Spain Journey Final

Spain Journey
Kashif Inayat
- Senior Research Engineer (RE-3), Barcelona Supercomputing Center
- Admin Scholarship Network, Pakistan
Rashid Ali
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona
- Admin PSA BCN
This document is prepared with personal experience and some online document given by BSC and consulate offices in Spain/Korea, if some modification required please feel free to ping me here:kashif.inayat@bsc.es (www.kashifinayat.com)
Content
● Visa Process
○ Sworn Translators
○ Embassy Documents/process for Visa
● Accommodation Process before Arrival
○ Finding Room
○ BCN Welcome Desk
○ Finding Rooms/Apartments: Areas to consider
○ Finding Rooms/Apartments: Whatsapp Groups
○ Finding Rooms/Apartments: APPs/Web
○ Finding Rooms/Apartments: Agencies
● Steps Required After Arrival
○ Social Security Number (Número d’afiliació a la Seguretat Social)
○ Bank Account
○ Certificat d’empadronament/Census
○ TIE (Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) Appointment
○ Public Health Insurance (CATSalut)
○ Child (CATSalut)
○ Digital Certificate
● Spain Life in General
○ Education: School
○ Shopping Center/Online Markets
○ Transports System
○ Driving License
○ Simcards/Wifi-Home Internet Service
○ Tourism (Places inside spain to visit)
○ Emergency Numbers in Spain
kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashifinayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

Content
● Visa Process
○ Finding Room
○ Bank Account
○ Driving License

Sworn Translators
● In case you got postdoc/job offer from Spain, and you planning to move there with family then you
need the Spanish translation of the following documents:
○ Marriage Certificate for wife
○ Birth Certificate for children
● Here I list the different translator priority wise according to their services/rates etc
○ Mario (€30/document):
■ [E info@mariotranslates.com]
○ Virginia Alonso (€35/document):
■ Intérprete jurada de inglés, [T (+34) 661 777 120], [E virginia.alonso.llano@gmail. com]
○ Rocio Montosa (€52/document):
■ Traducciones FR,EN,DE,PL,NL,CAT>ES, [T (+34) 9362640223, 660505394 ], [E
traducidoyjurado@gmail.com] [Webpage]

Embassy Documents/process for Visa
● First download the form and book appointment from this website: [Spanish Embassy Seoul]
● Once you filled the Visa form, visit on appointment day with following documents:
○ Contract/Offer Letter, Visa Form, NIE ( Número d’identificació d’estranger) Resolution
○ Passport Size Picture (white background), Passport, Resident Card
○ Police Criminal Record ( should be apostille)
○ Visa Free: 115000 KRW
● In case you are applying for family too then filled same Visa form for each member take the followings:
○ Visa Form (for each member), NIE Resolution
○ Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate (all should be apostille)
○ Resident Registration Certificate along with family info, Wife Criminal record (all should be apostille)
○ Visa Free: 115000 KRW
● Embassy address: [Naver Location]
● Once you submit, you can track visa result on this website: [Visa tracking]
There is trick with appointment, usually you may get after 20 days, but if you have all documents, try to book one night before around 11:40pm, you will surely find many slots. And you need to take
kashif.inayat@bsc.esappointment for each member. www.kashifinayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN
Content
● Visa Process
○ Finding Room
○ Bank Account
○ Driving License

BCN Welcome Desk
● It is service for international talent who want to come and live in the city, or who recently settled
here.
● Main aim is to ease people’s arrival and establishment in Barcelona, so they can excel in their
professional and personal potential.
● If you are interested to use this service, you can make appointment here:
○ Appointment
100% recommended to contact,, there people are very helpful, response is very fast. One representative will do zoom chat with you can will guide you every basic/detailed questions properly.
Finding Rooms/Apartments: Areas to consider
● Choosing a good neighbourhood is one of critical task in Barcelona!! You can look details in following districts in
BCN through subsequent slide:
● Inside BCN ○ Diagonal Mar ● BCN Border
○ Eixample ○ Villa Olímpica ○ Sant Cugat
○ Gràcia ○ Poblenou ○ Sant Boi
○ Sarria/Pedralbes ○ St. Cugat
○ Ripollet
○ Sant Gervasi ○ Castelldefels
○ Cerydnola
○ El Born/Barrio Gótico ○ St.Just/Esplugues
○ El Gotic ○ Fabra i Puig
○ L'Hospitalet de Llobregat
○ Sant Antoni (near El
■ Sant Eulalaia
Raval)
■ Santa Jose
■ Cobllanc
■ Cornella
Red area are not good for families, rest are just fine. Green one are with reasonable price and family friendly.
Finding Rooms/Apartments: Whatsapp Groups
● If you want to get shared apartments, you may be can join
the following whatsapp groups:
○ NOMAD RENTAL BCN: join
○ BCN DIGITAN NOMAD NEW: join
● If you are coming to Barcelona Supercomputing, then you
can see on this link also: Bulletin on Intranet

