I'm excited to leave the US and pursue a new life in Barcelona, but the moving process isn't for the faint of heart

After visiting Barcelona in 2016, I haven't been able to forget the city. I've gone back and forth plenty, and now I'm in the process of moving.

Business Mar 5, 2024 0 42 Add to Reading List

I'm excited to leave the US and pursue a new life in Barcelona, but the moving process isn't for the faint of heart

shayla posing on a stone stair case in park guell in Barcelona — I fell in love with Barcelona after visiting in 2016.
Shayna Conde

After visiting Barcelona in 2016, I couldn't stop thinking about the city, so now I'm moving there.
Landing a Digital Nomad Visa and an apartment in my desired area hasn't been easy so far.
As a Black woman with a chronic illness, I'm surprised how diverse and accessible the city is.

I first visited Barcelona in 2016 as part of a five-week European trip with some of my graduate-school friends.

I immediately fell in love with the Spanish city, and after a major career shift in 2023, I finally committed to moving abroad.

To kick things off, I did a three-month trial run in Barcelona last year to get a feel for the city, and I'm currently working on securing a visa.

Here are five of my biggest takeaways from the process, so far.

As a single Black woman, I've found Barcelona to be very safe.

shayla and a friend taking a mirror selfie at a sunglasses store in Barcelona — I've met friends from all over the world in Barcelona.
Shayna Conde

I can't speak broadly on how Black people are treated in the city, but my experience has been positive so far.

I've visited other parts of the world where I was the only Black person for miles. Constantly knowing that all eyes are on you (regardless of the intention) makes it difficult for me to feel comfortable in a space — never mind wanting to call that space home.

But in Barcelona, I've already made friends from Canada, Mongolia, the US, Educador, Bolivia, Nigeria, and, of course, other European countries.

The fact that I was able to find a hair store that sells the products I use back in the States (not just Cantu and Shea Moisture) was a large part of the confirmation I needed to know that Black women can do well here.

It's also one of the most accessible cities I’ve lived in.

shayla standing in front of la sagrada familia in barcelona — I don't find it difficult to move around Barcelona with a chronic illness.
Shayna Conde

As someone who has an autoimmune disease that can cause mobility issues, I deeply appreciate how accessible Barcelona is.

I've seen more mobility-diverse families, couples, and individuals exploring Barcelona than I have in any of the other cities I've visited or lived in.

Certain public features also make it easier for me to navigate the city with significantly less stress, including buses with designated seating for people with walkers and wheelchairs, gentle slopes on every sidewalk that help people cross the streets with ease, and a plethora of accessible taxis.

But I know navigating the housing market is going to be difficult.

fancy building with intricate architecture in barcelona — Finding an apartment in Spain can be time-consuming.
Shayna Conde

I always knew finding housing was going to be a little tricky wherever I moved. But I don't think I was prepared for just how hot the Barcelona housing market would be.

The city has become more popular in the last couple of years — especially in the tech world — which has brought more international renters and created a higher demand for apartments.

Since I already know which neighborhood is best for me — thanks to my three-month scouting visit — I'm planning on getting a monthlong rental on the rental-booking platform Badi.

Once the 2024 summer tourist season is over, I plan to go apartment-hunting using Idealista and Facebook Marketplace.

My apartment probably won't have all the appliances I'm used to.

interior shot of a building in barcelona spain — I don't need AC, but it's good to set expectations before a move.
Shayna Conde

Although Spain can be gloriously hot in the warmer months, most apartments don't have central air. I also haven't come across many with clothes dryers.

These were nice to have in the US, but they aren't necessities to me.

Landing a Digital Nomad Visa hasn't been the smoothest process.

shayla doing a wine tasting in a restaurant in Barcelona — I'm working with a lawyer to figure out my visa.
Shayna Conde

As a freelance journalist, I'm applying for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa, or DNV, which was only released in 2022.

It's possible to apply to a DNV on your own, but after seeing how stressful and complicated the process can be, I'm hiring a lawyer who has experience with Spain's visa system.

If you're living outside of Spain, the application process can be lengthy, and if approved, the visa only lasts one year. But after the first year, when you've been legally living in the country, you can apply for a residence permit that lasts up to three years.

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