Resources

Getting started, getting settled and getting on in Barcelona can be a challenge. To help you, we've created some guides to essential resources. Here you'll find our 'welcome pack' of links to official advice for new arrivals in the city, plus sections on living and working in Barcelona. If you're short of time or need specific advice why not ask BcnIn's Mr. Wolf?

Welcome to Barcelona

Official bureaucracy

The red stripes in the Spanish and Catalan flags have varied origins but these days they could easily be there to represent official red tape. To help you beat the bureaucracy we've collated the links to official advice. That official advice is, unfortunately, not always straightforward as it's often written by.... other bureaucrats. For a personal sherpa to guide you through the mountains of paperwork, why not contact BcnIn's Mr. Wolf?

• 1. Registration

  Colloquially known as the padrón (the name for the official list of a city's inhabitants), this is the process of registering your presence here with the local town hall so you are included in censuses and receive voting rights. It's essential to have your certificate of registration (not to be confused with legal residence in Spain) to be able to complete many administrative tasks such as receiving access to health care, applying for legal residence and more.

  As a foreigner you will need to register with the authorities. In short, nationals of other EU countries are required to obtain a Spanish individual identification number (N.I.E.) while those who are not EU citizens will also need a residence visa and a work permit.
  When you have found an accommodation you need to register on that address. The registration (“empadronamiento” in Spanish) is similar to an electoral roll or census record. When you register, you are placed as a resident of a town on the list of local inhabitants.

  Do it yourself

  Confirmation of residence in Barcelona for EU citizens
  Registration on the padrón of Barcelona

  Mr. Wolf

  BcnIn's fixer, Mr. Wolf can assist you onto the list

• 2. NIE

  Número de Identidad/Identificación de Extranjero is your official identification number as a foreigner in Spain. Spanish nationals get a DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) instead. Everyone gets a tax ID number (NIF, Número de Identificación Fiscal) which for foreigners is the same as your ID number. Beat the queues and find out below what you need to get your NIE.

  Do it yourself

  NIE number

  Mr. Wolf

  Hire help to avoid the hassle: ask Mr. Wolf

• 3. Visa, residency and work permit

  Guides for non-EU citizens who want to come here as students, tourists or retirees. Work visas can be hard to acquire in these times of high unemployment but check the links below to find the official procedures to try.

  Do it yourself

  City council website about visas
  Government page
  General information

  Mr. Wolf

  Mr. Wolf can find out what you need to know even faster

• 4. Setting up a bank account

  Bank in Barcelona with our advice on what you need to open an account here.

  Non-resident person (from EU or outside of the European community):
  Whichever bank you go to, you will need:
  - Your ID number of your country of Origin (DNI) or Passport for non European-Union Citizens
  - Your Empadronamiento
  - Some banks may ask for your “certificado de no residencia” but this is unusual. To avoid unnecessary procedure and waste of time, just call the bank where you wish to open your bank account and ask which documents you need.
  Some advice: do not specifically ask if you need the certificate; if you do this they will ask you to bring it in order to save the €15 cost of doing it themselves.
  To obtain a certificate, go to your nearest police station (Dirección General de la Policía) with your passport and a full photocopy of your passport and apply for a "certificado de no residencia". You will have to go and collect it about 10 days after applying.

  Resident person (from EU or outside of the European community):
  Whichever bank you go to, you will need:
  -    Your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
  -    Your ID number of your country of Origin (DNI) or Passport for non European-Union Citizens
  -    Your empadronamiento or an invoice as proof of domicile

  Do it yourself

  Some interesting information about the general Spanish bank worker order can be found here: Spanish Bank clients portal

  Mr. Wolf

  Count on Mr.Wolf to find the best banking options to suit you

• 5. Social security and Cap Salut Card

  What is a social security number? What is a CapSalut card? Why do you need them? How do you get them? Find the answers by clicking on our collection of links to official advice.