Finding Rooms/Apartments: APPs/Web
● You can look details in following districts in BCN: Pedralbes / Sarrià (Zona Alta), Gràcia, Eixample, Barrio Gótico /Born, Diagonal
Mar, Villa Olímpica, Poblenou, St. Cugat, Castelldefels, St.Just/Esplugues
● BSC cooperate with BCN University Center to help finding houses, so you can ask the followings:
○ BCU (RESA):
■ Torrent de l’Olla, 219 08012 - Barcelona [Link1, BCU, BCU Housing]
■ Residencia Torre Girona, Passeig dels Til·lers, 19; 08034 Barcelona Tel.: +349339043 00 Fax: 34932056910 E-mail:
torregirona@resa.es
○ SH BCN: Calle Casanova 99 - Barcelona 08011
● Other option is finding houses yourself.
○ Enalquiler
○ Idealista
○ Fotocasa
○ Badi
○ Stuker
○ BCN
○ Habitaclia
○ Pisos
○ Spotahome
○ Uniplaces
○ HousingAnywhere

Finding Rooms/Apartments: Agencies
● Housfy Alquiler: [ID] ● Armadans Sancho: [ID]

● Promogar-finques: [ID] ● Finques Costa: [ID]
● Domus Inmobiliaria: [Home] ● Finques Massague: [ID]
● SHBarcelona: [Home] ● LaCasa: [ID]
● Haya-Alquileres: [ID], [Pisos]
● Donpiso: [ID]
● Living: [ID], [Home]
● Urban Group: [ID]
● Group LL: [ID]
● Gesnova Aicat: [ID]
● Inmobiliaria Mongal: [ID], [Home]
● Immomax: [ID], [Home] ● Amat Immobiliaris: [ID]
● Gesnova aicat 1885: [ID], [Home] ● Sinergia Habitat: [ID]
● Finques teixidor: [ID], [Home] ● Engel & Völkers Barcelona: [ID]

Content
● Visa Process
○ Finding Room
○ Bank Account
○ Driving License

Social Security Number (Número d’afiliació a la
Seguretat Social)
● Whoever going to work in spain required social security number, after reaching Barcelona, you
need to visit this office (Administració de la Seguretat Soc) (Calle Rocafort, 174 08029 – Barcelona
) with following documents (9AM-2PM):
○ TA1 Form
○ BSC Certificate
○ NIE Resolution
○ Passport Copy
● BSC also can get due to COVID’19 but in that case you need to provide the authorization to BSC
employ additionally.
● You can also request Social Security Number yourself with the following link: SSN-Online

Bank Account
● As to receive your salaries as soon as possible you would require to open a Bank account (in general there
are two types of accounts: resident and non-residents), for each mainly two banks are recommended:
○ Banc Sabadell: You will have to ask for Mireia Lafoz Ortiz (902 030 255 - Ext 23739). o As a recommendation, Banc
Sabadell has opened a new office in Diagonal, which is for international people. It is called "Welcome Hub".
■ Visit: [Link], [T +34 902 343 999 ]
○ La Caixa Bank: You have to identify yourself as a BSC worker and they will help you in everything they can. If you have
any doubt, you can contact Human Resources. The address is Carrer de Pedro i Pons, 14- 16,08034 Barcelona.
○ BBVA: is another bank that also offers some discounts.
○ Santander
● You are required to visit any of these two banks with the following documents:
○ BSC Certificate signed by HR Head
○ NIE Resolution
○ Spanish Contact Number
1. The difference is that the bank does not withhold a percentage of the interest earned in nonresident accounts, while fees are usually lower for resident accounts.
kashif.inayat@bsc.es 2. Both La Caixa and BBVA offer accounts without commissions, personal loans for studies, advance payment of payrolls. BBVA also offers advantageous conditions for mortgage
www.kashifinayat.com loans.Inayat, BSC, BCN
© Kashif
Bank Account Cont..
● Other information in general for every bank is given below:

