How to Digital Nomad in Barcelona: Tips from Someone Who Lived It

Visas for Digital Nomads

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa

Good news for digital nomads thinking about Barcelona. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa lets you live and work here for up to 12 months, with possible renewals.

It’s a game-changer for remote workers who’ve been dreaming of swapping their home office for a spot in the Gothic Quarter—or maybe a coworking space by the beach!

Who qualifies? This visa is designed for non-EU/EEA citizens who work remotely. If you’re a freelancer, self-employed, or work for a non-Spanish company, you’re eligible. Your income must mostly come from non-Spanish clients or employers.

The visa typically requires proof of at least €2,334 in monthly income or equivalent savings. (In other words, you’ll need to show you can support yourself.)

What’s the paperwork like? Spain has a lot of bureaucracy, so prepare to do some legwork. You’ll need:

• Proof of remote work (contracts or a letter from your employer).
• Evidence of income (bank statements, invoices, or tax returns).
• Private health insurance, valid in Spain.
• A clean criminal record from the past five years.
• An application form, passport, and a passport-sized photo. (Yes, it must meet strict specifications—don’t try to sneak in that blurry selfie!)

How long does it take? The timeline varies, but once you’ve submitted everything, it usually takes about 20-30 days for a decision.

If you’re already in Spain, you can apply from within the country. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country.

The process may feel like a lot, but once you’re sipping a café con leche at a café, you’ll realize it was TOTALLY worth it.

Other Visa Options

If the Digital Nomad Visa isn’t quite your thing—or you need a backup plan—don’t worry. Spain has a few other visa options that might work for your digital nomad dreams.

Short-term stay permits

If you’re only planning to stay for a few months, the Schengen Tourist Visa lets you hang out in Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. While it’s perfect for testing the waters, remember: this visa doesn’t allow you to work, even remotely. If you’re flying under the radar with a laptop, just know you’re technically skirting the rules.

Entrepreneur Visas

Got a big idea or running a startup? Spain’s Entrepreneur Visa could be your ticket. This visa is geared toward people launching innovative businesses, especially in tech or sectors Spain wants to grow.

You’ll need a solid business plan, proof you can financially sustain the venture, and a knack for pitching your idea to Spanish officials. Bonus: it often comes with residency perks for family members.

Other pathways

• Non-Lucrative Visa: If you have savings or passive income and don’t need to work, this visa lets you stay for up to a year. It’s great for people taking a sabbatical or living off investments—but again, no work allowed.

• Student Visa: Thinking of brushing up on your Spanish or taking a course in Catalan culture? A student visa allows you to stay while studying, and you can even work part-time.

• Work Visa: If a Spanish employer offers you a job, this visa is straightforward. But, it doesn’t apply to remote work.

Each option has its own rules, paperwork, and fine print. But, having choices helps you find something that fits your plans. Whether you’re staying for weeks or years, there’s likely a visa that can make Barcelona your temporary home.

Finding Accommodation in Barcelona

Finding a place to stay in Barcelona can be tricky. But, don’t worry—it’s manageable with the right approach. Here’s the scoop on neighborhoods, housing options, and tips to ease the process.

Best Neighborhoods for Nomads

Barcelona’s neighborhoods each have their own unique feel. Choose one based on what you’re looking for.

• L’Eixample: Central, grid-like streets with a mix of modernist buildings and great cafés. It’s safe, convenient, and full of coworking spaces.

• Poblenou: Perfect for a beachy, laid-back vibe with a lot of newer apartment complexes. It’s a good spot for digital nomads and families.

• Gràcia: A charming, village-like area with a bohemian flair. It’s known for its indie shops and a quieter pace of life. I love Gracia!

• El Born: Trendy and artsy, with narrow streets, quirky bars, and plenty of cultural spots. Close to the city center, but not as chaotic. I stayed in Born during my month in Barcelona and LOVED it.

