

Barcelona is a city rich in history and culture. Its origins date back to Roman times when it was known as Barcino, remnants of which can still be seen in the Gothic Quarter. Over centuries, Barcelona evolved into a vital Mediterranean port and a hub of innovation and art. 🎭

The city is best known for its modern architecture, largely shaped by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí. His iconic works, including the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and embody the creative spirit of Barcelona!

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is another cultural treasure, with its narrow, winding streets, medieval buildings, and landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral. Meanwhile, the bustling La Rambla offers a vibrant slice of city life, lined with street performers, cafes, and markets such as the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria.

Art enthusiasts can explore the Picasso Museum, showcasing the works of the legendary artist who spent his formative years in the city. Music lovers will enjoy the Palau de la Música Catalana, a stunning concert hall renowned for its modernist design.

Explore Barcelona: top 5 must-visit hotspots

These are our favourites: 

• Magic Fountain of Montjuïc: Be dazzled by this nightly water and light show, a favorite among visitors.
• Bunkers del Carmel: enjoy unbeatable panoramic views of the city from this historic hilltop vantage point.
• Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic): wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of this historic neighbourhood, home to medieval buildings, the Barcelona Cathedral, and charming plazas.
• La Rambla: this lively boulevard is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy street performers, cafes, and a visit to the vibrant Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria.
• Montjuïc Hill: visit this cultural and recreational hub, offering attractions like the Magic Fountain, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, and panoramic views of the city.

👉 Looking for more travel tips in Barcelona? Check out our blog: the 7 best free activities in Barcelona.

Flavours of Barcelona

Living in Barcelona means indulging in local delights like paella, a vibrant mix of rice, seafood, and saffron, served fresh at beachside restaurants. Another classic is patatas bravas, crispy potatoes topped with spicy sauce and aioli—perfect for sharing.

For savoury meals, try escalivada, a smoky dish of roasted vegetables, or botifarra, a traditional Catalan sausage often paired with white beans. Barcelona’s food scene also offers incredible international cuisine, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan vibe.

When moving to Barcelona, you'll quickly discover many charming spots to dine. El Nacional has a range of Spanish dishes in a stunning setting, while Bar Cañete is beloved for its authentic tapas and lively atmosphere. For a taste of local life, explore La Boqueria Market. If you’re in need of a coffee break, head to Nomad coffee for excellent brews and a trendy vibe. ☕

👉 Read more in this blog about the best tips for an unforgettable experience in Barcelona.

How to get a job in Barcelona with Yobbers

Finding jobs in Barcelona with Yobbers is quick and simple! Browse through the vacancies Barcelona has to offer, to find a position that suits you. Once you apply, our recruiters will guide you every step of the way.

Many of our employers assist with paperwork and finding accommodation, making your move to Barcelona hassle-free. And if not, there’s always our Relocation Experts, who will guide you through your move abroad. With Yobbers, discovering exciting job opportunities in Barcelona has never been easier. Start your adventure today!

"Barcelona truly has it all: international flair, fantastic festivals, stunning rooftop bars, proximity to the Costa Brava, and just a 2.5-hour drive to ski in Andorra." — Nina 👉 Read about Nina’s Spanish adventure.

Jobs in Barcelona: popular vacancies

Jobs in Barcelona offer plenty of exciting opportunities! Here are some key sectors:

Customer Service 💬 If you love helping people and communicating. International companies are looking for Customer Service Agents to provide top-notch support to their international clients.

Sales 💼 Are you great at building connections and closing deals? Many global companies in Barcelona need motivated Sales Professionals to drive business growth and develop strong client relationships.

Marketing 📈 Creativity meets strategy in Barcelona's marketing sector! Work as a Digital Marketing Consultant in an international team and help brands create innovative campaigns that make an impact.

What paperwork do you need before moving to Barcelona?

After looking at vacancies in Barcelona and finding a job, it’s time to arrange all the paperwork. As an EU citizen, starting your new job in Barcelona is straightforward, as no work visa is required. Most of our employers will assist you with important tasks like getting your Spanish tax number (NIE) and setting up health insurance. 

