A practical Guide to doing Business in the City

1. MENT
INVEST the City
A GOOD usiness in
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3. LIBRARY OF CATALONIA (BIBLIOTECA DE CATALUNYA) CIP INFORMATION:
Barcelona, a good investment : practical guide to doing business in
the city
I. Borrell, Xavier, ed. II. Barcelona. Sector de Promoció Econòmica
III. Centre d'Innovació i Desenvolupament Empresarial (Catalunya)
1. Inversions estrangeres _ Barcelona _ Manuals, guies, etc. 2.
Barcelona _ Comerç _ Manuals, guies, etc. 3. Barcelona _ Condicions
econòmiques _ Manuals, guies, etc.
338.1(467.1 Ba Barcelona)(036)
The text may be reproduced total or partially with permission of Ajuntament de Barcelona and CIDEM.
All rights reserved for graphic and artistic design.
EDITION:
Ajuntament de Barcelona (Barcelona City Council)
Sector de Promoció Econòmica (Economic Promotion Division)
Carrer Avinyó, 7, 1r
08002 Barcelona, Spain
Tel. +34 934 027 478
CIDEM (Centre for Innovation and Business Development)
Passeig de Gràcia, 129
08008 Barcelona, Spain
Tel. +34 934 767 200
COORDINATION:
Xavier Borrell and Isabel Carranza (Barcelona City Council)
Fina Sancho and Elisabet Forga (CIDEM)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Cuatrecasas and Clifford Chance Law Firms
DESIGN, LAYOUT, TRANSLATION AND EDITING OF TEXTS:
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Tel. +34 932 179 978
PRINTING:
Ajuntament de Barcelona (Barcelona City Council)
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08038 Barcelona, Spain
B. 000 00 000
Barcelona, March 2006
No. of copies. 2.500
2

4. ENT
VESTMe City
OD IN
A, A GOng Business in th
ON
BARCELal Guide to doi
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3

5. arcelona is an open, tolerant and arcelona is moving towards the “laboratory
B B
cosmopolitan Mediterranean city full city” model. This refers to a city where new
of light; a remarkable urban space ideas and concepts are emerging, a city
with a strong personality. The atmosphere which is competitive not in terms of production
transmitted by the city encourages creation costs but in innovation and creativity, where pro-
and innovation, turning Barcelona into one of ducts are designed or improved, and where the
the European cities with the highest potential for developing new atmosphere, diversity and range of uses promote the creation and trans-
generation activities. In the current globalisation framework, it is fer of knowledge. Barcelona, cutting-edge, dynamic and entrepreneurial,
precisely these characteristics which provide value to the city and sets trends. With its long industrial tradition, the Barcelona area is a very
differentiate it from the rest: it is this personality, both cosmopolitan important foreign investment attraction centre, especially for industry and
with a great international vocation, and strongly rooted in its local advanced services. 25% of foreign investment in Spain is concentrated
aspects, which attracts our visitors and keeps them here. here, with 2,700 registered businesses, most of them in Barcelona city.
There is a constantly growing number of forward-looking companies
Faced by growing international competition, Barcelona and its which choose to set up in Barcelona, and we are proud to observe that,
surrounding area, with its population of 4.6 million, is one of the once established among us, their expectations are fully met. And the
most important economic metropolises and has become international perception of Barcelona's potential as a new economy city is
consolidated as one of the main European capitals for business. A also growing in importance.
city which boosts its own personality and diversity and encourages
talent and creativity; a laboratory where ideas are conceived and a This has been shown by many international economic indicators, such
significant creative community which attracts and receives the best as the recent Paris Chamber of Commerce study placing Barcelona's
companies and professionals is brought together. Its great area of influence as the second most appealing region for foreign
international projection, privileged geographical situation and investment, second only to London; or the annual study conducted by
accessibility, added to the complex business network in its area, British consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker placing
make it a very appealing location for business. Barcelona as the fifth best city for business in Europe and the top city
in Europe in terms of progress.
Barcelona is now reinventing itself, its eyes on the future, with an urban
and economic transformation which will provide over 7 million square But Barcelona isn't just a city for working; it's a city for living. With its
metres for new economic activity. The urban reform projects which are stable climate, its openness to the sea, a magnificent selection of
defining our future will enable us to improve access to the city, as well as culture and leisure options, a broad network of education and research
its connections and communications, increase the offering and services institutions at every level, a prestigious health service accessible to
available to businesses, and improve quality of life for all citizens. All urban everyone, and a serious commitment to sustainability, Barcelona has
projects currently in progress are increasing Barcelona's appeal and the best quality of life in the whole of Europe. We are introducing the
consolidating the city as the main urban centre in the west first edition of the Guide to Barcelona, a Good Investment, jointly
Mediterranean. The following are particularly noteworthy due to their size: prepared by the Economic Promotion Sector of Barcelona City Council
the transformation of the Poblenou industrial district, the new 22@bcn and Centre for Innovation and Business Development (CIDEM) of the
technology district, the arrival of the new High Speed Train, the Delta Plan Catalan Government's (Generalitat de Catalunya) with the aim of
- with extensions to both the port and the airport - and the extension of offering useful and practical information to everyone wishing to invest
the International Trade Fair (Fira Internacional), as well as the new and do business in Barcelona and become acquainted with its many
conference centre with capacity for 15,000 delegates. charms.
We hope that this new guide will help make the decision to settle in
Barcelona easier, as well as accelerate the process of establishing a new
economic activity.
Jordi Portabella Joan Clos
Second Deputy Mayor of Barcelona Mayor of Barcelona
4