• Gothic Quarter: A tourist magnet, but it’s also historic and atmospheric. Expect lively streets and plenty of character (just watch out for the noise).

Types of Accommodation

• Short-term rentals: If you’re just settling in, try Airbnb, Spotahome, or Homelike. They have furnished apartments with flexible leases. Prices can be higher, but they save you the hassle of long-term contracts. You may want to opt for a hotel when you arrive while you find long-term housing; I try to avoid Airbnb these days, as it contributes to higher rents for locals in certain destinatinos.

• Long-term rentals: Barcelona leases typically require a stay of at least 6 to 12 months. You will need to pay a deposit (often one or two months’ rent) and to provide proof of income or a guarantor. Start your search on sites like Idealista or Fotocasa.

• Co-living spaces: Designed for digital nomads, these are all-in-one solutions. They combine housing, coworking, and socializing. Options like Coliving, Outsite, and Urban Campus are popular choices, especially for meeting people.

Housing Tips

• Avoiding scams: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Never send money before visiting the place or signing a legit contract.

• Understand rental contracts: They’re usually in Spanish or Catalan. If you’re not fluent, consider getting them translated. Look for clauses about early termination and deposit refunds.

• Best platforms: For short-term stays, stick to trusted platforms like Airbnb. For long-term rentals, Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia are your go-to sites. If you’re feeling stuck, local Facebook groups can also help.

With the right prep, you’ll find a place that fits your style and budget—just don’t wait until the last minute. I’d say find your accommodation even before booking your flight.

Housing moves fast in Barcelona, and the early bird catches the best apartment!

Working in Barcelona

Barcelona is a fantastic city for remote work. Here’s your guide to making the most of working in Barcelona as a digital nomad.

Coworking Spaces

Barcelona’s coworking scene is buzzing with options. There are sleek, modern spaces, cozy and creative offices, and everything in between. Here are a few top picks to get you started:

• Attico: With multiple locations around the city, Attico is very stylish and community-oriented. They offer everything from flexible hot desks to private offices. They also have perks like wellness programs and networking events. The terraces are perfect for a refreshing break between tasks! Plans start at €300/month.

• Club Caramel: This coworking spot is as charming as it sounds. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a quieter, intimate atmosphere. It’s easy to make friends here. Club Carmel is the coworking space I went to during my month in Barcelona.

• Betahaus: Located in the trendy Gràcia neighborhood, Betahaus is the ultimate creative hub. With memberships from €120/month, a rooftop terrace, and workshops, it’s perfect for freelancers and startups. This is a great choice if you prefer a relaxed, collaborative environment.

If you’re curious about more coworking spaces in the city, check out my full guide to Barcelona’s best coworking spaces. It’ll help you narrow down the perfect spot for your remote work setup!

Best Cafés for Remote Work

Prefer a café vibe? Barcelona has plenty of spots that balance good coffee with a work-friendly atmosphere. Here are a few favorites:

• Federal Café: This is a remote worker’s paradise with plenty of natural light, great WiFi, and an all-day menu. Arrive early to snag a table—it’s popular for a reason!

• Coco Coffice: A hybrid café and coworking space, Coco Coffice offers hourly rates (about €4/hour) and unlimited coffee, tea, and snacks. It’s perfect if you only need a few hours to focus.

• SandwiChez: These cozy café-bakeries are scattered around the city. They have plenty of outlets, solid Wi-Fi, and reasonably priced snacks.

• Hidden gems: For specialty brews and a quieter vibe, try Onna Coffee in Gràcia or Nomad Coffee Lab in El Born.

Balancing Work and Life

Working in Barcelona isn’t just about productivity—it’s about enjoying the city’s unique rhythm. Start your day early and carve out time to enjoy what makes Barcelona special.

• Fit in a siesta: Mid-afternoon is prime time for a short break. Take a power nap, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or go for a walk to recharge before diving back into work. Not everyone takes a siesta, but you can incorporate it if you’d like.