  Do it yourself

  • a) Social Security

    Procedures and formalities

    Social security offices in Barcelona

    Basic social services
    
    

  • b) CatSalut and TSI card

    What is CatSalud?

    What is the TSI card? 

    How can I gain access to the Health services?

    If you need to see a doctor but you are a foreigner in Barcelona for a short time and do not have your TSI card, will need to go to the “ambulatorio” of your district and go to the emergency section. You need to have a TSI card and a assigned doctor to arrange a meeting with a doctor; if you don’t have these you have to go the closest “ambulatorio” of your home address with your passport / ID card and your European Health Insurance Card
    
    

  • c) European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

    European Health Insurance Card

  • d) Private Health Insurance

    This is a complicated area and there is no generic, one-size-fits-all advice.

  Mr. Wolf

  Don't waste your own time waiting: ask Mr.Wolf

Getting installed in Bcn

Once you're here you'll need a phone and a place to live. Check out our advice on getting installed in BCN

• 6. Getting a phone in Barcelona

  If are coming here for just a few days it isn’t worth buying a new mobile phone but if you use the phone you bought in your country, calls will almost certainly be quite expensive. Moreover local people will incur the expense of making international calls.
  Mr Wolf's alternatives may help you to control your bill -- why not ask him to find you the best deal?

  Do it yourself

  Another complicated and very competitive market. Perhaps you should ask Mr. Wolf

  Mr. Wolf

  Mr.Wolf has a lot of connections: let him hook you up

• 7. Home

  Find somewhere to live with or ask our fixer, Mr. Wolf, for personalised help

  Do it yourself

  Barcelona Housing from city council

  Mr. Wolf

  Mr.Wolf knows the territory better than anyone. He can show you where you need to go.

• 8. Barcelona Tourism

  Barcelona's not all work, work, work. Even residents can enjoy being tourists in their own city: seeing the sights, visiting attractions and soaking up the atmosphere of festivals and parties. The links to Barcelona's official web resources on tourism can be found below.

  Do it yourself

  Hourly habits

  Tourist information points

  Barcelona Tourism

  Barcelona’s history

  Mr. Wolf

  Let Mr.Wolf can take the hassle out of your holidays with his expert help

Living in Barcelona

Everything you need on the web for day-to-day life in BCN. If you're short of time or can't find exactly what you need, ask BcnIn's Mr. Wolf for a shortcut to the answers.

• 1. Health and private medical centres

  Public or private, find the Emergency ward or specialist care nearest to you

  Do it yourself

  a . Hospitals
  Hospital attention in Barcelona

  Useful websites

  b.  English speaking General doctors and centers

  Describing symptoms to your doctor isn't the time to realise you don't have the Spanish vocabulary to explain where it hurts. In our directory you can find English-speaking medical professionals who can take some of the stress out of sickness. Alternatively, for personalised help why not ask Mr. Wolf
  Private medical centers

  BcnIn Health and Welfare

  Mr. Wolf

  Don't make a mess of your medical care: let Mr.Wolf find what's best for you?

• 2. Education

  Education is a hugely important issue for many foreign residents here. The information here will help you understand the different kinds of public education available and the private options that are popular with a lot of families.

  Do it yourself

  • a) Schools and University

    There are many private international schools in Barcelona: English, German , French, Italian Japanese etc.
    There are two types of international schools: schools that teach in their native language and follow their country's curriculum (with or without Spanish as a second language) and schools that teach in their native language and follow the Spanish curriculum. In the latter scenario, secondary education is from 12 to 16 and is obligatory. Students can then study the Bachillerato from 16-18 years which enables them to enter University in Europe and the US. Although these schools are classified as 'international' many of the children are Spanish so your child will be exposed to the Spanish language through their classmates.
    As well as the monthly fee, you will have to pay the registration fee “matricula”. It can generate a significant cost which is why it is important to be well informed about your possibilities.
    These schools are also very oversubscribed and there is normally a waiting list to be accepted.
    BcnIn's Mr Wolf  has connections with most of the international schools in Barcelona and its suburbs. He can advise you about the different schools and introduce you to the people who have experience with the school you are interested in.
    Here are some links to help you to find out more about the schools and Universities of Barcelona.
    Educational organization in BCN
    Private and public school and University of Barcelona

