Digital Nomad in Barcelona

Your guide to working remotely in one of the top cities for digital nomads

If you’re considering working remotely from Barcelona, you’re making a fantastic choice! The city is consistently ranked among the top 10 destinations for digital nomads worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. Barcelona offers an incredible mix of international vibes, authentic Spanish culture, and year-round sunshine.

Table of contents

Getting to Barcelona

Barcelona’s El Prat Airport is one of Europe’s best hubs for international travel. Although flights have become more expensive post-COVID and due to global events, you can still find reasonably priced options to fly into this bustling city.

Once you land, getting into the city is a breeze. The blue airport bus or the affordable metro will take you directly to the heart of Barcelona. For more tips on how to get from the airport to the city, check out this guide.

Public transport in Barcelona

Barcelona boasts an efficient public transportation system, with an extensive metro network that makes it easy to get around. Look for the “M” signs that mark metro stations across the city. If you’re staying for an extended period, consider purchasing a T-casual card for occasional rides or an unlimited monthly pass for around €40. Check all possible tickets for public transportation in Barcelona.

In addition to the metro, the city offers various bus, tram, and train services. You can take trains from Plaça Catalunya to nearby Catalonian towns or from Sants station to other parts of Spain and France.

Cycling

For a sustainable and convenient way to get around, consider the Bicing bike-sharing system. For about €50 a year, you can easily pick up a bike at one of the many stations scattered across the city. However, you’ll need an NIE (a tax identification number) to sign up for an account. If you don’t have an NIE, there are still plenty of options for renting bikes, for example a monthly subscription at Swapfiets.

Exploring Barcelona on foot

Despite being a large city, Barcelona is incredibly walkable. Many of the city’s attractions and neighborhoods can be explored on foot. You can stroll from Plaça Catalunya down Las Ramblas to the beach or meander through the historic streets of El Born and the Gothic Quarter.

Where to live in Barcelona

Various neighborhoods offer great living options, each with its own unique charm and advantages. Here’s a quick overview of some of the best areas for remote workers:

  • Gràcia: A charming, typically Spanish neighborhood with narrow streets and cozy squares. While you’ll be away from the tourist crowds, you’ll have to bike uphill from the beach. Gràcia offers plenty of cafes and co-working spaces, giving it a village-like feel. However, housing here can be pricey.
  • Poblenou: An up-and-coming neighborhood known for its trendy startup scene. Many buildings have been converted into co-working spaces, and you’ll find plenty of hip cafes and bars. Plus, you’re close to a quieter section of the beach.
  • Eixample and Sant Antoni: Eixample is known for its fantastic architecture and abundant restaurants, shops, and bars. Apartments here are typically more spacious, though traffic can be heavy. Sant Antoni, on the other hand, is currently the go-to spot for locals, with its famous foodie street, Carrer del Parlament.
  • El Born & Barceloneta: El Born, located in the old town, feels almost magical with its narrow, historic streets. Known as the “Soho of Barcelona,” this area is filled with beautiful boutiques and trendy restaurants. While it’s a popular tourist spot, you won’t see many cars as the streets are too narrow.

Finding a studio, flat or room in a shared apartment

The rental market in Barcelona moves quickly, often making it challenging to secure long-term housing in advance. It’s usually best to be in the city when searching for a place to rent. Never pay a deposit, rent, or commission online before seeing the property in person to avoid scams.

Idealista is a popular platform for finding rentals. If you prefer to book something in advance, consider Anyplace or Lifefurther, though these options tend to be more expensive.

The digital nomad community in Barcelona

Connecting with other remote workers and digital nomads in Barcelona is easy. Here are some tips:

  • The Innovation District (22@ Project): Barcelona’s transformation into a tech hub has attracted a significant expat and digital nomad community. The 22@ project, one of Europe’s largest urban renewal programs, is located in Poblenou. This area is teeming with startups and hosts a variety of networking events.
  • Meeting Other Expats: Join Facebook groups like “Barcelona Digital Nomads” or “Barcelona Entrepreneurs & Digital Nomads” to connect with like-minded individuals. The “Nederlands in Barcelona” group is also a great place to start. Additionally, you can use the Meetup app to find networking events, sports activities, and more.
  • Coworking Days: Twice a month, the Barcelona Coworking Days community organizes events at various locations throughout the city, providing the perfect opportunity to meet other freelancers, startups, and entrepreneurs.
  • Internations: This large community brings together expats and locals through various networking events throughout the year. Such events are ideal for expanding your professional network and making new friends.

