Working in Barcelona

Expats move to Barcelona not only for the lovely weather and sun-soaked beaches but also to work in what has traditionally been considered an economically-powerful European city.

As one of the first European centres to industrialise, the Catalan capital's makeup has long comprised trade and industry. Manufacturing continues to play a major role in the economy of Barcelona, even though it was taken over by the tourism industry prior.

The 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 situation 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.

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, although this is no guarantee. Those who are looking for work in Barcelona should try their best to find a position before their arrival, but those who arrive without a contract are sometimes able 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 expat applicants an extra advantage since, while the city is accustomed to English-speaking tourists, these are the primary languages in which business is conducted. Expats who are able to speak a third language, such as German, will 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 (Número de Identificación de Exrenajeros) number to legally work in Barcelona, while those from non-EU countries must have both NIE and TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) numbers. Expats must register with their local municipality as soon as possible as they enable them to complete all legal processes in Barcelona, including renting accommodation, securing social benefits and navigating the Spanish tax system. 

When it comes to job hunting in Barcelona, though, it is often said that what someone knows is less important than who they 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. 

Work culture in Barcelona

Spain's business culture is strongly rooted in tradition, and some business practices may seem old-fashioned to expats. Nevertheless, once they adjust to this, expats should find it relatively easy and pleasant to do business in Spain.

Hierarchy is paramount to business in the country. Spanish managers are autocrats of a sort, having the authority to make important decisions without consulting their employees. That said, the business culture is evolving, and those of a younger generation may uphold slightly different ideals and subscribe to more egalitarian practices.

Making contacts and networking in Barcelona is also important. 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 attempt to interact with decision-makers and should make an effort to attend job fairs and group events.

It is also important for foreigners to learn at least some Spanish or Catalan. International business may be conducted in English, but other transactions will most likely occur in Catalan.