  • b) Public Universities of Barcelona

    UAB | Autonomous University of Barcelona
    UAB INFORMATION SERVICE
    Plaça Cívica
    UAB Campus
    08193 Bellaterra (BARCELONA)
    SPAIN
    Phone: +34 93 581 11 11
    Fax: +34 93 581 25 95
    E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    UB | University of Barcelona
    UB General information
    Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585
    08007 Barcelona
    Phone:+34 934 021 100
    E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    UPC | Technical University of Catalonia
    UPC International Relation Services
    Campus Diagonal Nord, Building TIL·LERS. C. Jordi Girona, 31.
    08034 Barcelona
    Phone: 93 413 75 05
    Fax: 93 401 74 73
    E-mail: international@(barcelonatech.upc.edu)

    UPF | Pompeu Fabra University
    UPF International relations
    Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12
    E-08002 Barcelona
    Phone: (34) 93 542 29 72
    Fax: (34) 93 542 20 81
    
    

  • c) Language schools

    Learning Catalan and Castilian Spanish are two of the most important keys to success for integrating in Barcelona business and social life. Check our links to compare the different options available to you.

    Languages schools
    Free Catalan classes

  Mr. Wolf

  Learn from an expert: get Mr.Wolf advice on education

• 3. Passport renewal

  To renew your passport you need to get in touch with the embassy or consulate of your country of origin in Barcelona

  Do it yourself

  Consulates of Barcelona

  Mr. Wolf

  Mr.Wolf is a passport to an easier life in Barcelona. Ask him what you need to know

• 4. Driving licence and ITV

  Driving and keeping a vehicle road legal involves, like everything else in Barcelona, some bureaucracy. Follow our links for info or ask Mr. Wolf to find a fast solution to your transportation troubles

  If you are from the EU your driving licence is valid in Spain but if you are planning to stay 2 years or more you have to register it to the “Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico”.
  If you are not from the EU so you need to make an appointment to realise the “canje de permiso de conducción” and make your driving licence valid in Spain.
  Any renewal driving licence must be done through the “Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico”
  The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículo) is the technical inspection of your Vehicle.

  Do it yourself

  Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico

  Canje de permiso de conducción

  Renewal of driving licence

  Information about ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículo)

  Where to get an ITV inspection

  ITV

  Mr. Wolf

  Mr.Wolf can get you on the road quickly and even help you get your car clean...

• 5. Useful and emergency numbers

  The numbers you need in a crisis, all on one page.
  National police: 091
  Local police (guardia civil): (+34 ) 062 o 092
  Mossos d'Esquadra: (+34 ) 088 
  Fire brigade: (+34 ) 080
  Medical emergencies: (+34 ) 061
  Emergencies: (+34 ) 112 
  Pharmacy guard : (+34 ) 010  
  Toxicology: (+34 ) 933 174 551
  Centre for automated reporting of complaints or initiating legal procedings: (+34 ) 902 508 686
  Trafic information line: (+34 ) 011
  Office for non-discrimination: (+34) 934 132 000
  Social Help center: (+34 ) 900 703 030

  In case of losing your credit card:
  AMERICAN EXPRESS: (+34 ) 902 111 135
  BBVA: (+34 ) 902 224 466
  BCSH (online bank, account, mortgage) super line Santander: (+34 ) 902 242 424 CATALUNYA CAIXA: (+34 ) 93 479 99 14
  Bankia (CAJA MADRID): (+34 ) 902 246 810
  LA CAIXA: (+34 ) 902 200 202 o (+34 ) 93 330 7009
  CITIBANK: (+34 ) 902 333 113
  DINNER'S CLUB: (+34 ) 902 40 11 12

  EURO / MASTERCARD: (+34 ) 900 971 231
  SERVIRED:  (+34 ) 900-99-1124
  VISA INTERNACIONAL: (+34 ) 902 114 400 o (+34 ) 913 626 200

  Do it yourself

  General citizens' information line (Atención al Ciudadano): (+34 ) 060 or 010

  City council of Barcelona:  (+34 ) 93 402 70 00

  Generalitat de catalunya: (+34 ) 012

  Municipal office of consumer information

  Catalonian City councils

• 6. Airport arrival and public transport

  Do it yourself

  • a) Airport arrival

    Don't miss your plane! Find out which airlines fly to which terminals plus the best means of transport to get you there on time.

    AENA (El Prat Barcelona airport), Airlines list and Terminal corresponding

    AENA flight information

    How to get to the airport by bus:

    Airport bus

    How to get to the airport by train?
    There is a train from Barcelona to the airport approximately every 30 minutes. You can take it from the RENFE stations Clot, Passeig de Gracia and Barcelona Sants (Sants Estacio).

    Tel: +34 902 24 34 02 (International)
    Tel: +34 90 232 0320
    
    

  • b. Public transports

    One of Barcelona's strengths, and the centre of its bid to be considered a 'green city', is its public transport system. Here you'll find the Metro maps, Bicing guides, bus routes and timetables to get you to your destination. The system is integrated, meaning that you can use the same travel cards across different modes of transport. Check the TMB website for full details.

    Metropolitan Area of Barcelona

    TMB (Information about Metro and Busses in Barcelona)

    Metro lines

    Metro working hours

    Bus lines

    TMB prices

    If you have doubts regarding information on services, tickets and travel cards, processing of penalty fares…
    Tel: 902 07 50 27
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Tram
    RENFE (Information about the Spanish Rail Network in Barcelona)
    FCG (Information about Catalan Government Rail Network)
    Bicing (Information about the Barcelona bycicles rail network)
    Catalan Government (Information about mobility in Catalonia)
    
    EMT (Entitat Metropolitana del Transport)
    Nitbus (Information about night buses in Barcelona)

    Barcelona Touristic Bus

  Mr. Wolf

  Beat the traffic and ask Mr.Wolf to find your fastest route

• 7. Consulates

  A list to Barcelona's consulates to help you find the help you need.

  Do it yourself

  Consulate of Germany
  Adress: Paseo de Gracia 111 11º
  Phone: (+34) 93 292 10 00

  Consulate of Austria
  Address: Maria Cubi nº7 , 1º, 2ª  08006 Bcn
  Phone: (+34) 93 453 72 94

  Consulate of Belgium
  Address: Diputació 303
  08009 bcn
  Phone: (+34) 93 467 70 80

  Consulate of Brazil
  Address: Avda. Diagonal, 468, 2º
  08006 Bcn
  Phone: (+34) 93 488 22 88

  • more consulates ...

    Consulate of Canada
    Address: Plaça de Catalunya, 9, 1º, 2ª
    08002 Barcelona, España
    Phone: (+34) 932 703 614
    E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Consulate of China
    Address: Av. Tibidabo 34
    Phone: (+34) 93 254 11 99

    Consulate of Costa Rica
    Address: Avenida Sarría nº2
    08029 Bcn
    Phone: (+34) 933632257
    Web: no available

    Consulate of Croatia
    Address: C./ Carbonell nº1, bajos
    Phone: (+34) 93 272 00 43
    Web: no available

    Consulate of Denmark
    Address: Rbla. Catalunya 45
    08007 Bcn
    Phone: (+34) 93 488 02 22
    Web: no available

    Consulate of Slovakia
    Address: Pl. Urquinaona 6, torre urquinaona planta 19
    08010 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 317 94 65
    Web: no available

    Consulate of Slovenia
    Address: Via Augusta 120
    08006 Bcn
    Phone: (+34) 93 727 36 39
    Web: no available

