Settling in and life in Barcelona
Once the initial paperwork is sorted, it’s time to organize your daily life in the city. In this section, you will find practical guidance on three key aspects of settling in: the conditions for your travel and international mobility, how your tax residency (IRPF) works, and the options for your family's schooling.
Travel and international mobility
It is very important that you know the conditions for international mobility based on your profile and type of authorization:
Researchers with EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship: You have free movement and can enter and leave the national territory as many times as you need, without additional restrictions due to your status as an EU resident.
Non-EU international researchers: You must have a valid TIE card to travel. If your card is being renewed or processed (especially if you are traveling outside the Schengen area), it is essential that you apply for a Return Authorization (Autorización de Regreso). The International Mobility Office will advise you on how to obtain this document so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
If you have a valid multiple-entry visa for Spain, you can use it during its validity period to enter and leave the country while your initial TIE is being processed.
In order to renew your residence and work authorization, it is recommended that your absences from Spanish territory do not exceed 6 months within a one-year period. Exceeding this established legal limit may complicate its renewal.
Taxation and tax residency (IRPF)
It is important to understand how your stay in Spain will affect your tax situation. Spanish legislation establishes that if you remain in the country for more than 183 days during the calendar year, you will be considered a tax resident, which means you will be taxed under the Personal Income Tax (IRPF) on your worldwide income. In any case, it is mandatory to report your situation to the Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria), a process in which we can guide and support you from our office.
In addition to the 183-day criterion, anyone who has the main core of their activities or economic interests in Spain, as well as their legally non-separated spouse and dependent minor children, is considered a tax resident.
Schooling and education in Barcelona
At the UOC, your family's well-being and integration are an absolute priority. The educational system in Catalonia is inclusive and offers various options depending on the age of your children and your linguistic or pedagogical preferences:
- Early childhood education (0 to 6 years old): Although it is not compulsory, it is the most common option to facilitate work-life balance. The first cycle (0-3 years old) is taught at escoles bressol (nurseries), which have public places (with fees based on income), subsidized (concertades), and private options. The second cycle (3-6 years old) is free of charge in public and subsidized schools, and this is the stage where most children in Catalonia begin their schooling.
- Compulsory education (6 to 16 years old): This comprises primary and secondary education (ESO). You can opt for public schools (free and funded by the government), subsidized schools (centres concertats, with mixed funding), or international private schools, which have their own admission processes and foreign curricula.
How to apply for a school place if you arrive mid-term?
If your arrival at the UOC coincides with the school year already underway, the allocation of a place will depend on the vacancies available at that moment. This process, known as late admission (admisión fuera de plazo), can be done online through the Generalitat portal (for which you will need a digital certificate).
If you do not have an electronic signature yet or prefer personalized guidance, we recommend booking an appointment with the Barcelona Education Consortium (CEB). They will provide direct guidance on schools with available spots near your home.
Useful resources and links: