Useful resources
In the city of Barcelona, you will find highly valuable public resources designed specifically to facilitate the welcoming of international talent (whether you are research personnel, a university student, a qualified professional, or an entrepreneur).
Barcelona International Welcome
This municipal office is a key support point for your integration into the city. Its goal is to accompany you upon arrival and help you resolve your practical needs through various services. Remember that, in order to receive assistance, you must request an appointment in advance. The office is located in the MediaTIC Building (carrer de Roc Boronat, 117), right in the heart of the 22@ technological district and about a 10-minute walk from the UOC.
Service for Immigrants, Emigrants and Refugees (SAIER)
This is a specialized municipal service that offers you free information and advice on immigration procedures, residency roots (arraigo), nationality, and international protection.
Communication with the Administration and Digital Certificate
According to the Law on Common Administrative Procedure, although on an individual level you have the right to choose the channel to communicate with official bodies, the Spanish public administration prioritizes and promotes the use of online means for their speed and efficiency.
To facilitate your daily life and guarantee a smooth management of your legal procedures, we firmly recommend obtaining a digital certificate (such as the idCAT or the one issued by the FNMT - Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre) once you settle in Barcelona. This tool will be necessary to proceed with the renewal of your residence and work authorization, in addition to allowing you to carry out procedures such as registering or updating your residency (empadronamiento), or dealing with Social Security and the Tax Agency.
Learning Catalan
Knowing Catalan will help you integrate and fully enjoy the local culture. To help you take your first steps, we provide a specific online tool for teaching and learning the Catalan language. It offers a total of 12 courses that you can take at your own pace or with the support of a tutor. Please note that prior registration is required to access them.
In addition to this main platform, the university has a wide variety of additional resources available, both internal and external, for language learning. If you are interested in delving deeper into the language and culture, please let us know and we will be happy to send you all this information personally.
Euraxess
This European organization was created to coordinate university activity across the entire continent. Locally, Euraxess Catalonia is part of this network and acts as a service center for the Spanish Mobility Network. It serves as an essential guide for research staff, providing all the information and support you need to conduct your research in Catalonia.