    Consulate of United States
    Address: Paseo Reina Elisenda 23
    Phone: (+34) 932 802 227
    E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Consulate of Estonia
    Address: Diagonal 401, 08008
    Phone: (+34) 93 416 00 11
    Web: no available

    Consulate of Finland
    Address: Puig I Xoriguer 17
    Phone: (+34) 93 443 15 98
    E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
    Web: no available

    Consulate of France
    Address: Ronda Universitat, 22 b 4°
    08007 BARCELONA
    Phone: (+34) 93 270 30 00
    Fax: (+34) 93 270 30 49
    E-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Consulate of Hungary
    Address: Diagonal 477, planta 19,
    08036 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 405 19 50

    Consulate of Ireland
    Address : Gran Vía Carles III 94
    08028 Barcelona
    Tel : (+34) 93 491 50 21

    Consulate of Italia
    Address: Mallorca 270
    Phone: (+34) 902050141

    Consulate of Japan
    Address: Diagonal 640 2 D,
    08017 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 280 34 33

    Consulate of Luxembourg
    Address: Tuset 8-10
    08006 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 292 22 68
    Web: no available

    Consulate of Norway
    Address: Balmes 184
    08006 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 218 49 83

    Consulate of the Netherlands
    Address: Diagonal 601, cuarto D 08028 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 933 635 420

    Consulate of Poland
    Address: Diagonal 593-595, 6ª planta
    08014 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 322 05 42

    Consulate of Portugal
    Address: Rda. Sant Pedro 7, 1º,1ª
    08010 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 318 81 50

    Consulate of the United Kingdom
    Address: Diagonal 477, 13º, 3º
    08036 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 366 62 00

    Consulate of Russia
    Address: Av. Pearson 34
    08034 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 280 54 32

    Consulate of Sweden
    Address: Mallorca 279, 4º, 3ª
    08037  Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 488 25 01

    Consulate of Switzerland
    Address: Gran Vía Carlos III 94, 7º
    08028 Barcelona
    Phone: (+34) 93 409 06 50

• 8. Chambers of commerce

  If you want to do business with another country, if you're a national of another country or if you just want to build business links in Barcelona, there's a chamber of commerce in our list that will be able to help you.

  Do it yourself

  Chamber of commerce of Barcelona

  European Chamber of commerce of Barcelona

• 9. Finance and tax issues

  Where should I pay taxes, my home country or in Spain? How can I get advice on the tax issues and get help to make the declaration? You should always pay taxes in the country you are working and living in. Special situations, however, can exist. Because the situation is different for each person, Mr. Wolf can help you find accounting and reporting consultants (gestores de contabilidad y fiscales) as well as specialists on labour-related legislation. And if you do not yet speak Spanish or Catalan, he will propose partners who speak a language that you understand.

  Do it yourself

  Finance and tax issues

  Tax issues

  Mr. Wolf

  BcnIn's financial fixer can help you figure out your finances.

• 10. Exchange rates and Exchange booth

  Keep track of how badly the Euro's doing compared with other currencies in our exchange rate guide.

  Do it yourself

  • European Central Bank Euro foreign exchange reference rates

    
    

    European Central Bank Euro foreign exchange reference rates

  You can exchange your currency in banks and exchange booths.

  Spanish bank worker order -- Spanish Bank clients' portal

  Exchange booths in Barcelona

  Mr. Wolf

  Exchange some emails with Mr.Wolf  to find a better deal

• 11. Catalonia Bank holidays dates

  Wondering why the Metro's half-empty, the shops are shut and there are kids everywhere? It's probably another bank holiday. Find your ferias and join in the fun.

  Do it yourself

  Public holidays in Barcelona

Working in Barcelona

Looking for a job, building a business or branching out into Barcelona? Follow our links for advice on how to get started or ask Mr. Wolf to save you time and effort by getting the right advice for you first time.

