Retirement in Barcelona

If many tourists choose Barcelona as their main destination, it's for its sunny, year-round climate, its historical and cultural heritage, and its relaxed lifestyle. This jewel of Catalonia appeals to all ages, and today its assets are of particular interest to senior citizens. 

Today, more and more French retirees are choosing Barcelona to spend their golden years. Apart from the fact that the cost of living is lower than in major French cities, this Mediterranean city also boasts an excellent medical infrastructure and exceptional quality of life. Find out in this article all the reasons why Barcelona is the ideal place to spend your retirement years. 

Focus on Barcelona, the pearl of the Mediterranean

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, Spain. This emblematic Mediterranean city is particularly attractive for its history, its varied culture and the charm of its landscape. Since ancient times, Barcelona has attracted merchants and politicians alike. What's more, it is considered the crossroads linking the traditions and modernity of the surrounding cities.  

The town was founded in Roman times under the name of Barcino. Its past has left its mark in ancient remains, grand medieval churches and contemporary buildings. It's easy to imagine how beautiful the neighborhoods were over 2,000 years ago, with narrow streets like Barri Gòtic. But Barcelona is also a great city with modernist architecture, great restaurants and great places to stroll.    

Barcelona lies at the center of the Mediterranean Sea and the Collserola mountain range. This geographical position makes it possible to enjoy both the sea and the greenery, which is why tourists flock to parks such as Parc de Montjuïc and Parc Güell. Among Barcelona's most prestigious attractions are the buildings designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, whose works symbolize the city's strong visual identity.  

Barcelona is the cradle of Catalan modernism, the very capital of artistic creation. Every year, it hosts internationally renowned festivals such as Primavera Sound and the Festa Major de Gràcia. As for official languages, the population speaks both Catalan and Spanish. 

The advantages of retiring in Barcelona  

To retire in Barcelona is to choose a tranquil life cradled by the sun, the breath of the sea, the beauty of nature and the dynamism of a dynamic city.

An exceptional year-round climate  

Barcelona's climate is ideal for vacations, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. As a result, the city enjoys mild temperatures ranging from 15°C in winter to 28°C in summer. That's why all outdoor activities are available all year round, from swimming pools and beaches to walks in the parks. 

This mild climate is particularly beneficial for senior citizens. For example, it reduces joint pain and improves general well-being. They can also take advantage of outdoor activities to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Imagine winter walks by the sea or lunches on a terrace in the middle of January. These are just some of the simple pleasures that become routine in Barcelona.  

A city rich in culture and leisure  

Barcelona also boasts a wealth of architectural and cultural treasures that attract visitors from all over the world. Residents live in the midst of all this wealth, from Gaudí's masterpieces such as the Sagrada Família and Parc Güell, to historic districts like Barri Gòtic, and many other places rich in history. 

For retirees, the town offers a range of activities: 

• Museum visits ;
• Catalan cooking classes ;
• Walk in the heart of nature, on the beach or in the parks. It's worth noting that the beach is very easy to get to in any of Barcelona's neighborhoods. 
• Open-air concerts and much more. 

A competitive cost of living  

Although Barcelona is one of Spain's most expensive cities, it is far more affordable than Paris or Geneva. In 2024, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is €950, compared with €1,300 in Paris. A retiree with an average monthly budget of €1,800 to €2,000 can live comfortably in Barcelona, taking into account essential expenses such as food, housing and leisure. 

Here is a table comparing the approximate cost of living in Barcelona vs Paris:  

Source : Numbeo.com - Cost of living

Easier access to medical care  

Spain is recognized as one of the countries with the best healthcare systems. Indeed, Barcelona boasts the most innovative modern infrastructures. The same applies to the competence of the city's medical staff. Like all European retirees, senior citizens living in Spain benefit from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), with guarantees covering essential care. However, retirees in Barcelona can also take out private health insurance to receive more extensive offers, with prices starting at around €50 per month. What's more, many of Barcelona's clinics and hospitals are staffed by French-speaking professionals.

Preparing for retirement in Barcelona  

Before moving to Barcelona, it's essential to be well prepared, whether in terms of administrative, tax or logistical aspects.

Administrative procedures  

If you want to enjoy a peaceful retirement in Barcelona, you need to prepare well in advance. You'll need to organize all the administrative formalities, especially if you don't receive a French pension. Here's a complete step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Arrange your retirement pension  

French pensioners, in particular, must manage their situation directly with their personal pension funds. So, if you wish to request a career statement, calculate your pension amount, or liquidate your pension, here are the organizations to contact:  

In France :  

• The Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Vieillesse (CNAV) ; 

CNAV can also be contacted by post at the following address: Caisse nationale d'assurance vieillesse (CNAV), 37 078 TOURS CEDEX 2, France.  

If you receive a supplementary pension, either ARRCO or AGIRC, you should contact the CICAS information center in your area or call +33 1 71 72 13 00.

In Spain :  

All questions related to your retirement pension should be addressed to the Seguridad Socialwhere you can :  

• Apply for a Spanish pension if you have made regular contributions.  
• Ask for form E205, which summarizes your contribution periods in the various European countries. This document is needed to calculate your full pension. 

2. Find out about retirement conditions in Spain  

In Spain, particularly in Barcelona, the legal retirement age is 65. To qualify for a retirement pension, you must have contributed for at least 15 years, including 2 years in the 15 years preceding the year of retirement. You can therefore apply for your pension three months before or after the official retirement date.  

Please note that Spanish Social Security does not cover the full amount of your retirement pension if you have paid contributions to an institution outside Spain, but within the European Union. The calculation will be based on the following system prorata temporis. 

3. Pension payment problems: who to contact?  

If your pension payment is overdue, here are the steps to take to avoid any disputes:  

• Contact CNAV for the French general scheme. Make sure you have your INSEE number to hand, as it appears on your official documents.  
• If the problem concerns your supplementary pension (ARRCO/AGIRC), contact your supplementary pension fund or CICAS.  
• In Spain, you should contact the International Conventions Section of the Spanish Social Security.  

4. Tax and reporting obligations  

If you'd like to live in Barcelona and enjoy your pension, you should be aware that French pensions are subject to local taxation under bilateral agreements between France and Spain. It is therefore essential to declare your income to theAgencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Service). To find out more, take a look at the dedicated tax brochure on the consulate website or on the CLEISS.  

Things to remember :

Finding the ideal home  

If you want to spend your retirement in Barcelona with complete peace of mind, the first thing to do is make the right choice of neighborhood. For example, if you like discovery and dynamic, colorful markets, you might opt for Gràcia, while if you prefer luxury and refinement, prefer Eixample. Other popular neighborhoods for seniors include El Born, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi and Poblenou. 

To help you plan ahead and find the perfect home for your requirements, consult the experts at Buying in Spain. 

Integrating into the local community  

The people of Barcelona are very welcoming and the city is very cosmopolitan. Nevertheless, integrating into a new city takes some getting used to. In Barcelona, retirees can join expatriate associations, which are often very active. This is a great opportunity to meet French speakers, make new friends and discover the local culture. These associations offer activities such as dance classes or hiking groups.  

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city that combines everything a retiree could wish for: a pleasant climate, a rich culture and a high quality of life. All you need to do to enjoy your retirement in Barcelona is prepare well in advance and follow the essential steps. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, don't hesitate to entrust your project to the professionals at Buying in Spain.