6. C
atalonia is a privileged part of spite of its small size, Catalonia has a Catalonia offers
companies
Europe for business activities. great variety of cultural activities and
making a
Countless multinationals from venues. It also provides a first rate
commitment to
around the world, specialised in various environment both for living and for
our territory the
sectors, have chosen Catalonia to business. This helps keep company
perfect balance
conduct their business activities. staff satisfied and stable.
between a high
quality communications infrastructure,
Barcelona City Council and the Centre According to a study conducted by
an excellent university and research
for Innovation and Business Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker,
network, highly qualified labour force, a
Development (CIDEM) have joined Barcelona is the best place for quality of
wide range of suppliers and an enviable
forces to create this publication which is life, a position it has maintained since
quality of life.
intended as a basic and simple advice 1996. Its quality of life and the
and guidance tool for anyone perception of the Barcelona area as a
The Centre for Innovation and Business
considering starting up a business in creative and cosmopolitan environment
Development (CIDEM), an organisation
Barcelona. This guide is structured in are valued as strong points for attracting
belonging to the Generalitat's Ministry of
outline, in order to give you a general and retaining talent and knowledge.
Employment and Industry, provides
idea of the steps to be taken into Proof of this is provided by the recent
professional and confidential support,
account when starting up a business. At trend of international entrepreneurs
ranging from planning to
the end of the guide, you will find the choosing Barcelona for a new economic
implementation, to all companies
websites and useful addresses you can activity. In the intensive globalisation
wishing to invest in Catalonia, through
use to obtain more detailed information process undergone in recent decades
the Catalonian Investment Agency
on each step. We have also included a by the international community,
(ACI). It also provides ongoing help for
list of the main incentives and subsidies Catalonia has been able to establish
future needs. The agency, which has its
available to businessmen and itself as the ideal location for setting up
headquarters in Barcelona, a branch in
entrepreneurs. large multinational companies. As a
Madrid, and foreign offices in New York
result of this investment process,
and Tokyo, offers its help and advice
Catalonia attracts a lot of investment, Catalonia has become consolidated as
services tailored to the needs of
particularly for industry and advanced one of the most dynamic regions in
companies which are considering
services. This has been shown by the Europe in terms of attracting
settling in Catalonia or expanding their
fact that already established companies multinationals: there are currently 3,000
existing business in this region. The
often make a strategic commitment, such companies in Catalonia (600 of
Agency's mission is to boost financially
carrying out new investments in order to which are industrial businesses).
and technologically sound productive
make their subsidiaries evolve towards
business investments in Catalonia,
higher value added activities. The main Conscious of the importance and
creating wealth and high quality, stable
reason for this is the high satisfaction positive effects of foreign direct
jobs. We must direct all our efforts to
level of companies already operating in investment (FDI), and making use of its
attracting new projects, in the form of
Catalonia. Barcelona and its exclusive powers in the industry context,
productive, strategic and innovative
surrounding area, with its population of the Generalitat has put into practice an
investments, to our territory.
4.3 million, constitutes one of the main active policy of encouraging business
economic metropolises in Europe, investment in Catalonia. We are also
We look forward to welcoming you to
aiming to attract not just the best making a serious and clear
Catalonia.
businesses but also the best commitment at the Generalitat to boost
professionals, who are the ones who will our companies' research, development
generate wealth and increase and capacity for innovation. We want to
productivity. Catalonia's well-being and place Catalonia in a top position in
development are at European levels. In Europe.
Jordi Carbonell i Sebarroja
Secretary of Industry
Ministry of Employment and Industry
Generalitat de Catalunya
5

