Barcelona has one of the most active expat communities in Spain, and the professional services sector has grown to serve it. Whether you’re looking for an English doctor in Barcelona, an English-speaking dentist, a lawyer for a property purchase or residency matter, or a therapist who works in English, the city has strong options across all categories. Browse by service below to find the right professional for your situation.
Professional Services
Personal Services
Barcelona consistently ranks among the most liveable cities in Europe, and the expat community here is genuinely international — not dominated by any single nationality, and large enough to feel established without being overwhelming. The city has a full range of English-speaking professional services, a strong freelancer and startup community, and a cultural life that holds up year-round.
One thing worth knowing before you arrive: Barcelona is in Catalonia, and Catalan is the first language here, not Spanish. In practice, both languages are widely spoken and English is common in the city centre and in professional contexts. But making an effort with at least basic Spanish (and showing awareness of Catalan) goes a long way with local services and neighbours.
The city is genuinely good for families, with international schools well established, public spaces are safe and well-maintained, and the lifestyle balances urban energy with beach and mountain access within an hour.
Eixample is the central, grid-pattern district most associated with professional expat life. Good transport, convenient for most things, a wide range of housing stock.
Gràcia has a village feel within the city, with independent shops and strong local character — popular with families and creative professionals. Slightly more affordable than Eixample.
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is the premium family district, with larger apartments, quiet streets, and proximity to the best international schools — and well-served by English-speaking professionals including dentists and specialist doctors. Higher rents reflect the address.
Poblenou and the 22@ district attract younger expats and remote workers — more affordable than the centre, increasingly well-served, and close to the beach.
Barcelona is the most expensive city in Spain after Madrid, and rents have risen sharply in recent years. It is, however, still considerably more affordable than London and most major Northern European cities.
A one-bedroom rental in central Barcelona (Eixample, Gràcia) typically runs €1,400 to €2,200 per month. In Sarrià and premium areas, expect more. In outer districts and Poblenou, somewhat less. Day-to-day costs beyond rent — including food, transport and dining out — remain lower than equivalent UK costs.
The cost of professional services, including accountants, lawyers and dentists, is generally reasonable by Western European standards and there is strong competition among English-speaking providers given the size of the international community.
Barcelona handles a very high volume of NIE and residency applications given the size of its international population, which means Foreigners’ Office appointments can be hard to get. A gestor who regularly works in Barcelona will have a better sense of the current appointment situation and what the local offices specifically require than a first-time applicant.
Post-Brexit residency for British nationals follows the standard non-EU process: Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or work-sponsored visa depending on your situation, applied for at the Spanish consulate in the UK before travel.