• Socializing is key: End your workday with a meet-up at an “afterwork” coworking event, a language exchange, or tapas with friends. Barcelona’s social scene is active and usually welcoming. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet people!

• Catch the sunset: After a productive day, you can unwind with a walk along Barceloneta Beach or a drink at a rooftop bar. There’s no better way to reward yourself for getting things done.

With its mix of coworking hubs, café culture, and lifestyle perks, Barcelona makes working remotely a joy rather than a grind. Just remember to pace yourself—work hard, but don’t forget to enjoy everything the city has to offer!

Cost of Living in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city where you can live well without spending a fortune—if you’re savvy about your choices. Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses to expect while living here as a digital nomad.

Housing Costs

Rent in Barcelona varies a lot depending on the neighborhood and type of rental. For a one-bedroom apartment in central areas like El Born or L’Eixample, expect to pay €1,200–€1,800/month.

Moving to quieter, cheaper areas like Poblenou or Sant Antoni can cut costs to €900–€1,200/month. For budget-friendly options, consider shared apartments or co-living spaces, which are around €500–€800/month. Just remember, housing moves fast, so be ready to act quickly when you find a good deal.

Food Costs

Eating in Barcelona can range from affordable to indulgent, depending on your habits. I went out for meals at least two to four nights a week. Each time, the bill came to about €30 per person for an appetizer, entrée, and a drink.

When you dine out, you’ll see menús del día. These are weekday lunch menus offering three courses for €12–€20.

Groceries are reasonable. Weekly basics cost about €40–€60/person at supermarkets like Mercadona or Carrefour.

Want fresh, local produce? Head to markets like La Boqueria or Mercat de Sant Antoni for great deals and the freshest ingredients.

Transportation Costs

Barcelona’s public transportation system is both efficient and budget-friendly. A T-usual monthly pass for unlimited metro, bus, and tram rides in Zone 1 costs around €20.

If you prefer biking, the city’s Bicing bike-sharing system is just €50/year for residents, but you’ll need an NIE card.

Between these options, getting around the city without a car is pretty easy.

Extras

• Gym memberships: Prices vary. Expect to pay €30–€50/month for a mid-range gym like VivaGym or Basic-Fit.

• Coworking spaces: Memberships typically cost €150–€300/month, depending on the space and amenities.

• Leisure activities: Want to catch a movie, visit a museum, or grab a drink? Plan for about €10–€15 for entertainment or €3–€5 for a beer or glass of wine. I loved getting an Aperol spritz for €4!

Overall, your cost of living in Barcelona will average about $3500/month.

The city has an exciting lifestyle, beautiful sights, and all the perks of a major European city. With some planning, you can enjoy Barcelona and live well!

Navigating Daily Life in Barcelona

Life in Barcelona is full of charm, but it comes with its quirks. Here’s what you need to know to settle in and make your day-to-day a breeze.

Transportation Basics

Getting around Barcelona is so easy! The metro system is fast, reliable, and connects the entire city, while buses fill in the gaps.

A T-usual pass gives you unlimited rides in Zone 1 for €22/month. It might take you a few times to figure out the metro, but once you ride it a few times, it’s so easy.

Or, you can bike. Barcelona’s bike-friendly streets make cycling great. The Bicing bike-share system is €50/year (for residents only).

For shorter trips, you can also use scooters via apps like Lime or Voi.

There are also taxis or rideshare apps. Uber and Cabify are popular – or there’s also FreeNow.

Staying Safe

Barcelona is generally safe, but pickpocketing is notorious in touristy areas like Las Ramblas, El Born, and the Gothic Quarter.

Keep your belongings secure, use anti-theft bags, and avoid carrying valuables in your pockets. Whenever I’m in Barcelona, I always wear an anti-theft purse or a sling bag that sits close to my body.

If you’re out late or exploring solo, stick to well-lit areas. Share your location with someone you trust, just to be cautious.

