Taking the leap to relocate to a new country is equal parts thrilling and intimidating. Whether you are searching for your first international internship or looking to relocate for a job across Europe, hearing directly from someone who has done it makes it much way easier!
We sat down with a German expat, named Max, who’s currently living in Barcelona to get an honest review of moving abroad, settling in, and navigating work life in Catalonia.
Why swap Berlin for Barcelona?
Interviewer: Moving abroad always comes with a bit of Fernweh, that unmistakable longing for far away places. What motivated you to swap life in Germany for sunny Spain, and how did reality match your expectations when you first arrived?
Max: "I had to do a mandatory internship for my studies. Most of my friends wanted to do that in Germany, in Berlin. One of them told me that they would want to go to Italy. So I decided I would like to take this as a challenge."
Interviewer: Taking the step to move from Germany and start a new chapter in Spain is a hard decision (but a good one) for any young expat. While cities like Berlin or Stuttgart offer fantastic professional paths, trading cold winters for Mediterranean sunshine is hard to resist, it seems like the risk is worth taking!
Max: "I was obviously a bit unsure what would await me here in Barcelona. I was more excited than scared, but pretty quickly found out that the job meets my expectations. Barcelona in itself I really enjoy as well; I like the people, the nightlife, and the weather, which is way better than in Berlin."
Is it better to live in Spain or Germany as a young professional?
When deciding between cities like Berlin, Stuttgart, or Barcelona, many German expats weigh lifestyle against career structure. While Germany offers high efficiency and economic stability, Spain delivers an unmatched outdoor quality of life, warmer weather, and a faster social rhythm.
Interviewer: How hard is administrative paperwork, accommodation, and handling tax for a German expat in Barcelona? How did you handle the relocation process, and did you face unexpected administrative hurdles?
Max: "Finding accommodation was challenging and a bit stressful. Most offers online include high fees that you don't get back if you decide not to stay. If you only stay for like one month in one place, then this is really costly. But in the end, I found a nice place with cool roommates. Paperwork wasn't a problem because our wonderful HR manager helped me with everything :)"
Navigating apartment hunting can be tricky when moving abroad. Beyond housing, sorting out your NIE, local registration, and understanding the basics of German expat tax guidelines can feel overwhelming without guidance. Having local HR support or watching a helpful German expat in Spain Vlog can give you a clear roadmap before landing.
Interviewer: What is daily work-life integration like, and how does the Spanish concept of Feierabend compare to Germany?
Walk us through your typical daily schedule, and how workplace culture in Spain compares to Germany. Have you noticed differences in punctuality, communication style, or der concept of Feierabend?
Max: "I get up at 7:30, eat breakfast, and then walk to the metro station. After work I go home, cook, do sports, or work on a personal project. The weekends are more exciting. I go to bars or clubs with friends I met here. I also go alone to such places because I like the challenge and think there is more of a need for you to talk to new people.
It's pretty different. Germany is much more focused on efficiency, and people are a lot more straightforward. I enjoy the work culture here a lot; it's more relaxed and fun.
In Germany, workday boundaries are clearly defined around der Feierabend, whereas in Spain, social integration flows naturally throughout the evening.”
Interviewer: What are the pros and cons of living in Barcelona according to a German Expat?
Every relocation comes with trade-offs. Here is a quick look at what stands out most after making the move:
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The Pros: Warm weather, friendly environment, dynamic nightlife, and easy access to beaches and outdoor sports.
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The Cons: Higher rental prices relative to local salaries, tourist-heavy areas, and lower baseline efficiency in day-to-day admin compared to Germany.
What does Max, our German expat in Barcelona, think:
"That people are sometimes afraid to be in certain areas of the city because of the high crime rate. I miss a proper Berlin Döner, but I guess if I looked a bit more then I could find a nice place. In Berlin, the average place is nicer than the average place here."
For every German expat, missing comfort food from back home, whether from Berlin, Stuttgart, or Munich, is pretty much a common average experience.. Luckily, Barcelona offers an international environment that rivals Munich's largest expat community, filled with global eateries and local bakeries.
Interviewer: How do you build a social circle and connect with the expat community in Barcelona? How easy was it to meet people, and do you mostly socialize with expats or locals?
Max: "It's surprisingly easy. I meet more expats, but also quite a lot of locals. Although it's new to me that even some young people don't speak English well. Spending time with a local group is essential if you want to learn Spanish or Catalan. However, attending organized expat community events seems to be the quickest way to settle in, make friends, and start your expat life as comfortable as possible.”
Interviewer: What practical tips and cost of living advice should job seekers know before moving? How does Barcelona compare financially to Germany, and what tips would you give to someone applying for jobs abroad?
Max: "It's pretty similar. Both cities are expensive. I can only do this because I get the ERASMUS funding. But ERASMUS and my salary combined work out pretty well.
Don't be scared and go for the adventure. Companies do look for interns a lot, just like in other countries, which maybe has something to do with the EU funding."
Making the move to live and work abroad takes courage, but with proper planning and financial preparation, taking on an international role can really launch your career. If you are ready to explore open positions, check out our latest listings in jobs for German speakers to start your own adventure in Spain!
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Feeling inspired to kickstart your next adventure? Explore more career advice, job search strategies, and expat insights on the Europe Language Jobs blog.
Our content is crafted by an international team of expats, multilingual professionals, and career experts who understand the excitement and challenges of moving abroad. We understand exactly what it takes to land your dream role in Europe!
If you could trade places with an expat for a month, which European city would top your list?