○ Bank Working Hours:
■ Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 or to 2:30 p.m.
■ In the case of savings banks (caixes) which are also open on Thursday afternoons from 5:00 to 7:45
p.m. from October to May
○ Credit Cards
■ All shops, restaurants, hotels along with Metro/Parking ticket machines
○ Paying Bills
■ You can also pay electricity, telephone bills through direct debit (domiciliació)
The difference is that the bank does not withhold a percentage of the interest earned in nonresident accounts, while fees are usually lower for resident accounts.
Certificat d’empadronament/Census
● Once you arrive in Spain, you need to register address to city council/townhall/Padró Municipal
d’Habitants registration (to get certificado de empadronamiento), of your area, you will have to do this
process online or presential.
○ BCN folks book appointment with this link: Appointment
○ L`Hospitalet folks book appointment with this link: Appointment
■ Identity document of person who requiring: passport, driving license, resident permit
■ Current rental contract, at least six months or with extension condition
■ Owner authorization along with his/her ID etc required
● You can do this in person at the Citizen’s Assistance Office (Oficina d’Atenció Ciutadana) of Barcelona City
Council (or the Citizen’s Assistance Office of your district if you speak Catalan or Spanish). You will get
certificate on the spot.
● Address: Barcelona City Council Citizen’s Assistance Office, Plaça Sant Miquel 3
○ Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; August, Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m
○ Metro : Jaume I L4, Liceu L3
● Address: L`Hospitalet City Council
Offers services in a wide variety of languages.

TIE (Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) Appointment
● Even though you have NIE/Visa, still once you arrive Spain, you need to take TIE card as soon as
possible and for application and receiving, you would required appointment each time. Here are
the following steps:
○ Make first appointment with following link: Appointment-1
○ Fill this TIE Application form (EX-17): EX-17 Form, All forms
○ Original Passport with Visa, copy of passport
○ Economical cause that justify request: BSC Certificate
○ Preferable to bring Empadronamiento
○ Tax paid 790
○ ID Picture
○ Make the second appointment to receive th TIE card with the same link: Appointment-2

Public Health Insurance (CATSalut)
● It is Catalan public health insurance card and it allows you to go to all the public hospitals, and to
buy medicines with discounts because the public health system finances part of them.
● In order to get this card, you need to bring the following documents to nearest Primary Care
Center (which you can find here: find):
○ Identification Card (TIE)
○ Empadronamiento
○ Application document for registration in CATSalut, see details here
OR
○ You can also request the CATSalut card through the following link: Online, or Here
○ Once they give you the CATSalut, you will have to send a scanned copy to HR.

Child (CATSalut)
1
● Consent is required for under-age childrens: 2
○ Register here and follow instructions on left:
○ Then with given code after application
submission follow: here
5: Track here
4
Then fill this form
as a applicant not
representative.

Digital Certificate
● It is digital method to perform authentication, transactions with public authorities (e.g., tax returns, paying
taxes, registering residence etc), Spanish National Ministry handles it, see for further information: here.
● To apply for this, fill this form: here, in this link you have to fill your NIE number, first surname and an email.
Then you have to accept their policies and you will have to create a password. You will receive an email
with a code that is the one that you will need to use to activate the digital certificate.
● After that you have to get an appointment to activate the certificate: here
● It help to secure your identity over the internet, the application should be submitted in person by the
certificated holder, it is free of charge and valid 3-4 years. You can use it for followings:
○ Submitting the Work Permit Renovation procedure
○ Obtaining a Social Security Number
○ Registration with the Tax Office
○ Registration with the social security system
○ Application for recognition of the right to access public healthcare

Content
● Visa Process
○ Finding Room
○ Bank Account
○ Driving License

Education: School
● There are several schooling options available for your children's, but first read the following files in
details: Choosing a School in Barcelona
● International/local:
○ Public Schools with different age group can be found with the following link: Educacio
○ You can also put your location in following link and get info about different schools in neighbours: here
○ Then you might be able to find schools here with mentioned areas: Guide to Schools in Barcelona

Education: School Cont..
● There are several schooling options available for your children's, but first read the following files in details:
Choosing a School in Barcelona
● International/local:
○ Public Schools with different age group can be found with the following link: here
○ American Schools:
■ American School of BCN: [A Jaume Balmes, 7 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat], [T 93 371 40 16], [E
info@a-s-b.com]- Classes run from age 3 till 12th grade in English language.
■ Benjamin Franklin School: [A Martorell i Pena, 9 08017 Barcelona], [T 93 434 23 80], [E
bfranklin@bfisnet.com]- At least half the students remain at the school from nursery through to 12th grade.
○ British Schools:
■ Oak House School: [A San Pedro Claver, 12-18 08017 Barcelona], [T 93 252 40 20], [E
sec@oakhouseschool.com]- pre to 12th grade with British curriculum.
■ Kensington School: [A C/Cavallers, 31-33 08034 Barcelona], [T 93 203 54 57], [E
info@kensingtonschoolbcn.com]- pre-school for 3-6 years and up to 11 age.
■ The British School BCN: [A Ginesta, 26, Apartado 172 08860 Castelldefels], [T 93 665 15 84], [E
info@britishschoolbarcelona.com]- pre-school for 3-6 years and up to 11 age.