7. 6

8. ENT
VESTMhe City
D IN
A, A GOOg Business in t
N
BARCELO Guide to doin
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A practic
CONTENTS
1 ECONOMIC PRESENTATION:
1.1 I Ten Reasons to Invest in Barcelona 09
1.2 I Main Economic Indicators 10
1.3 I Location and the Property Market 17
1.4 I Trade Fairs and Conferences 22
2 HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN BARCELONA:
2.1 I Types of Business Organisation 25
2.2 I Steps For Starting Up a Business 27
2.3 I Tax Regime, Tax and Allowances 29
2.4 I Work and Residence Permits 32
2.5 I Employment Regime 35
2.6 I Incentives and Subsidies and Financing 39
3 USEFUL ADDRESSES:
3.1 I By Topic 43
3.2 I In Alphabetical Order 44

9. 1. ECONOMIC PRESENTATION

10. TEN REASONS TO INVEST
1.1
IN BARCELONA
Barcelona offers very diverse elements which make it a really appealing place to live, work and do business. The city is
now a very interesting place for new economic activity, as shown by some of the good reasons to invest in it.
4. Successful foreign public transport. The city is surrounded
1. Strategic geographic location
by nature reserves.
investment
Two hours by road from France and one
It is the fifth best city for business in
day from the main European cities. A
8. Large progressive city
Europe and accounts for 20% of annual
southern door to Europe, with its own
planning projects
foreign investment in Spain. There are
port, airport, Zona Franca, logistics
The largest city planning and
2,700 foreign companies established
parks, international trade fair centre and
infrastructure transformation. Llobregat
here, with a satisfaction level of 97%.
the city within a radius of 5 kilometres.
Area: a commitment to logistics and
Barcelona is also becoming consolidated
internationalisation, with the port and
as a centre for multinational companies'
2. Complete transport airport extensions. Besòs Area: urban
European divisions.
infrastructure renewal, sustainability and research
A motorway network connected to
5. An internationally centres. La Sagrera-Sant Andreu: the
Europe; the fastest-growing airport in
acknowledged location arrival of high speed trains. Poblenou
Europe; Spain's leading port and the lar- 22@: the new technology and innovation
Barcelona has some of the highest
gest container port in the Mediterranean;
positions in several international district. Two new districts: La Marina and
an extensive underground and overland
rankings, which rate its urban reality, its El Besòs, with a combination of
train and bus network; High Speed
ability to attract foreign capital, its residential premises and economic
Trains planned for 2007 and a connec-
entrepreneurial nature and the quality of activity.
tion with the European network in 2009.
life enjoyed here very highly.
9. A Competitive set of available
3. The centre of a large, dynamic 6. Human resources prepared properties
and diverse economic area for the future A large number of offices, commercial
A great responsibility ethic, high
4.6 million people live in the Barcelona premises and industrial buildings with
productivity (one of the highest in
area. It is the capital of Catalonia, with a excellent value for money. The
Europe, according to the OECD), five
population of 7 million, and the centre of construction of residential buildings is
public universities, two private
the Mediterranean Basin, a large also on the rise.
universities and four business schools
economic area with 18 million
(ESADE, IESE, EADA and IESKA), 27
inhabitants. It accounts for 70% of
10. Unique private-public
international schools, great new
Catalonia's GDP. Its growth in 2004 was
cooperation
technology penetration, and a favourable
3.1% of GDP, above the Spanish and
Barcelona City Council and the Catalan
disposition towards innovation and
European average, and it is the sixth
Government have made a serious
creativity.
largest urban agglomeration, as well as
commitment to business. The success of
the fifth largest industrial concentration,
the traditional private-public cooperation
7. Excellent quality of life
in Europe.
has been key to Barcelona's
The top European city for quality of life. A
transformation.
stable climate, sunshine, beaches, ski, a
generous range of culture and leisure
In the following pages, you will find more
activities, a network of 4,500 education
detailed information on Barcelona's
institutions, a modern and accessible
economic reality.
health service, easy access and travel by
9

