There are several immigration offices in Barcelona (Catalonia) where you can get information and assistance related to immigration matters. If you are interested in finding out what they are, their characteristics and much more, read on. We tell you all about them in the following article. 

Which immigration offices are there in Barcelona?

Whether you want to move to Spain as a U.S. citizen or from another part of the world, this article is of interest to you. Since the recent growth of the foreign community in Barcelona, there are several immigration offices where you can obtain information and assistance on immigration matters in order to comply with immigration regulations. These are some of them:

Oficina d’Atenció a la Ciutadania Estrangera (OACE)

This office depends on the Barcelona City Council and provides assistance to foreign citizens residing in Barcelona. They offer services related to residence permits, work permits, family reunification and other immigration related issues, among them, they will help you to know how to obtain the NIE in Barcelona. The OACE is located at Bergara 12, 08002 Barcelona.

Oficina de Extranjería

This is the central office for foreign nationals in Barcelona and is run by the Spanish government’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration. The office provides services related to visas, residency permits, work permits, and other immigration-related matters. The Oficina de Extranjería is located at Murcia Street 42, 08027 Barcelona.

Oficina d’Informació i Atenció a la Ciutadania (OIAC)

This office is run by the Generalitat de Catalunya and provides information and assistance related to immigration and citizenship matters. They offer services related to residency permits, work permits, family reunification, and other immigration-related issues. The OIAC is located at Carrer de Rocafort, 129, 08015 Barcelona.

Why go to foreign offices in Barcelona?

Although recently the cost of living in Barcelona has risen, it is a cosmopolitan city that continues to receive more and more new visitors willing to stay, because once they try and enjoy the advantages of living in a city, they are aware that it will be difficult to find something like it. Living in Barcelona as an expatriate is one of the best experiences that all those who were undecided about whether to live in Barcelona vs. Madrid say they have had, in order to enjoy the day-to-day life as a Spaniard.

That is why, people who come to the offices of foreigners are usually individuals who are planning to move to a new country or who have already moved, and are looking for help with immigration related issues, whether they want to move to Barcelona as a family or children. Here are some common reasons why someone may visit an oficina de extranjería, such as obtaining a Spanish passport stamp or immigration stamp, which are necessary to document their entry and exit from the country.

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Applying for a visa

People who want to travel to a different country for tourism, work, or study may need to apply for a visa. Immigration offices can provide information about the different types of visas available and the application process.

Applying for residency

People who want to live in a different country long-term may need to apply for residency. Immigration offices can provide information about the different types of residency permits available, the eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Family reunification

Individuals wishing to bring their family members to another country may need to apply for family reunification. Immigration offices can provide information on eligibility criteria and the application process. In this case, you may have to find a larger property, so if you need to know how to buy an apartment in Barcelona that will suit all family members, you can contact us to help you with your search. We have the best real estate agents in Barcelona, experts in the area so that they can advise you in the most reliable way possible.

These professionals can guide you by showing you the best places to buy a property in Spain for expatriates (in this case in the Catalan city), they will guide you by showing you the most expensive streets of Barcelona (which is where the most luxurious properties are located), and from here, you can decide whether you prefer to live in Pedralbes or Sarrià, belonging to the upper area of Barcelona, or rather near the sea and, therefore, choose a more central and more technological area, such as living in Poblenou.

Work permits

Perhaps you are in a situation where you are looking for how to find a job in Barcelona. If this is the case, for all those people who wish to work in another country, they may need to apply for a work permit. Immigration offices can provide information on the different types of work permits available, the eligibility criteria and the application process.

Citizenship

People who have lived in a different country for a certain period of time may be eligible to apply for citizenship. Immigration offices can provide information about the eligibility criteria and the application process.

Overall, immigration offices are there to provide information and assistance to people who are navigating the complex process of moving to a new country.

What do I need to know before going to an immigration office in Barcelona?

Appointments

Immigration offices may require you to make an appointment before visiting. It’s best to check the office’s website or call in advance to confirm if you need to make an appointment and how to do so.

Required Documents

Immigration offices typically require specific documents for each type of application. It’s important to check the office’s website or call in advance to confirm which documents you need to bring with you. This can help save time and ensure that you have all the necessary information and documents when you visit the office.

Waiting times

Immigration offices can be busy, and wait times may be longer during peak periods. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and allow enough time for potential delays when visiting an immigration office.

Additional resources

There are also other resources available to help individuals navigate immigration-related issues in Barcelona. For example, some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and legal aid clinics may provide assistance with immigration matters. It’s worth exploring these resources if you need additional support.