Education: School Cont..
● There are Spanish/Catalan based Bilingual/local schools also available in BCN neighbourhood
○ Bilingual
■ Col.Legi Europa School: [A Pl. del Vinyet, 110 08190 Sant Cugat del Vallès], [T 93 589 84 20], [E
europa@intercom.com]- pre-school for 1-18 years.
■ John Talabot: [A Escoles Pies, 136 08017 Barcelona], [T 93 212 34 99], [E info@johntalabot.com]-
pre-school for 3-18 years.
■ ST Paul School: [A Av. Pearson, 39-45 08034 Barcelona], [T 93 203 05 00 ], [E stpaul@stpauls.es]-
pre-school for 3-18 years.
■ ST Peter School: [A Eduard Toldrà, 14 08193 Barcelona], [T 93 204 36 12], [E stpeters@stpeters.es]-
pre-school for 18 months to 18 years.

Shopping Center/Online Markets
● Big Malls
○ Centro Comercial Gran Via 2: Location, Centro Comercial Diagonal Mar: Location
○ Lilla Diagonal: Location (near office), El Corte Ingles: Location (near office)
○ Meramagnum Mall: Location (very touristy), Arenas Mall: Location (very touristy)
● Marts
○ Generals: Carrefour, Alcampo, Mercadona, Lidl
○ Electronics: Media Markt,
● Online Stores
○ Carrefour - specially furniture [Link]
○ Leroy Merlin - specially furniture [Link]
○ Ikea: [Link]
○ Amazon - everything: [Link]
● Second Hand
○ Wallapop - electronics devices: [Link]

Transports System
● Barcelona is very well connected”

○ Metro, FGC, TRAM, Trains
○ There are ticket for different Zones
● App to use:
○ Google Map (for Buses, TRAMs and
Metro)
○ TMP App (for mainly Metro/Subway)

Transports System Cont..
● For urgent services, following public transport services can also be use in BCN:
○ Buses
○ Taxi
● App to use for taxi:
○ Cabify
○ Uber
○ FreeNow
● Here Bus Travelling is free for kids till 16 years, but your child must hold the following card, you can
get from: AMB Area Metropolitana de Barceclona

Driving License
● Driving Exchange
○ You need to take appointment and visit DGT [Sede][DGT]
○ Take the appointment with Korean consulate in BCN with this link: here, also email @
barcelona@mofa.go.kr about translation.
○ Here is the Korean consulate address: Google Map: (Pg. de Gràcia, 103, 3a, 08008 Barcelona)
○ Read all information about Exchanges info with Korea: here, other valid countries to exchange, then
take appointment here with DGT: here or here
○ Also fill this application form: here
○ Here is the address for office in Barcelona: Google Map: (Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 184,
08038 Barcelona)

Simcards/Wifi-Home Internet Service
● Simcard
○ Just visit any nearby Vodafon/Orange Service center and get the sim card with appropriate package
■ You need to pay at least 10 Euro’s (300 minutes and 25GB data)
■ You need to passport OR
■ NIE certificate OR
■ At least NIE card
● Home Internet Service
○ If you do not have NIE card, then just go for Vodafon or Orange

Tourism (Places inside spain to visit)
● If you are thinking of exploring Barcelona and the surrounding region as a tourist before relocating,
you can visit the official following tourism websites
○ Catalonia,
○ Barcelona Link1 and Link2

Emergency Numbers in Spain
● Emergency numbers:
○ Single emergency number: 112, it is available 24 hours a day every day and it is free. It includes health
emergencies, firefighting and rescue, police and civil protection.
○ Health information (health system consults): 061
○ Barcelona City Council and Citizen’s Assistance Office: 010
○ Catalonia Citizen Information (Government of Catalunya): 012 (If you want to find some information about
international chambers of commerce and trade offices, you can visit this link, (page 125-128).
○ You can send us an email at rrhh@bsc.es with all your questions or doubts and we will answer as fast as we
can.

References
[1] Management and Mobility of the Foreign Researcher: File
[2] Barcelona Basic Guide: File
[3] Barcelona Supercomputing Computing Guide for Foreigners 2022
[4] Barcelona Talent Guide 2023, Barcelona Centre Universitari, 2023

Thank You
Hope you gonna enjoy your stay in Barcelona, Spain

Spain Journey Final

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Spain Journey

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

● Housfy Alquiler: [ID] ● Armadans Sancho: [ID]

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

● Other information in general for every bank is given below:

Offers services in a wide variety of languages.

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

● Barcelona is very well connected”

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

[1] Management and Mobility of the Foreign Researcher: File

[2] Barcelona Basic Guide: File

[3] Barcelona Supercomputing Computing Guide for Foreigners 2022

[4] Barcelona Talent Guide 2023, Barcelona Centre Universitari, 2023

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

Hope you gonna enjoy your stay in Barcelona, Spain

kashif.inayat@bsc.es www.kashiﬁnayat.com © Kashif Inayat, BSC, BCN

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