• 1. Recognition of qualifications

  If you are a foreigner coming to Barcelona to work, it is not always easy to know how to get your qualifications recognised. If you contact Barcelona Activa they can give you specific advice.

  Do it yourself

  SARU: University Qualification Recognition Mentoring Service

  Barcelona Treball: Aptitude accreditation process

  Barcelona Treball

  Mr. Wolf

  Get a professional to help with your professional recognition: ask Mr.Wolf

• 2. Finding work

  The crisis may have reduced the number of opportunities but job vacancies for motivated candidates still exist if you know where to look. We've found some top options to get you started on the job trail

  Do it yourself

  BcnIn Jobs

  Barcelona Treball, job seeking website

  Punto de encuentro de empleo (Government web)

• 3. Unemployment bureaucracy

  With the highest unemployment in the Eurozone, it's not just Spanish nationals losing their jobs in Spain. If you've been affected or think you might be, check out our links to help you find out your rights, where to apply for unemployment benefits and more

  Do it yourself

  Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (government web)

  Spanish unemployment offices

  Unemployment allowance

  Mr. Wolf

  A cool head in a crisis, even a financial one: Mr.Wolf can help you get what's rightly yours

• 4. Training

  Now more than ever it's important to get qualified and keep your skills up to date. For official training schemes, courses and workshops, take a look at our links.

  Do it yourself

  Barcelona Treball : Professional development programme

  Barcelona Treball: training

  Barcelona Activa

  Don't forget to regularly check out the BcnIn agenda which regularly includes professional training activities.

  BcnIn Agenda

  Mr. Wolf

  Skilled in the art of honing skills, BcnIn's Mr.Wolf can help you find the training you need

• 5. General economic market overview of Barcelona

  Get the facts and figures to back up your business plans from these economic reports on the region.

  Do it yourself

  Barcelona in figures, diversified economy

  Economic memories of Catalunya 2010

  Barcelona Creixement

  Mr. Wolf

  Make a plan to speak with Mr.Wolf to find the data you need

• 6. Networking groups

  According to our recent membership survey, information on networking in Barcelona is a huge priority for many of you.

  So to complement our weekly networking agenda, we've created a guide to the different networking groups and events. It will help you to choose the right places to go to meet potential clients, business partners, friends or funders.

  This list will be updated frequently so if you're an organiser of an event and want to add some details, or if you know of an event we've missed, please get in touch and let us know.

  GENERAL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS NETWORKING

  SPANISH & CATALAN BUSINESS NETWORKING

  NETWORKING PARTIES AND SOCIAL EVENTS

  NETWORKING FOR WOMEN

  TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN NETWORKING GROUPS

  Plus, don't miss our blog entry from last year looking at the BCN networking scene

  Do it yourself

  • GENERAL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS NETWORKING

    European Chambers of Commerce
    The German, Belgian, Finnish, French, Italian, Luxembourg, Portuguese, British amd Swisss chambers organise their own events plus cross-chamber cocktail evenings to help you broaden your circle of contacts.  A hugely valuable resource.

    Guiri Business
    http://linkd.in/ue8sig
    Originally just a LinkedIn group but now a fully-fledged, read-world networking success, the monthly Guiri Business drinks meet-up is relaxed and informal but does attract a crowd of people looking for business contacts rather than just a night out. The main language is English and the majority of attendees are foreigners living in BCN but there are plenty of internationally-minded Spanish too. If you are prepared to 'work the room' and introduce yourself to a lot of people it's a great opportunity to get a high number of genuine contacts in a single night.

    The Business Lunch
    A fixture in Barcelona's networking scene for many years, the Business Lunch offers the chance to mingle and network before sitting down in smaller groups to talk over lunch. There's also the opportunity to make a short 'elevator pitch' to introduce yourself to the group, as long as you ask the organisers beforehand. Most attendees are foreigners but everyone is welcome. There tend to be less people at the Business Lunch than at some 'drinks only' events but the format does allow for longer conversations and rewards repeat attendances.

