01Who moves to Barcelona, and by which route
Barcelona brings together very different profiles: professionals hired by technology and services companies, researchers joining universities and research centres, founders building a business here, people working remotely for employers abroad, undergraduate and master's students, and doctoral candidates, who now apply as researchers.
For most of them the route is not the provincial Immigration Office but the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE), which processes permits under Law 14/2013 electronically: digital nomads, highly qualified professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs and intra-company transfers. The Barcelona office remains competent for other procedures, such as family reunification, many renewals and the EU family member card.
02How we handle a Barcelona case online
Our service is online across Spain. A lawyer files through the electronic portal, so you do not need an appointment at Passeig de Sant Joan or Calle Murcia to submit your application. Notifications are also electronic, and we deal with them.
The only step that needs you in person is the TIE fingerprint appointment. We explain how to book it, what to bring and which fee to pay. If something has to be done in person in Barcelona, our local partners cover it.
- Initial review by video call, in English or Spanish.
- Choice of route: the UGE or the Barcelona Immigration Office.
- Document checklist, including translations and legalisations.
- Electronic filing and replies to requests for further documents.
- Guidance for fingerprints and collecting your TIE.
03Researchers, founders and digital nomads
If you are coming to Barcelona with a contract or hosting agreement from a university or research centre, the researcher permit lets your family join you in the same procedure. We work with the institution's HR or mobility office to gather the documents.
For founders, the entrepreneur permit requires a favourable report on the project, and we prepare the business plan in the format that is assessed. If you work remotely for companies outside Spain, the international remote work visa or permit is the usual route, and it is also handled by the UGE.
04Students and families of EU citizens
Many students arrive on a study visa and, once in Barcelona, need to extend their stay or later move to a work or job-search permit. We plan those transitions early so there is no gap in your status.
Barcelona also has many mixed families where one partner is an EU citizen. The EU family member card is handled by the Immigration Office. If you and your partner are not married, registering with the Catalan Register of Stable Couples is voluntary and does not create the couple, but it serves as evidence of the relationship.
05Fingerprints and the TIE in Barcelona
Once your permit is granted, you must apply for your foreigner identity card within one month of entering Spain or of the grant. In Barcelona the TIE is processed at the National Police foreigners' documentation office at Rambla de Guipúscoa 74, by appointment, with fee 790 code 012 paid beforehand.
We tell you what to bring on the day: passport, the decision, a photograph, proof of the fee and, where requested, your municipal registration certificate.
06Consulates in Barcelona
The British Consulate General is at Avinguda Diagonal 477 and the US Consulate General at Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada 23. Both cover Catalonia, Aragon and Andorra, and both work by appointment.
If your visa is applied for at a Spanish consulate in your home country, we align the Spanish filing with that appointment so your criminal record certificates and other documents do not expire before they are submitted.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment at Passeig de Sant Joan to submit my application?
No. As your representatives we file through the electronic portal. An in-person appointment is only needed if you go yourself. You will, however, need a police appointment for your TIE fingerprints.
A Barcelona research centre has hired me. Which permit applies?
Usually the researcher permit, processed by the Large Companies Unit, which can include your family. If your role fits better as a highly qualified professional, we will tell you after reviewing the contract.
Where are TIE fingerprints taken in Barcelona?
At the National Police foreigners' documentation office, Rambla de Guipúscoa 74, by appointment. You must pay fee 790 code 012 beforehand. We give you a list of what to bring.
I work remotely for a company outside Spain and want to live in Barcelona. What do I need?
The usual route is the international remote work visa or residence permit. We review your contract or clients, your experience or qualifications and your income before filing with the UGE.
My partner is an EU citizen and we are not married. Does the Catalan couples register help?
Registering with the Catalan Register of Stable Couples is voluntary and serves as evidence of the relationship. For the EU family member card we assess which proof of living together and stability you should provide.
Do I need a lawyer based in Barcelona?
No. A registered Spanish lawyer can act anywhere in Spain and the process is electronic. We work online, by video call, and if a one-off in-person step is needed in Barcelona, we have local partners.