11. MAIN ECONOMIC
1.2
INDICATORS
1.2.1 BASIC INFORMATION activity in southern Europe, a city's population, a very close
Mediterranean arch including the percentage to other European cities
ABOUT THE CITY
Balearic Islands, the Autonomous such as Madrid, Copenhaguen and
Regions of Valencia and Aragon, and Hamburg among others, and higher
Location
southeast France. than the Spanish average of 8.4%.
Barcelona is one of the largest cities
Barcelona metropolitan area is the The immigration of the last ten years
in Europe. It is the centre of a large
sixth largest urban agglomeration, as has brought to the city of Barcelona a
metropolitan area of over 217 well as the fifth largest industrial very significant increase in the
municipalities with 4.6 million concentration, in Europe. number of languages spoken in it.
inhabitants. It is the economic, The current language situation is 223
cultural and administrative capital of Demographically, the city of languages from 190 countries, a level
Catalonia, which is located in Barcelona is constantly growing richer of diversity which promotes an
northeast Spain on the Mediterranean and more diverse; with 160 increasingly open and tolerant
shore. nationalities in 2004. metropolis.
Barcelona currently has over 230,000
It is at the forefront of a 17-million-
foreign residents. This is 14.6% of the
inhabitant emerging area of economic
AREA AND POPULATION (2005)
Population Area (km2) Density (inhabitants/km2)
Barcelona 1.578.546 101 15.671
Metropolitan area 4.673.648 3.236 1.427
1. ECONOMIC PRESENTATION
Catalonia 6.813.319 31.895 210
Spain 43.197.684 505.988 84
Oslo
Stockholm
Source: Barcelona City Council and the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE)
Copenhagen
EVOLUTION OF FOREIGN POPULATION Dublin
Berlin
Amsterdam
January 2005 % of the total foreign population London
Brussels
Prague
Frankfurt
Europe 52.835 22,9
Paris
Vienna
Asia 36.810 15,9
Geneva
Africa 20.818 9 Milan
America 120.197 52,1
Rome
Barcelona
Australasia 282 0,1
Total number of foreigners 230.942 100
in Barcelona
10 Source: Barcelona City Council