    English Metas Networking Lunches & Dinners
    More structured than most of the other events, these are especially useful if you are a newcomer to networking or find it difficult to make enough contacts at events. There are presentations, planned speed-networking sessions, organised follow-ups and a great deal of encouragement from the organiser. The official language is English but many internationally-minded locals attend, attracted by the more controlled environment which is less daunting than 'open' networking in English.

    Entrepreneurs' Network Barcelona
    Another stalwart of the networking scene, the ENB organises an event most months for entrepreneurs, potential entrepreneurs, business people and like-minded individuals. Meetings usually consist of a presentation or seminar with an expert in a relevant field followed by some relaxed networking.

    Business EAT
    A spin-off of the bilingual Business BCN magazine, Business EAT is a monthly lunch that brings together different sectors of the local and international business communities. Speaking Spanish and/or Catalan is an advantage.

    Networking for Professionals
    A small-scale networking group run by Free Green Bean's Edward Hamilton. Mixed language, one-representative-per-profession, curated group to provide mutual recomendations and help. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact him through the BcnIn community page for more information.

    Autonomo's lunch
    As the name suggests, a fortnightly lunch for freelancers for the purposes of networking, exchanging advice and sharing contacts. Numbers are limited so booking is essential.

    Bcnclub Déjeuner Networking Barcelone
    Networking lunch with Barcelona's French business community

    The American Society of Barcelona
    Predominantly but not exclusively for US citizens, this group holds monthly 'happy hours' for members to network and share advice over a few drinks. Almost half the membership is European, drawn by the desire to make international contacts while speaking English and to learn about American cultural traditions.

  • SPANISH & CATALAN BUSINESS NETWORKING

    unless stated otherwise, assume that the ability to speak Spanish and/or Catalan is essential at these events

    Barcelona Chamber of Commerce (Cambra de Comerç de Barcelona) Dinner
    A monthly networking dinner with guest speaker. In Catalan. An excellent opportunity to make important contacts in Barcelona's political and business circles.

    CINC Networking Gratuito: La Colmena
    A guided event to help you get more out of networking in a short space of time.

    AIJEC
    Associació Independent de Joves Empresaris de Catalunya (The Young Entrepreneurs’ Independent Association of Catalonia)
    AIJEC hosts a monthly entrepreneur's lunch with a high-profile guest speaker from business or politics plus a support network. A great opportunity to integrate with the local scene.

    25BCN
    Held on the 25th of each month, this networking lunch is laid-back and attracts a mainly local crowd, although foreign residents are made very welcome.

    Asociación Española de Directivos (AED)
    Presentations by prominent figures from the business community, afterwork networking and more for business owners, managers and entrepreneurs.

    22@ Breakfast
    Principally for the business community of the new 22@ innovation park in the Poble Nou district but their networking breakfasts often feature interesting guest speakers and are a good networking opportunity to make contacts in one of Barcelona's most exciting business zones.

    ESADE Last Thursday
    A co-venture between the ESADE Entrepreneurship Institute and the ESADE Alumni Business Angels Club, Last Thursday is a networking opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, service providers and others in Barcelona to connect with each other.  ESADE's reputation attracts some high-profile guest speakers and events are very well attended.  Ability to speak Spanish and/or Catalan obviously a huge advantage but attendees of all nationalities usually speak English to a decent standard.

    6º Networking Club
    Regular speednetworking events in the local business community.

    Alumni Universitat de Barcelona (UB) Networking
    Principally, as the name suggests, for graduates of the UB but worth checking out for the sector-specific networking mettings they frequently hold. You may be able to attend as a guest of a graduate or by contacting the organizers.
    
    

  • NETWORKING PARTIES AND SOCIAL EVENTS

    Although there is often business networking at the following events, the focus is mainly on enjoying a relaxing evening while making friends.

    Internations
    Monthy events, usually in a club or lounge, where you can mingle with an international crowd who are all there to make new contacts.

