Barcelona has established itself as one of Europe’s top destinations for digital nomads in 2025. With its year-round sunshine, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and strong infrastructure for remote work, the Catalan capital offers an ideal blend of work and play. Reliable public transport, world-class cuisine, a lively international community, and abundant cultural offerings further enhance its appeal. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of living and working in Barcelona as a digital nomad.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wonderful Weather. Barcelona enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, offering sunshine throughout the year.
- Culture and History. Beyond its beach-and-party image, Barcelona is shaped by a fascinating cultural history. The city is home to world-class museums, architectural masterpieces, and a booming creative scene.
- Access to nature. Nearby natural escapes—beaches, mountains, even ski slopes—add excitement to life outside of work.
- Thriving Nomad and Expat Community. A strong digital nomad and expat network makes it easy to meet people, share ideas, and build both professional and social connections.
- Abundant Coworking Spaces and Cafés. Barcelona is packed with stylish coworking hubs and laptop-friendly cafés, catering to remote workers.
- Digital Nomad Visa. Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work legally in Barcelona while enjoying the benefits of residency.
- Multilingual Environment. Many locals speak English, Spanish, and Catalan, easing communication and integration for newcomers.
- Highly Walkable. The city’s compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore on foot and discover local gems.
- Excellent Transportation. Barcelona offers a reliable and affordable public transportation network, including metro, buses, trams, and regional trains.
- Reasonable Daily Costs. While rent can be high, everyday expenses like groceries, dining out, and transport remain relatively affordable compared to other major European cities.
Cons:
- High rents. Housing prices have risen significantly, especially in popular areas like Eixample, Gràcia, and El Born. Long-term rentals can be competitive and expensive.
- Overtourism. As one of Europe’s most visited cities, Barcelona sees heavy tourism year-round. Popular districts often become crowded, especially during summer, impacting quality of life.
- Bureaucracy. Administrative procedures in Spain can be slow and complex. Tasks such as registering your residency, obtaining a health card, or setting up a bank account often involve long wait times and paperwork.
- Older buildings. While charming, many of Barcelona’s older apartments lack modern amenities like elevators, central heating, or air conditioning. Renovated spaces exist but typically come at a premium.
Visa and Legal Requirements
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is now well-established, offering non-EU nationals the opportunity to live and work in the country for up to five years. To qualify, applicants must provide a valid passport, obtain an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), and show proof of income equal to at least 200% of Spain’s minimum wage (€1,134 per month in 2025). Additional requirements include valid health insurance in Spain and documentation of remote employment or freelance contracts with international clients.
Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
Rambla del Poblenou
Several neighborhoods stand out as ideal for digital nomads. Here are my top picks:
El Poblenou Once an industrial zone, Poblenou has evolved into one of Barcelona’s most dynamic districts. With its mix of tech startups, design schools, loft-style apartments, and proximity to the beach, it offers a perfect balance of innovation and lifestyle. It’s especially popular among creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
Eixample Eixample is famous for its iconic grid layout, wide boulevards, and Modernist architecture, including several buildings by Gaudí. Centrally located and well-connected, it combines historic beauty with modern conveniences—ideal for digital nomads seeking a mix of elegance and functionality.
Gràcia retains a distinct village-like charm, with narrow streets, leafy plazas, and a strong sense of community. Known for its bohemian vibe, it attracts artists, young professionals, and remote workers who value authenticity and a slower pace of life.
El Born is one of Barcelona’s most historic neighborhoods, blending medieval streets with modern amenities. Located near the Gothic Quarter and Parc de la Ciutadella, it’s packed with boutiques, galleries, tapas bars, and cafes. Its central location and lively yet laid-back vibe make it a favorite among nomads who want culture, convenience, and character in one place.
Coworking Spaces
OneCoWork Catedral
Barcelona boasts a wide variety of coworking spaces catering to different needs, preferences. and budgets. When I arrived in Barcelona I worked from the Bailen location of MOB. Here is a list of my favorites:
Aticco Workspaces attract digital nomads with their vibrant coworking environments spread across prime city locations, including Aticco MED with its rooftop pool and sea views. These spaces combine modern amenities—like gyms, terraces, and flexible desk options—with a strong community vibe, offering regular networking events, workshops, and wellness activities. Aticco’s Mobility Program also allows members to access multiple locations across Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, making it a flexible choice for remote professionals.