12. GDP
medium-sized companies (SME, known
GDP at market prices
and inter-annual variation rate EU 25 EU 15 SPAIN CATALONIA in Catalan by the abbreviation PIME),
(2000 base index)
representing 99.7% of all companies.
GDP (2004) (in millions of euros) 10.218.488 9.743.054 837.557 157.124
Employment
Annual growth rate in real terms. 2,4 2,3 3,1 3,1
Recent years have shown a very positive
GDP per capita (2004)
(in millions of euros) - 25.281 19.637 23.542 picture of Barcelona’s job market. Both
activity and employment rates grew,
Sources: Spanish National Institute (INE), Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya (IDESCAT), Eurostat
boosted by demographic growth and
good economic and business prospects,
In parallel to the process of moving a
Historically, Catalonian economy has and the job market picked up with an
large portion of the industrial sector to the
been one of Spain’s main economic increase in the number of employed
metropolitan conurbation, the industry
drivers and is still the autonomous region workers registered with the Social
remaining in the central area has
with the highest Gross Domestic Product Security system. Specifically, 25,000
strengthened its conversion to high value
(GDP) in absolute terms. In recent years, new jobs were created in Barcelona in
added industry. It is formed by new
it has followed a trajectory of expansion, 2003 and 2004, of which 39% were in
economic activities of an industrial
and short term growth forecasts are high value added sectorst.
nature with branches such as
positive.
environmental services, culture The gradual incorporation of legal
industries, the media, air transport and immigrants in recent years and the
1.2.2 A DIVERSIFIED others with great growth potential. increase in female employment and
Specifically, in the 2000-2004 period, the
ECONOMIC activity rates, following the growing
amount of medium and high-tech tertiarisation of the production network of
STRUCTURE industry in Barcelona and its the city and its metropolitan area have
metropolitan area increased by up to been two very significant factors in the
11.2% and 35.8% respectively. In the
Activity by sector boost of this expansion trend.
services sector, especially in tourism-
related services, high value added
The city’s wealth and development have Barcelona's tertiary sector is growing in a
occupancy has increased by over 33%.
traditionally been based on trade and clearly entrepreneurial manner, as
manufacture. At the moment, the shown by the fact that the strongest
Business structure
economic activity’s structure is increase in the last three years has been
characterised by the dominance of the in the number of registered self-
Barcelona has a large business network
services sector and the maintenance of a employed, especially in the new
very similar in structure to the European
significant industrial base in the whole of technologies sector.
one. There are over 417,000 small and
the metropolitan area.
The unemployment rate in 2004 was
6.2%, noticeably lower than that of
Catalonia, Spain and the European
STRUCTURE OF THE AFFILIATION TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY GENERAL SYSTEM Union.
ACCORDING TO BIG SECTORS (% /TOTAL) . 4TH QUARTER 2004.
Barcelona Catalonia Spain
1.2.3 FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Agriculture 0,2 0,4 0,5
IN BARCELONA
Industry 13,0 22,6 18,0
The Barcelona area is a very important
Construction 5,2 9,2 11,9
foreign investment attraction centre,
Services 81,6 67,8 69,6 especially for industry and advanced
services. This can be seen in many
TOTAL 100,0 100,0 100,0
international economic indicators, such
Sources: Spanish National Institute (INE), Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya (IDESCAT), Eurostat
as the annual study conducted by British 11

13. and marketing services centres. These
consultancy firm Cushman & Wakefield
centres are at the forefront of the current
Healey & Baker, which, for the first time 70% of all Japanese companies and
process being undergone by companies
in its 2005 edition, named Barcelona as 50% of all German, French and North
to become network structures with
the fifth best city in Europe for business, American companies in Spain are in
independent units in different territories.
thus raising it one position. Barcelona’s economic area. Over 50% of
foreign companies of an industrial nature
Trends
Already established companies very in Barcelona’s economic area belong to
often make a strategic commitment the chemical, pharmaceutical and car
Barcelona is at the receiving end of a
through new investments in order to industries. The services sector accounts
growing flow of investment aimed at
make their subsidiaries evolve towards for 42%, and construction for another
creating management and services
higher value added activities. The main 3%.
centres, research and distribution
reason for this is the high satisfaction
centres, software development centres
level (97%) of companies already The Barcelona area is still a destination of
and design centres in the most varied
operating in the Barcelona area. reference for attracting highly specialised
sectors, such as professional and
services such as administrative, financial
consumer electronics and the car
industry.
These are some of the sectors, activities
and forward-looking uses the city wants
to boost. This is why Barcelona has
Number of Foreign Companies in 2004
decided to promote the establishment, in
Barcelona 1.340
1. ECONOMIC PRESENTATION
the city, of financial activities and
businesses of large multinationals related
Metropolitan area 2.698
to design, knowledge, distribution and
Catalonia 2.915
customer call centres, also known by the
English names Call Centers or Customer
Source: Foreign Investment in the Barcelona Area (La inversió estrangera a l'àrea de Barcelona). Barcelona: Barcelona
City Council, CIDEM, 2004.
Relationship Management.
Foreign Investment in Catalonia (1994-2004) 30.022.220.000 €
Percentage in relation to the total for Spain: 15,57%
Foreign Investment in Catalonia (1st half of 2005)
Growth rate in 2005/2004. 25%
Percentage in relation to the total for Spain: 44,3%
Source: Foreign Investment in the Barcelona Area (La inversió estrangera a l'àrea de Barcelona). Barcelona:
Barcelona City Council, CIDEM, 2004.
12