    Eurocircle
    Similar to Internations, these events (usually monthly although there have been none since Oct. 2011) are about meeting an international group of people over drinks in a relaxed setting.

    Red Deluxe
    Networking plus drinks and snacks in a stylish setting each month. Usually well attended, the focus is more on fun  than on intense business networking although there are good contacts to be found here if you make the effort. Mainly English-speaking but plenty of locals too.

    Cosmosoirée
    An extended private party for international people to make new friends and extend social and professional networks. Dress to impress and have a good time.

    The Barcelona Social Club
    Make friends, socialise and attend cultural gatherings with an internation group of Barcelona residents. Regular calendar of activities.

    Be Social Afterwork
    Fortnightly meetings to network, enjoy drinks and listen to live music with an international group of people.
    
    

  • NETWORKING FOR WOMEN

    Barcelona Women's Network
    In their words, "a non-profit, non-religious, and non-political social and charitable organization offering support and friendship to both local and international women residing in the greater Barcelona area." More a social networking organising than a business one, it can nevertheless  help you make valuable contacts within its membership comprising 30 different nationalities.

    European Professional Women's Network (EPWN)
    An "online and offline networking and leadership development platform for professional women of all sectors and industries. With 3000+ members and more than 90 nationalities, EPWN organizes 400+ events a year" including several in Barcelona.

    Círculo de Mujeres de Negocios
    With over 2,300 members, this organization (founded in Barcelona) is a solid support network for female business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, executives and directors and there are semi-regular networking events.

    Founder Friday
    The Barcelona branch of Founder Friday is a co-venture between global media company Women 2.0 and Spanish-based Ellas 2.0. It's a networking event to promote the creation of new networks among aspiring entrepreneurs, current entrepreneurs and investors. The event is predominantly for women but attendance is open to all.

  • TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN NETWORKING GROUPS

    Barcelona Internet Startups
    Barcelona is one of Europe's main hubs for start-ups and this group draws together tech entrepreneurs, software engineers, investors and business experts to network and provide mutual assistance and advice.

    First Tuesday Barcelona
    Part of the international First Tuesday phenomenon, the Barcelona group meets once a month on, you guessed it, the first Tuesday to bring together an expert guest speaker, entrepreneurs and investors in internet and new technologies. Thenetworking events are in Spanish although most people there speak good English.

    Networking Activo
    More active in Madrid than in Barcelona, this Spanish-language group is nevertheless worth contacting if you work in technology, ecommerce, online content or marketing, HR or if you are an investor in these areas.  There is a networking event every couple of months here, usually specific to one of the above sectors.

    Internet of Things (IoT) Barcelona
    As they themselves say, "What's going on in the world of smart cities, ubiquitous computing, and the Internet of Things in Barcelona?  We will find out!  Expect workshops, hackathons,  bar talk nights, and beer.  Programmers, academics, and business-types are all welcome. " Regular events, often involving cocktails, for techies, by techies.

    Emprendedores/as
    Large online group of entrepreneurs, freelances and small business owners who meet to network and exchange ideas. Meetings are often themes with expert guests. In Spanish.

    Pecha Kucha
    Not strictly a networking group, this unusual but quite wonderful evening of ideas is still a good place to meet like-minded individuals. 12 creative types each have 20 images of 20 seconds each to communicate their ideas, plans, dreams or creations.

  Mr. Wolf

  Find out directly who you need to know: ask Mr.Wolf

• 7. Setting up a Business

  Entrepreneurs and business owners are the lifeblood of BcnIn and continue to set up bold and imaginative enterprises despite the economic crisis. Check the following links for some basics on how to get your own business empire started, or consider asking Mr Wolf to get some personalised advice.

  Do it yourself

  Barcelona Activa, Business Start-up, Welcome session

  Barcelona Activa, Entrepreneurship topics

  How to set-up a Worker-owned Company?

  CIRCE

  Mr. Wolf

  Mr.Wolf can help you get your start-up started