All that said, I generally felt safe for the entire duration of my visit. I wasn’t traveling solo (my partner was with me), but whenever I went out alone, I felt at ease.

At one point, when I was obviously lost and looking at my map on my phone, a man came up to me. I dodged his questions and went into a café to avoid him.

All in all, my biggest concern was getting pickpocketed in highly touristed areas like La Rambla.

Spain offers excellent healthcare, but navigating the system can feel daunting at first.

Private clinics like Barcelona Medical Center and Turó Park Medical Center cater to expats and nomads. They offer English-speaking staff and a range of services.

For long stays, get private insurance or use Safetywing’s cheap travel insurance. It’s designed for nomads who are traveling abroad long-term.

You can get a quote from Safetywing now using this handy tool:

Staying Connected

Barcelona is a digital nomad haven when it comes to staying connected.

For mobile data, consider an eSIM from providers like Holafly or GigSky. These are easy to activate and have great coverage.

For reliable WiFi, most coworking spaces and cafés have super-fast speeds. Plus, free public WiFi is available in many parts of the city.

Helpful Apps for Digital Nomads in Barcelona

Spending an extended period of time in Barcelona is easier with a few apps:

• Community: Find like-minded people and events through Meetup or Nomad List.

• Food and groceries: Get groceries or restaurant orders delivered with Glovo.

• Language: Spanish will get you far, but learning some Catalan can earn you major brownie points. I suggest Babbel for learning Spanish and Duolingo for basic Catalan.

With the right tools and know-how, adjusting to life in Barcelona isn’t just doable—it’s downright enjoyable! Settle in, explore, and let the city’s rhythm guide your days!

Building a Community in Barcelona

Making friends in a new city can be daunting. But, Barcelona’s lively social scene and expat community make it easier than you’d think.

Whether you’re looking for fellow digital nomads, local experiences, or a mix of both, there’s plenty to dive into.

Finding Nomads and Expats

Barcelona is teeming with people just like you—remote workers, freelancers, and expats building a new life.

Start with Facebook groups like “Barcelona Digital Nomads” or “Expats in Barcelona” to find meetups, events, and advice.

Coworking spaces like Attico and Betahaus are great for networking. Many host workshops, happy hours, and community activities.

For language lovers, language exchanges are a fun way to connect while brushing up on Spanish or Catalan.

Personally, I think the best way to meet people is by taking tours that involve food.

During my stay in Barcelona, I went to my first Eatwith experience, The Opera Kitchen. It was held in the Barcelona home of Alex and Riccardo, an opera singer and a Michelin-starred chef.

The night included a 5-course meal cooked by Riccardo and paired with live opera by Alex. It was part fine dining, part performance, and completely unforgettable!

You can check their available dates and book your dinner now.

Local Activities

Want to dive deeper into the city’s culture? Sign up for cooking classes to master paella or tapas. Or, seek out cultural experiences like flamenco shows or art exhibitions.

Meetup and Luma are goldmines for casual activities ranging from hiking groups to photography walks.

Social Hotspots

Barcelona has so many places to hang out and make connections. Rooftop bars like Skybar or Hotel 1898 are perfect for sunset drinks with a view.

I always love joining a tapas tour to bond over patatas bravas and vermouth. Or catch a movie at an open-air cinema like Sala Montjuïc.

Love live music? Check out venues like Razzmatazz or El Palau de la Música Catalana for everything from indie bands to classical concerts.

Building a community takes time, but Barcelona makes it fun. With so many ways to meet people and get involved, you’ll quickly have a network of friends to share this incredible city with!

💡 Pro tip: Keep your belongings secure at nightclubs; my friend had her phone stolen while dancing at Razzmatazz. That’s why I always recommend travel insurance (the best one for nomads is Safetywing).

Experiencing Barcelona Beyond Work

Of course, your life in Barcelona won’t be just about work. It’ll be about sightseeing, hitting the beach, and enjoying the food, too!