14. 1.2.4 AN INTERNATIONALLY
RECOGNISED LOCATION
Barcelona has some of the highest entrepreneurial nature for business
positions in the various international and the quality of life enjoyed here
rankings, which rate its urban reality, very highly.
its ability to attract foreign capital, its
BARCELONA, TOP 10
The European city which best promoted itself at an international level to attract Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker.
foreign investment in 2005.
The fifth best city in Europe for investing and doing business in 2005. Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker.
The city with the best quality of life in Europe in 2005. Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker.
Barcelona, the second most attractive European area for foreign investment in 2004. Chambre de Commerce de Paris.
Best European city for investing in 2004. FDI, Foreign Direct Investment.
(Group Finantial Times)
The European city which has advanced most in recent years (2005). Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker.
The European city of the future in 2004. FDI, Foreign Direct Investment.
(Group Finantial Times)
Best European city for transport in 2004. FDI, Foreign Direct Investment.
(Group Finantial Times)
One of the cities with the best growth prospects in Europe in 2002-2006. ERECO European Economic
Research Consortium.
One of the cities with the most competitive cost of living in 2004. UBS
INTERNATIONAL COMPARISONS 2005
GROSS VALUE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC OVERNIGHT COST
QUALITY FOREIGN
CITY FOR
PRODUCTION STAYS OF LIVING
OF LIFE MEETINGS
INVESTMENT ADDED
BUSINESS
ORGANISED
RECEIVED FORECASTS
LONDON LONDON LISBON
BARCELONA PARIS
LONDON WARSAW
LONDON
1
PARIS PARIS LYON
PARIS VIENNA
PARIS BUDAPEST
PARIS
2
MOSCOW DUBLÍN HAMBURG
STOCKHOLM GENEVA
LYON DUBLIN
FRANKFURT
3
BERLIN ROMA BIRMINGHAM
MUNICH BRUSSELS
COPENHAGUEN ATHENS
BRUSSELS
4
ROME MADRID MADRID
MADRID LONDON
MOSCOW MADRID
BARCELONA
5
MADRID BERLIN BARCELONA
ZURICH BARCELONA
BARCELONA PRAGUE
AMSTERDAM
6
CAMBRIDGE BARCELONA BRUSSELS
GENEVA COPENHAGUEN
STOCKHOLM STOCKHOLM
MADRID
7
MUNICH VIENNA ATHENS
OSLO BERLIN
BUDAPEST HELSINKI
BERLIN
8
BARCELONA PRAGUE GLASGOW
DUBLIN ROME
PAS-DE-CALAIS BARCELONA
MUNICH
9
MILAN AMSTERDAM BERLIN
VIENNA STOCKHOLM
DUBLIN BIRMINGHAM
ZURIC
10
ERECO Union Catalonia Tourism Mercer Human
Cushman
Font: Cushman Ernst & Young
of International Polytechnic Marketing Resource
& Wakefield & Wakefield
Associations University Information Consulting
Healey & Baker Healey & Baker
13
System

