My partner and I will be moving to Barcelona for their job in a few months and there are a few things we’re worried about with the move. Primarily we have two dogs that we will be moving with us. Anyone know what it’s like finding an apartment to rent with multiple pets? We’re worried we will have a hard time finding a place with the dogs. Also, I’m concerned about finding work for myself there as we’re aware the local job market and economy isn’t great — we won’t need me to make an income but I’d prefer if I had a way to make money for myself still. I don’t speak Spanish (starting lessons) but I do have over a decade worth of teaching experience in yoga and other forms of fitness, wondering if it’s an option to pick up gig work in the industry easily so I’m not idle while we’re there.
Any tips or personal experiences shared are greatly appreciated.
Hi. As a Spaniard, I can tell you that finding an apartment with the dogs will be very difficult but if you are patient you can do it. Also, consider nearby places like Badalona. If you want to work why don’t you try posting advertisements on expats in Barcelona’s Facebook group? Yoga in English for expats sounds like something that may work.
Wouldn’t you have investigated that PRIOR to making such a huge move?
We have been researching and his company is helping us move the dogs, however, we have to find our own place to live which is why I’m asking for advice as we are in the planning phase.
First, yeah, dogs will make it more difficult to find a place. It’s already very difficult to find a place, so just go in with the expectation that it will be difficult and you’ll already know what to expect. Knowing no Spanish (or Catalan because, honestly, you won’t make many local friends speaking Spanish) will be a hinderance. But, in Barcelona there are a load of foreigners who also don’t speak Spanish/Catalan, so you could always give classes in English. You’re not going to make any meaningful progress in the language in just a few months, unless you’re studying like 8 hours per day. Luckily, fitness is probably one of the easiest gigs to do here, just get a big enough group, head to the park, and ask for donations at the end. Look for immigrant facebook/whatsapp groups and post there with info about your classes. Good luck!
you won’t make many local friends speaking Spanish
What?
In Barcelona the local language is Catalan, and there is a lot of animosity towards Spanish people and the Spanish language. It’s a very hot-button issue.
Yeah but that’s not exactly… true… much less in Barcelona where there’s a lot of people from other places of Spain. Animosity comes only from very extremist and brainless people.
I’m Spanish and have been to Barcelona, so I know what I say. Most people don’t speak Catalan on a daily basis.
I mean…the question pertains to making local friends, not friends from other parts of Spain. And difficult to make friends with Catalan people with no Catalan, not impossible. Just a bit more difficult…
Did you get all the paperwork to move your dogs there? Moving pets usually requires a lot of certifications, shots done at specific times. Often you have to get Rabies shots a very specific amount of time before they travel, like anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. If you don’t have records of all your pets vaccinations, you may have to get them again. You will definitely want to contact the authorities regarding this. In addition you need a license to own a dog in Spain and insurance for each of the animals as well as a pet passport.You will need to have these in order before they get there, or they may force you to send the pet back to the US or euthanize it.
I relocated to Barcelona with 1 dog and two cats. It was not easy to find an apartment but not impossible.
Ok I think Spain is very dog friendly IMHO don’t drink too much cause Barcelona has best red wines going for like 1 or 2 dollars a piece have a good one
There is quite a few customer service/ support jobs in Barcelona and there is some specifically aimed towards the americana market.
A good american accent could get you a job but you can not expect to get more than 1500/month after tax.
Spanish here, about the dogs, yes it will be harder but not impossible.
Catalonians speak catalonian first and then Spanish, you will have big problems with that when you want to find a job even if your field is not the most affected by it
Check to make sure they allow the breeds of dogs you have. And gotta get your paperwork in order. There’s loads of info on the Spain government website