Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Barcelona

What is special or unique about your city?

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, and Spain's second largest city with over three million people living in the metropolitan area. It is a modern European city with solid infrastructure, but its location on the Mediterranean shore, together with its pleasant climate, and historic and cultural richness, are what makes the city the great place it is to live and work.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Many newcomers will be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the city and the abundance of architectural landmarks. The diversity of restaurants, museums, shops and beaches, makes it easy for anyone to find what they are looking for.

Are these impressions likely to change?

After having lived for some years in Barcelona, many people will still discover new aspects of the city. It is an ever changing city that never gets boring.

What is the local language?

Catalonia and its capital Barcelona are officially bilingual, and both Catalan and Spanish (Castellano) are the co-official languages. Ninety-nine percent of the people can speak Spanish, and 85 percent of the population can speak Catalan. Catalan is the primary language in government bodies, schools and universities.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

Although Barcelona is chiefly a tourist location, relatively few locals speak English. In order to deepen relationships with local people or even to go shopping, it's advisable to at least have basic skills in Spanish and/or Catalan.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

There are not any special things to mention that would upset the local residents.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, humid winters and dry, hot summers. Snowfall is rare, and the summer heat is tempered by the proximity of the sea. The weather is generally pleasant, and is one of the main attractions of the city.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

The people living in Barcelona are generally very tolerant of foreigners. The city has a long history of immigrants moving into the it, and many people descend from immigrants themselves. The Catalan people are very proud of their culture, and will happily boast about Catalan cuisine and customs.

Useful Links

http://www.bcn.es http://www.gencat.cat http://cambrabcn.es http://www.elperiodico.com http://www.lavanguardia.es Culinary information: http://www.turismedecatalunya.com/gastronomia/index.asp General information about Catalonia and Catalan language: http://www.gencat.net/turistex_nou/basiques01.htm#llengua

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

Nationals of non-European Union countries who wish to live and work in Spain require a work permit and residence permit, or only a residence permit if they do not plan to work. U.S. citizens and those of the majority of South American countries can visit Spain for a maximum of 90 days out of 180 as tourists without a visa or work permit. Other countries will require a tourist visa. EU citizens may stay in Spain without a visa or work permit for up to six months, during which time they must obtain a residence card if they wish to stay longer.

What kinds of visas are available?

Residence Cards and Work Permits are available for people planning to live and work in Spain. Residence Cards available for those planning to live, but not work in Spain. Tourist Visas are available for non-EU citizens planning visit for a prolonged period, but NOT to live or work in Spain.

What is required to obtain these visas?

The work permit must be applied for by the employer in Spain. Once the work permit has been granted, a special visa must be obtained at the Spanish Consulate in the home country or last place of residence. In order to apply for the work/residence visa, the following documentation is required (original and two photocopies): Passport valid for a minimum of six months and photocopies of photo and personal information page. Four recent pictures, passport size. Original certificate of good conduct issued by the police department of the city or cities in which the applicant has spent six months or more during the last five years. Original medical certificate of good health and absence of contagious diseases, drug addiction and mental illness, issued by a doctor. The employee (not the accompanying family members) must have the doctor verify that there is no evidence of any health condition which would prevent the employee from engaging in the proposed labor activity in Spain. This medical certificate must be typed and signed by a medical doctor. Valid job offer from a company located in Spain. This job offer must have been filed with the Ministry of Labor in Spain .YOUR EMPLOYER HAS TO MAKE SURE THE N.E.V. NUMBER IS STAMPED. For the spouse of the applicant, marriage certificate; it should be legalized by the Apostille*. For the children of the applicant, birth certificate; it should be legalized by the Apostille*. The residence permit (Tarjeta Residencia) can only be applied for after arrival in Spain and once the work visa has been collected. For a non-EU citizen, please note that the process of obtaining the work/residence permit can take several months and even up to one year.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

A spouse is permitted to work if they have obtained the appropriate work visa. However, please note that within the last two years the Spanish government has seriously restricted the granting of work visas to non-EU citizens, therefore, obtaining a work permit can be difficult.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