Reliable Wi-Fi: a must for digital nomads

Most cafes and restaurants in Barcelona offer free Wi-Fi, but if you need a more stable connection, consider purchasing a SIM card with unlimited mobile data. Various companies offer plans starting at around €40 per month. Alternatively, you can sign up for a co-working space or find a café that doubles as a co-working spot.

Best co-workings in Barcelona

A comfortable workspace is crucial for productivity. Here are some of the best spots in Barcelona where you can work with your laptop, enjoy excellent coffee, and stay as long as you need:

  • Federal Café: Though the café in the Gothic Quarter is temporarily closed, Federal Café has two locations in the city—in the Gothic Quarter and Sant Antoni. Note that not all areas allow laptops, but where they do, you can stay as long as you like.
  • Alsur Café: With multiple locations, Alsur Café is perfect for those who need to work late into the night—open until 1:00 AM.
  • Bicioci Café: A haven for cycling enthusiasts and freelancers alike, Bicioci Café in Gràcia offers a cozy workspace and delicious food options like pizza and quiche.

Cost of living in Barcelona

Living and working in Spain is generally more affordable than in many other European countries, though Barcelona is pricier than other Spanish cities due to its popularity. Here are some average costs you can expect:

  • Monthly rent: €400-700 for a room in a shared apartment, €700-1000 for a studio in the city center.
  • Metro: €2.20 for a single ride, monthly pass from €40.
  • Beer: €2 in a typical Spanish bar, €3 in trendier spots.
  • Lunch: €12-17 depending on the location.
  • Café con leche: from €1.50.

Working in Barcelona

The work culture in Spain differs from that in the Netherlands, with a strong emphasis on social interactions during work hours. Colleagues often go out for drinks after work or lunch together during breaks. While the workdays are longer, a one-hour lunch break is standard. Overall, the pace is slower due to less emphasis on efficiency, and salaries are generally lower.

If you’re working for a Spanish company, you’ll need an NIE. This document is mandatory for anyone working in Spain. If you’re working for a company based in your home country, you won’t need this document. To obtain an NIE, you’ll need to make an appointment with the local municipality.

Digital Nomad Visa for Barcelona (for non-Europeans)

If you’re planning to work remotely from Barcelona for an extended period, you may want to consider applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa. This visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Spain while maintaining their employment with a company outside of Spain or working as a freelancer for international clients.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Employment Status: You must either work for a non-Spanish company or have a contract with international clients as a freelancer.
  • Minimum Income: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself. This typically requires proof of a stable income above a certain threshold (often around €2,000 per month).
  • Valid Health Insurance: You’ll need private health insurance that provides full coverage in Spain.
  • No Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a clean criminal record certificate from their home country.

Application Process:

  • Application Submission: You can apply for the visa either at the Spanish consulate in your home country or within Spain if you’re already there as a tourist.
  • Documentation: Along with the application form, you’ll need to submit proof of employment, income, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other relevant documents.
  • Processing Time: The processing time for the digital nomad visa can vary, but it generally takes a few weeks to a couple of months.

Validity and Renewal:

  • The digital nomad visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

This visa provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the vibrant lifestyle of Barcelona while continuing your remote work. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach during lunch breaks or networking with other professionals in coworking spaces, Barcelona offers an ideal environment for digital nomads.

If you’re interested in acquiring a digital nomad visa, we advise you to check out this information.

Tax obligations

Understanding where and how you need to pay taxes can be complex, especially when working remotely from another country. It’s highly recommended to consult a tax advisor for personalized advice, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Country of Destination: Most countries tax income earned within their borders, regardless of your nationality. Spain considers you tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year there. Temporary absences do not interrupt this period.
  • Country of Departure: Your home country may also want to tax your global income. This can create a situation where you’re liable to pay taxes in both countries. However, many countries have tax treaties to prevent double taxation.

Before making any decisions, research the tax laws in both your home country and Spain, or consult with a professional to ensure you’re compliant.

Learning Spanish or Catalan

While many people in Barcelona speak English due to the high number of international businesses and expats, learning Spanish or Catalan is definitely worth the effort. Most expats opt to learn Spanish, as it’s spoken widely across the globe. Numerous schools offer Spanish courses at reasonable prices.

Barcelona Workation Card

As a digital nomad, you can get this convenient card. It provides discounts or free entry to a variety of museums and cultural attractions, allowing you to fully experience the rich culture of Barcelona. The card costs €35 and is valid for 6 months.

Buy now!