Trust me, there’s plenty to explore, and it’ll make all those Slack notifications feel like a distant memory 😂

Top Must-Sees in Barcelona

You really can’t leave Barcelona without gawking at the Sagrada Familia—it’s the law. (Okay, not really, but it should be!)

I’ve been to La Sagrada countless times, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every visit. Get entrance tickets with an audio guide here.

Gaudí’s masterpiece is as mind-blowing as they say, and Park Güell isn’t far behind with its Dr. Seuss-meets-Catalan vibes.

Be sure to book tickets for both La Sagrada and Park Güell weeks in advance. I recommend taking a guided tour of Park Güell so you can understand the history and artistry behind it all.

You’ll also want to wander the Gothic Quarter’s maze-like streets. And on any given Sunday, I loved getting lost in Montjuïc. There are epic views and lots of lush greenery at the park here.

The “Magic Fountain” was off during my visit due to a drought and water conservation efforts. But the area is still beautiful!

And, don’t miss the Roman Theatre, which is a little hard to find.

It’s all endlessly Instagrammable—no filter needed!

Day Trips and Weekend Escapes

When you need a break from city life, Barcelona’s location makes it easy to escape.

The Costa Brava beaches are pure Mediterranean bliss. I visited Garraf, a beach not too far from Sitges, a beach town known for its LGBTQ+ culture.

If you’re a nature lover, you can easily take a day trip from Barcelona to Montserrat.

Feeling medieval? Girona’s old town is perfect for a day’s wander. Game of Thrones fans will recognize it immediately.

Seasonal Highlights

Barcelona transforms with the seasons. In summer, beach days and open-air events like Sónar Music Festival are a must.

Fall brings milder weather and La Mercè, a city-wide party with parades, fireworks, and human towers (seriously).

Winter is quieter but magical, with far fewer tourists than summertime. If you love Christmas markets and cozy evenings in pintxo bars, plan your stay in the winter.

And if you’re here during football/soccer season, catch a Barça game at Camp Nou. It’s a cultural experience as much as a sporting one.

Cultural Etiquette

It’s important to know that many Catalans feel a deep sense of pride in their heritage and want independence from Spain. This movement isn’t just political—it’s cultural, too, and acknowledging it can go a long way in connecting with locals.

You’ll see signs of this independence movement everywhere, from flags hanging on balconies to conversations strictly in Catalan.

While most people in Barcelona are bilingual in Spanish and Catalan, using basic Catalan phrases like “Bon dia” (good morning) shows respect and effort.

Understanding this cultural backdrop enriches your time here, helping you appreciate not just Barcelona’s beauty but also its people’s unique identity.

Conclusion

Barcelona is a dream destination for digital nomads, offering the perfect balance of productivity and play. With its sunny streets, buzzing coworking spaces, and rich culture, it’s no wonder this city tops the list for remote workers. Its thriving expat community adds to its appeal.

Sure, there are challenges. These include finding affordable housing, navigating the Catalan-Spanish dynamic, and adjusting to the local pace. But, with the right mindset (and this guide!), you’ll be ready to thrive in this Mediterranean hub.

Ready to start your digital nomad life in Barcelona? Check my guide to the best coworking spaces in Barcelona. It will help you find the perfect spot to work and connect in this amazing city! 💛

Read More about Barcelona:

• How to Digital Nomad in Barcelona: Tips from Someone Who Lived It
• 3 Days in Barcelona Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Barcelona
• 10 Best Desserts in Barcelona — A Sweet Guide from Cakes to Croissants & More
• Montserrat Itinerary: How to Plan the Best Day Trip from Barcelona to Montserrat
• How to Truly Experience Barcelona Like a Local: My Eatwith Review
• Barcelona Overtourism: What It Reveals About a Worldwide Travel Crisis
• 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Visit Barcelona in the Summer