When you apply through Yobbers, our Relocation Experts will always have your back! For more details and a handy checklist of the key documents you'll need, our team is always ready to help you get started. 🌟

Workplace culture: a guide for Barcelona

In Spain, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is highly valued, and Barcelona is no exception. 🤝 The working culture is generally relaxed, with a focus on flexibility and strong relationships with colleagues. Remote and hybrid working options are common, making it easier for expats in Barcelona to balance their personal and professional lives!

Do’s while working in Barcelona:

• Embrace teamwork: collaboration is highly valued, so be ready to share ideas and work together.
• Savour your lunch break: lunch is an important social occasion, so take the time to enjoy it.
• Adapt to cultural norms: while the siesta tradition is less common in modern offices, some businesses still love their mid-afternoon break.

Don’ts while working in Barcelona:

• Avoid being too blunt: direct communication can be perceived as impolite; aim for a softer tone.
• Don’t skip formalities: start with the formal "usted" instead of "tú" until relationships are more developed.
• Be patient and respectful: building trust takes time, so approach workplace relationships thoughtfully.

Cost of living in Barcelona

In Barcelona, salaries can be lower than in some other major European cities, but the cost of living is also more affordable. With reasonable prices for groceries, dining out, and transportation, you can enjoy the city's vibrant lifestyle without breaking the bank. The Mediterranean climate invites you to enjoy outdoor activities, many of which are free or very low-cost, allowing you to experience Barcelona while keeping your expenses in check.

The best areas to live in Barcelona

After finding a job in Barcelona, finding the ideal neighbourhood in Barcelona is essential for enjoying life in the city. 🏡 If you're moving with one of our all-inclusive job offers, your employer will assist with finding accommodation, taking the stress out of the process. If you're not, don't worry—we've got you covered with helpful tips to find the perfect spot.

Wondering where to live in Barcelona? Which neighbourhoods are ideal for expats?

If you enjoy being close to the action, consider areas like El Raval or the Eixample, which are buzzing with restaurants, bars, and vibrant nightlife. They can be a bit more expensive but offer an exciting city atmosphere.

For a quieter, more local vibe, Gracia is a great choice, offering a charming village feel with a more relaxed pace and affordable options. If you're a beach lover, Barceloneta is the go-to area, combining beach access with a lively community, ideal for those seeking both city and seaside living.

While Barcelona tends to be pricier than other Spanish cities, there are still affordable options. Renting a room in a shared flat typically costs between €400 and €650 per month for a room in a shared flat and around €1300 for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the neighbourhood. 💸 Useful websites to find accommodations are HousingAnywhere and Idealista!

👉 Check out our tips on how to find your accommodation in Barcelona. 

"Despite experiencing so many amazing things in Barcelona during my year, I ended up with a couple of favourite spots. The Bunkers del Carmel and the El Born neighbourhood left a strong impression on me, and I never got tired of visiting them."  — Eugénie 👉 Read more about Eugéniés year in Barcelona.

Navigating through Barcelona

Barcelona offers an excellent and affordable public transport system, making getting around the city simple and convenient! 🚍 The metro is a fast and efficient way to travel, with multiple lines connecting key areas of the city. You can also rely on an extensive network of buses and trams that cover almost every neighbourhood. For a more active way to explore, cycling and walking are great options, especially in the city center, where many attractions are within walking distance! 🚴‍♂️🏙️

Living in Barcelona: an expat’s experience

Taking the leap to move abroad can be challenging at first, but Eugénie took it and moved to Barcelona: 

“I always had a dream of going on an adventure abroad to experience something new. Working abroad seemed like the perfect opportunity to broaden my horizons, discover a new way of life, and improve my language skills. Although I really loved my life in Paris, I was ready for a new adventure. So when the opportunity presented itself, I didn’t hesitate even for a second!”

It was a tough decision what city she wanted to move to, but Barcelona ended up beating the competition. “Barcelona is a city filled with beautiful and diverse architecture. Plus, there are many fun things to do in Barcelona! There are of course the famous beaches, but also a lot of museums and galleries to explore. For lovers of nightlife, the city has many clubs, restaurants and bars to visit. There are so many things to do that even one year didn’t give me enough time to experience everything.”

The decision to move to Barcelona ended up being a good one: “I do not regret moving to Spain at all, I gained only amazing memories from Barcelona and it feels like it truly became my city. I can only recommend and advise you to choose this city for your adventure abroad as well!”

👉 Read more about Eugénies year in Barcelona.