Working in Barcelona

Expats move to Barcelona for its lovely weather and sun-soaked beaches, but also to work in what is one of Europe’s most economically competitive cities.

As one of the first European centres to industrialise, the Catalan capital’s business makeup has long comprised trade and industry. Manufacturing continues to play a major role in Barcelona’s economy, but the services sector now takes centre stage, accounting for over three-quarters of employment. The city has healthy economic growth, and it outpaced both Spain and the EU average in 2024.

Job market in Barcelona

Automobiles, appliance manufacturing, publishing and wine production are among Barcelona’s main industries. Banking is also a major sector, and the city’s logistics industry is fairly large too, given its position as a port city.

Barcelona has also become a centre for high-tech industry, with the greatest concentration of businesses found at the Parc Tecnològic del Vallès (Science Park of El Vallès) to the northeast of the wider metropolis.

Salaries in Barcelona tend to be relatively low, despite the rising cost of living. One possible exception is the tourism industry, which attracts record numbers of tourists and employs many expats.

Cost of Living in Barcelona

Finding a job in Barcelona

Expats with experience and qualifications in the city’s leading business sectors are more likely to find a job that is able to sustain them. Expats looking for work in Barcelona should try their best to find a position before their arrival. If you arrive without a contract, it may be possible to fall back on jobs such as teaching English or working in one of the city’s many call centres.

Being able to speak Spanish or Catalan will give you an extra advantage since, while the city is accustomed to English-speaking tourists, these are the primary languages in which business is conducted. If you’re able to speak a third language, such as German, you’ll be at even more of an advantage, since there is a fairly large foreign investment presence in the country.

New arrivals from EU countries will need an NIE number to legally work in Barcelona, while those from non-EU countries must have both an NIE and a TIE number. You must register with your local municipality as soon as possible as this enables you to complete all legal processes in Barcelona, including renting accommodation, securing social benefits and tackling the Spanish tax system.

When it comes to job hunting in Barcelona, it is often said that what you know is less important than who you know. The best resources for finding a job in Barcelona, for those without the necessary contacts, are through local English language media as well as online job portals such as LinkedIn and Infojobs.

Accommodation in Barcelona
NIE in Spain

Useful links

• Infojobs
• Indeed Spain
• JobToday
• Monster Spain

Work culture in Barcelona

Barcelona’s business culture is strongly rooted in tradition, and some business practices may seem old-fashioned to expats. Some companies, particularly in the tech and startup sectors, have adopted more egalitarian practices. In either case, once expats adjust to these dynamics, they should find it relatively easy and pleasant to do business.

In traditional businesses and small to medium enterprises (which represent the majority of Barcelona’s companies), hierarchy is important. Spanish managers typically hold decision-making authority, although younger generations are increasingly turning to collaborative approaches. The tech and startup ecosystem, where Barcelona ranks as the second most preferred startup hub in the European Union, tends to operate with flatter structures and more international practices.

Making contacts and networking in Barcelona is important for career success. The power of connections is not to be underestimated and is a principle ingrained in the Spanish working world. Expats should take advantage of any opening to interact with decision-makers and should make an effort to attend job fairs and group events.

International business in Barcelona may be conducted in English, particularly in tech companies and multinationals, but most transactions occur in Spanish or Catalan. Learning at least a few key phrases will open some doors.

Business Culture in Spain