MOB (Makers of Barcelona) is a pioneering coworking space that has become a cornerstone for digital nomads in the city. With locations like MOB Bailén and MOB Caterina, it offers a blend of creative workspaces, community-driven events, and amenities tailored to remote workers. The spaces are designed to foster collaboration and innovation, featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and even a maker space for hands-on projects. Regular workshops, networking events, and a vibrant community make MOB more than just a place to work.
betaHaus Barcelona in the creative Gràcia neighborhood, is a standout coworking space for digital nomads seeking both productivity and community. Spanning six floors with multiple terraces and a rooftop, it offers a variety of work environments—from open-plan areas to private offices—complemented by amenities like meeting rooms, phone booths, and a café. The space is renowned for its vibrant international community and hosts regular events, workshops, and networking opportunities. With 24/7 access, high-speed internet, and flexible membership options, Betahaus provides an ideal setting for roving workers.
Browse more options in my guide to Barcelona coworking spaces.
Accommodation Options
Aticco Living
Here are my recommendations for digital nomads seeking short to mid-term accommodation:
Palma Coliving offers digital nomads a blend of productivity, comfort, and community. Situated in the tranquil El Coll neighborhood within the Gràcia district, Casa Turull—a spacious 3,200m² Catalan villa—features private rooms, a fully equipped coworking space with high-speed fiber optic Wi-Fi, and amenities like a swimming pool, sauna, and expansive gardens. With a minimum stay of one month, Palma Coliving fosters a close-knit community through weekly events such as yoga sessions, tapas nights, and networking gatherings.
Aticco Living With multiple locations across the city—including Poblenou, Gràcia, Eixample, and the Gothic Quarter—residents can choose vibrant neighborhoods that align with their lifestyle preferences. Each fully furnished apartment offers private rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to coworking spaces, ensuring a seamless blend of work and living environments. The all-inclusive monthly rent covers utilities, weekly cleaning, and maintenance, eliminating the hassle of separate bills. Beyond the physical spaces, Aticco fosters a dynamic community through regular events such as yoga classes, communal dinners, and professional workshops.
Outsite is a globally recognized coliving brand that caters to digital nomads and remote professionals. With thoughtfully designed spaces, Outsite offers private rooms, shared living areas, and coworking facilities. Members benefit from flexible lease terms, high-speed internet, coworking spaces, and a network of like-minded individuals. Outsite Barcelona is expected to open in 2025. I had a great experience at the Lisbon, Es Canar (Ibiza) and Marrakesh locations.
For more ideas, check out my guides to short-term apartment rentals and coliving spaces.
Networking and Community
When I first arrived in Barcelona, I found the transition super easy because of the lively expat community and wealth of events each week. Platforms like Meetup, Internations, and Eventbrite are particularly active, with regular events to help you meet like-minded people and get integrated in the city.
I recommend the following Meetup groups: Barcelona Language Exchange, Enjoy Catalonia, and Barcelona Digital Nomads. You can also check out Facebook groups like Barcelona Digital Nomads.
Cost of Living
Compared to major European cities, like London or Paris, Barcelona still offers a relatively moderate cost of living. Based on my experience, digital nomads should budget between €1,500 to €3,000 per month. This typically covers rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a central area (€1,000-€2,500), groceries (€400), utilities (€150-€200), public transport (€60), and coworking space fees (€100-€350 per month).
Taxes for Expats
Expats living in Spain are generally considered tax residents if they spend more than 183 days per year in the country, meaning they must pay Spanish income tax on their global earnings.
Essential Apps
Here are the apps I rate as most useful for digital nomads in Barcelona:
Bolt and Uber: Convenient ride-hailing options services for getting around the city.
Airalo: eSIMs for affordable mobile data plans, ensuring you’re connected without the need for physical SIM cards. I had a good experience using Airalo while in Barcelona.
Glovo: A go-to delivery app for digital nomads in Barcelona, offering quick access to meals, groceries, and essentials—perfect for staying productive without leaving your workspace.
Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia: Top platforms for finding long-term rentals in Barcelona.
Meetup: Helps you find local events, workshops, and social gatherings to connect with like-minded individuals.
Find more useful resources in my guide to the best Barcelona apps.
Final Thoughts
With a population of 1.6 million within city limits, Barcelona blends big-city convenience with a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Unlike larger metropolises, Barcelona is compact and walkable. The abundance of social events make it easy for digital nomads to connect with locals and fellow remote workers. It does not offer the low cost of living of nomad hotspots like Chiang Mai and Bali, but its modern infrastructure, cultural charm, and proximity to nature makes ideal for a productive and enjoyable work-life balance.