The Spanish ID card is the D.N.I. and N.I.E. (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjeros/Foreigners Identification Number) and is obtained through the local police station (Comisaria). This will be required for many formalities associated with your residence in Spain (such as importation of household goods, banking, insurance formalities, etc.) For EU citizens, the residence permit is compulsory, however, the process is quite straightforward (with three trips to the police station) and can take up to six weeks to obtain after presentation of the required documentation. The following steps must be taken to obtain the N.I.E.: Contact your local police (Comisaria) station to make an appointment. It is important to mention the number of cards you are applying for, as one card for each family member (including children) is required. * Note: It is common to be given an appointment date a few weeks, or even a month later. Once you have been advised of the set appointment date, you will need to bring the following documentation (original and two copies): Passport Family record book Three recent passport-sized, color photographs of each applicant For non-EU citizens, the work visa authorizing the stay in Spain For EU citizens, the work contract of the member of the family posted in Spain for professional reasons Accommodation rental/purchase contract Finger-printing: Each family member will be required to place an index finger print on his/her own card. If all documentation is in order, you will be given a future N.I.E. number. Note: The N.I.E. and D.N.I. are required in order to import furniture or buy a car. If the transferee is not in possession of the N.I.E. when the furniture shipment arrives in Spain, a cash deposit or a bank guarantee for the declared value of the shipment has to be taken out to cover the period of time until the work and residence permit is presented to the customs authorities.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

Once you have found a place to live, you should register at the local town hall in order to obtain the Certificado de Empadronamiento (registration certificate). This document may be required for some official formalities (i.e. importation of household goods from abroad, etc). In order to obtain this certificate, you must go to the local town hall and present the following documentation: Application form Passport of each family member Family record book Proof of residence in Spain (i.e., rental/purchase contract, Tarjeta Residencia, telephone/electricity bill, etc.).

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

You should avoid bringing in firearms and drugs. Alcoholic beverages are subject to duties/taxes.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

It is also advisable that you register at your local Embassy/Consulate, as registration provides a record of citizenship and can be an important reference in the event of an emergency.

Useful Links

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.mir.es Dirección General de Trafico (Traffic Department) www.dgt.es

 

What is the local currency?

the Euro

What denominations does it come in?

Euro notes (Euros): 5,10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 Coins (Euros): 1, 2 Coins (Centimos) 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50

What is the best way to exchange currency?

Banks and currency exchange agencies

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash, debit cards and credit cards are widely used for everyday purchases.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

Yes, MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted, although American Express is starting to catch up. There are still establishments that will only accept cash such as, smaller local stores and dry cleaners (Tintoreria).

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Utility bills (Gas/water/electricity/telephone) are generally paid via pre-authorized bank debit. With this method, your bills are automatically deducted (in full) from your bank account (usually every two months). This is an efficient way of paying your bills, however, the down side is that if the bill is incorrect, or you wish to dispute, you will need to do so after the payment has been made from your account. Rental payments can be made via various methods depending on your landlord's requirements.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

We recommend that you open a bank account immediately upon arrival in Spain, as in order to sign a rental/purchase contract, you will need to provide proof of having a local bank account. It is preferable to open an account with a Spanish bank, as they have extensive networks which will result in greater banking convenience than banking with a foreign bank. Along the same lines, it could also be advantageous to open an account with the bank with which your employer does business to facilitate formalities. There are two types of accounts which may be opened: Resident and nonresident. As a nonresident, you can have a foreign currency account that permits you to deposit foreign currency as well as Euros into the account. Foreign currency is automatically converted into Euros at the exchange rate on the date of deposit and only Euros may be withdrawn. In order to open a nonresident account, the following documentation is required: Proof of Identity: (i.e. Passport) Proof of address: Rental contract or address of place of employment Be aware that banking abilities will be limited and you will be subject to higher transaction fees than a resident. For this reason, it is advisable to discard your nonresident account and open a resident account as soon as you have received your Spanish resident card.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Multi-lingual banking services are available. Once you have determined which bank best suits your particular needs, we recommend that you visit the head office first because you will generally find one or two English-speaking staff. Telephone banking is available in English with some of the bigger banks such as Santander, BBVA, Popular, and La Caixa. There is limited availability in other languages.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

Be aware that banking abilities will be limited with a nonresident account and you will be subject to higher transaction fees than a resident. For this reason, it is advisable to discard your nonresident account and open a resident account as soon as you have received your Spanish resident card.

What are typical banking hours?

Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., some banks are open in the afternoon or on Saturday morning.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

ATMs are available in abundance, around the clock.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

Some banks may send statements after each transaction; others may send statements on a monthly basis. Charges for remittances, foreign exchange, etc. can be quite expensive for nonresident accounts. Be aware of fees for utilizing ATMs not affiliated with your banking network.

