1. Reception and Basic Information
  2. Reception and Information

Reception and Information

Welcome to Barcelona!

The city of Barcelona is on the Mediterranean Sea, located in the northeastern corner of the Iberian Peninsula.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia and has a population of about 1.6 million inhabitants, which makes it the second most populated city in Spain and the tenth in Europe.

Barcelona today is the result of more than 2,000 years of history and is well-known as a friendly city that has developed thanks to the contributions of people from different places and backgrounds.

The presence of new residents from around the world has increased the city's cultural diversity and has made it a place for meetings, dialogue and interaction between neighbours of Barcelona from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

You are invited to be a part of all the neighbours living in Barcelona, and to get to know the resources available to you in the city.

Basic procedures
Legal advice
City services
Live in BCN

Social Services Centres

The city of Barcelona has a primary social care network available through Social Services Centres (CSS, in Catalan) that work together with social organisations, institutions and community-based organisations in your area.

You can find information, guidance and procedures for social benefits adapted to your needs and resources.

What should I do?

  • Locate the centre according to your home address.
  • Schedule an appointment by ringing 93 619 73 11

In the case of foreign nationals who have recently arrived in the city (less than a year), or those who still do not have a fixed residence in a neighbourhood, or those who are homeless and those who do not have legal documents, social care is provided at SAIER.

Here you will find all the organisations in the Reception and Support Network. Use the browser to find Network organisations that provide social care.

Healthcare

Access to the public healthcare system is guaranteed for all individuals. To obtain a healthcare card, you must apply to register at CatSalut. In Catalonia, irregular migrants also have access to the healthcare system by means of a one-year renewable authorisation. This can be processed when individuals have been registered in Catalonia for 3 consecutive months at their city registry and are able to provide evidence of less than Minimum Income for Social Inclusion and Protection. Please note that public administrations promote preventive medicine programmes and intercultural mediation services at primary healthcare centres and hospitals in Barcelona.

Here you will find more information on healthcare and health issues.

Housing

Barcelona's Network of Housing Offices provides residents with clear and thorough information about housing.

Information is provided regarding social benefits for payments and repairs, access to public housing, benefits for people in an emergency situation or services for renting a flat with a guarantee, among other resources.

What should I do?

  • Schedule an appointment by ringing 010 or by filling in this form.
  • Here you will find all the organisations in the Reception and Support Network that provide advice services or intermediation services for access to housing or shelter flats.

Looking for a job

If you are looking for a job or employment training, you can contact:

  • Employment Offices (OT) of the Employment Service of Catalonia (SOC).
    • The network of employment offices and self-service resources (PAS) provides: job search, employment orientation, training courses, applications for unemployment benefits...
    • The SOC website provides information about the nearest office, and you can also schedule an appointment to carry out required procedures by introducing your postal code.
  • Barcelona Activa (Barcelona City Council)
    • Provides programmes and services for better access to employment. You can contact the office at: Llacuna, 162-164 Tel. 93 401 97 77
  • Care Service for Immigrants, Emigrants and Refugees
    • Information and orientation for job training and placement.
  • Here you will find all the organisations in the Reception and Support Network. Use the filters to find organisations that provide orientation, training and job intermediation services.

Business groups

Trade Unions

How can I validate my student diploma?

Validating your student diploma involves official recognition of equivalence of completed foreign studies (in level, content, duration, time dedication, and so on), as compared to a Spanish diploma or title.