Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and has experienced economic boom during the past years. It is very accessible in every city in Europe due to networks of road, rail, air and sea connections.
The city is a major cultural center; its theaters, museums architectures, design and music play the most important part of the city’s everyday life. Barcelona’s cultural activity is one of the key components to its development strategy.
Barcelona is a beautiful city, with a cheerful blend of the modern and the traditional. Life in Barcelona is delightful and after a while you’ll feel like you can live here forever. Barcelona is also known for its exuberant nightlife and features live bands playing at pubs that remain open throughout the night.
Living in Barcelona is especially fascinating because of the modern architectural style of Antoni Gaudi illustrated in works such as Sagrada Familia, Padrera and Parc Guell as well as the scores of breathtaking museums and churches, beaches, monuments, parks and fountains. The views from Montjuic are also well worth taking in, of the city.
Around 10% percent of Barcelona’s population comprises of foreigners from North and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe, do you want to be one of them? Apply today.
Working in Barcelona FAQ
Foreign workers who want to work in Barcelona and other parts of Spain are required to possess a work permit to legally work here. While those the EU, need not to possess a work permits to be able to work in Spain.
Language
If you want to live in Barcelona like a native, you must learn Catalan or Spanish because you can then mingle with the locals. You do not really need to know Catalan in order to find work in Barcelona, but it helps. Socially too, thanks to the large number of places where foreigners can meet and interact, but knowledge of the language will definitely help, especially with integration and employment prospects. You might want to book language courses in Barcelona, and study before arriving.
Working Hours & Benefits
The standard working hours is 40 hours per week, with a maximum of 9 hours working hours per day. Overtime should not exceed to 80 hours per year. And workers should not be forced to work in overtime. Overtime should be compensated either cash or vacation. Workers are entitled to 14 paid public holidays, which is 12 national and two local holidays. Maternity leave is 16 weeks and newly weds have 15 days leave.
Salary
The minimum wage is regulated yearly by the government of Spain according to standard cost of living and inflation. The minimum wage is set to 1166€/month. Sectors with collective labor agreements are authorized to implement their own minimum wage provided that it would not be less than the minimum salary set by the government. Workers in Spain receive bonus salary twice a year, one in summer the other one in Christmas.
Cost of Living
Cost of living in Barcelona is relatively expensive compared to other European countries from transportation to house expenses.
Accommodation
Living expenses in Barcelona depend on the type of accommodation, whether you choose to live in a luxurious or simple one. The cost of apartment depends on its type, fully furnished studio type apartments, range from €750 to €1000+ per month, two bedroom apartments range from €1250 to €2000+ per month, three bedroom family style apartment range from €2000€ to €3500+ or more per month and room for rent range from 400€ to 750€ per month or more.
Transportation
Barcelona Metro comprehensively covers most of the city and is affordable. There are different types of ticket that to choose from; Single ticket cost €1.20, T10 Ticket, with 10 journeys cost €6.65, T-DIA cost €5.00, Travel Card, which is good for two and three days, two day cost €9.20, three days cost €13.20 and T-MES cost €42.75€, unlimited ticket good for one month.
Taxi ride for 10 minutes cost €5.
Recreation
After a long week of working, it’s just right to give yourself a break and enjoy your new environment. Try to explore some places in Barcelona, visit some of its shopping centers or treat yourself in some bars and clubs. There are various types of shopping centers for all tastes and budget that can be found in Barcelona. You can also buy some stuff at the city market and street fairs at very reasonable prices. The shops are open between 9 a.m and 10 a.m, closes at lunch time at around 1:30 or 2:00. Then it generally opens again at 4:00 and 5:00 until 8p.m to 8:30p.m. If you want to spend nightlife, you can also enjoy some of the city’s bars and clubs as well as catch live concerts.