Useful Links

La Caixa: www.lacaixa.es Santander Central Hispano www.gruposantander.es

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Important factors to keep in mind are proximity to work, schools, public transportation and your budget. During the home-search process, we recommend that you stay in a service apartment, as opposed to a hotel. The quality of service apartments in Spain has increased over the years. Although this type of accommodation affords a greater degree of freedom than a hotel (especially if you have young children), it is best that you view this type of accommodation as a provisional solution before you move into a more permanent residence.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Many expats with families choose their residence around the international schools, in area such as Sarria, Pedralbes, Esplugues de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern or Sant Cugat del Valles. Many other expats live in areas such as l'Eixample, Vila Olimpica or Diagonal Mar. For those who seek more ambiences, and don't mind a small appartment in an old area, El Born, Barri Gotic or Gracia may be to their liking. Overall, housing in Barcelona is very expensive.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

The majority of expats tends to rent property and would only contemplate buying if the decision is made to remain permanently in Spain. The majority of property is unfurnished. It is also important to note that many properties come equipped with kitchen cabinets, oven, cooking top/extractor fan. Don't be surprised if you encounter a property without lighting fixtures/bulbs, curtain rails, etc. Generally speaking, you should be prepared to furnish electro domestic items (refrigerator, washer/dryer, dishwasher, etc.), although more properties are being provided now with these items.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

If you go through a real estate agency you need to budget for three months' rent at the time of signing the contract. This consists of the following: One month 'fianza', which is (usually) a refundable deposit which will be returned minus outstanding bills/damages when you leave the property. If you take furnished accommodation they may charge a two month fianza. Estate agent commissions are normally equivalent to one months rent (or 10 percent of the first year's rent in some cases). You will need to pay one month's rent in advance. Note: some landlords will require a bank guarantee ("aval bancaria") for up to six months or one year.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities are generally not included in the price of the rent, however, this will depend on the arrangements made with the landlord.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

Barcelona and the surrounding towns are generally quite safe, with the exception of a few areas.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

The electrical current in Spain is 220 volts and 50 cycles; sockets are two-pinned, type C. Transformers and adaptors can be used in some cases, however, caution must be used when determining which items can be used with adaptors and transformers.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Light fixtures, bathroom fixtures and curtain fixtures are generally not supplied, however, sometimes these items can be purchased from the previous tenant. You will most likely need to bring or buy wall lights/ceiling lamps. You can bring your own lamps and use adaptors to change the appliance plug to fit a European outlet, however, keep in mind that European 220-volt bulbs must be used. Bayonet light bulbs are not easily available in Spain so you must bring a supply of bulbs with you if your lamp fixture takes only bayonet bulbs. TVs, VCRs and DVD players from North America can be used if they are multi-system but American NTSC systems will not work. The TV system in Spain is PAL.

Useful Links

hotels: www.booking.com www.hotels.com

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

There are several private international schools available for expats' children that offer an American, English, French or German curriculum. There is also abundance of public schools. The choice often depends on budget and proximity of the schools.

What are some examples of these schools?

- Col-legi Europa: An international school in Sant Cugat for ages from 12 months to 18 years. - American School of Barcelona: Located in Esplugues, provides an American curriculum for children from 3 years of age. - École Ferdinand de Lesseps: a school in Barcelona center with a French curriculum for children from 3 years of age

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

There can be a high demand for spots in the international schools, however this is countered by the high rotation of students who are only in the city for a determined amount of time. It is worth investigating well in advance. It can vary from year to year depending on economic conditions etc. If you are thinking of sending your kids to a local public school, you won't have any problems in finding a spot for your child in the proximity of your home.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Preschools are widely available, but spots may be limited because of the high demand. An example of an international pre-school: Blossom Kindergarten in Esplugues

How are most kids transported to and from school?

Most international schools provide bus transportation services from the housing areas popular with expats.

When does the typical school year start and end?

A typical school year starts mid-September and ends in June.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

All of the education in local (public) schools is conducted in Catalan.

Useful Links

Public schools: www.gencat.cat/temes/eng/educacio.htm École Ferdinand de Lesseps: www.lesseps.net Blossom International Kindergarten www.blossom-kindergarten.com American School of Barcelona www.a-s-b.com Collegi Europa International School www.col-legieuropa.com A list of international schools in Barcelona: http://www.cidem.com/catalonia/binaris/Foreign%20Schools%202007_tcm51-60129.pdf

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.