15. 1.2.5 FIRST CLASS 1.2.6 QUALITY OF LIFE: A In addition, Barcelona has a highly
valued cultural offer: 46 theatres, 41
INTERNATIONAL CITY TO VISIT AND
museums, 46 libraries, over 200 cinema
EDUCATION AND LIVE IN screens and countless concerts and
ACADEMIA festivals held throughout the year. It is a
Barcelona is a dynamic, modern and
great city which brings to daily life the
diverse city, whose profound
Thanks to its significant education inheritance of its architectural and
entrepreneurial, commercial and
tradition, Barcelona is very well equipped monumental heritage. It is the only city in
competitive spirit has for centuries
to continually improve quality in this area. the world with eight World Heritage sites.
coexisted with the art of good living and
The network of education centres now The city, so full of great examples of
the enjoyment of the expressiveness of a
offers a very comprehensive selection of Modernista architecture and works by
demanding culture and urban quality.
study possibilities to provide an easy Gaudí, has been asserting its open and
solution to different situations and progressive nature from the late 20th
Its Mediterranean climate, the culture
education needs. century, with a new urban architecture
and leisure options on offer and the
which has reached clear international
quality of life are key to attracting tourists
Universities and higher education projection.
and businesspeople to Barcelona. The
city, located between the sea and the
The city has eight universities and several
mountains, enjoys temperatures of All this, added to first class public and
business schools of international renown.
between 23º C in the summer and 9º C private services (education, health, etc.),
In addition, there are eleven technology
in the winter, and has 7 km of well a high environmental commitment from
transfer centres linked to the universities
maintained beaches in the city centre businesses, respect for quality and
which have received several awards for
itself. occupational risk prevention, and a
their innovative initiatives from the
European Commission’s Directorate-
General for Enterprise and the
Information Society.
Name of the Organisation Type Web
Barcelona has consolidated itself as a Barcelona University (UB) Public www.ub.edu
first class university destination in terms
Barcelona Autonomous University (UAB) Public www.uab.es
of number of universities, qualifications
and students. Catalonia Polytechnic University (UPC) Public www.upc.edu
Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) Public www.upf.edu
International schools
Ramon Llull University Private www.url.edu
There are several foreign schools in the
1. ECONOMIC PRESENTATION
Abat Oliba – CEU University Private www.uao.es
city and its surroundings, enabling
anyone wishing to do so to pursue Catalonia International University (UIC) Private www.uic.es
foreign curriculums in the city. There are
Catalonia Open University (UOC) Private www.uoc.edu
27 such schools in total, providing
teaching in five languages: English, IESE Business school www.iese.edu
French, German, Italian and Japanese. ESADE Business school www.esade.edu
www.cidem.com/catalonia/cat/com/adreces/escoles/index.jsp
EADA Business school www.eada.edu
IESKA Business school www.ieska.com
UNIVERSITY DATA FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2003-2004
First and second stage internal and approved university diplomas. 393 qualifications
University students. 204.000
Foreign students. 11.221
Source: Barcelona University Centre (BCU), 2004
14

16. public transport system combining District 22@ research, linked to the new production
quality and price, make Barcelona a very and business activity. It is in the new
appealing city both for living in and for Avenida Diagonal extension area, on the
A project to transform the industrial
doing business. coastline and the right bank of the River
district of Poblenou into an innovative
Besòs. This campus, which is promoted
production district, in the heart of the city,
International comparisons by the Barcelona 22@ innovation and
offering modern spaces for strategic
the large transformation being
concentration of intensive knowledge
Barcelona’s international renown for the undertaken in the Besòs area, will help
activities. This initiative is both an urban
quality of its city life and the gradual polish and modernise the current urban
renewal project and a new city model in
internationalisation it has achieved has grid.
answer to the challenges of the
been consolidated in recent years. This is Knowledge Society.
so to the point that it was chosen
160.000 square metres devoted to a new
European city with the best quality of life
approach to knowledge spaces.
Scope: 200 hectares.
for the seventh consecutive year in the
2005 European ranking published by 3.200.000 square metres of production spaces.
Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker
220.000 square metres for new facilities and
(C&W H&B).
green areas.
Barcelona Biomedical Research
Park
4.000 new subsidised flats and houses.
On the other hand, Mercer Consulting’s
ranking of the most expensive cities in An estimated 130,000 new jobs.
This initiative is promoted by the
the world placed Barcelona in 56th
Catalonian Government (Generalitat de
An economic potential of €12,000 million for
place, and the Union de Banques
the whole operation. Catalunya), Barcelona City Council and
Suisses (UBS) placed it in 27th place in
Pompeu Fabra University, and aims to
its study taking into account citizens’ + www.bcn.es/22@bcn
place Barcelona at the forefront of
income level on the basis of salaries.
Besòs Inter-University Campus European transnational biomedical
research. It is a science project involving
In summary, Barcelona is in a place of
This relates to the creation of an inter- both basic and applied research, in a
preference in terms of economic activity
university campus for teaching and 50,000 square metre space, able to
and business attraction, while
consolidating itself as a fantastic
European tourist destination offering
both visitors and residents modern and
inclusive city planning with a high quality
of life.
1.2.7 NEW CITY PLANNING
PROJECTS
Barcelona is in the middle of the largest
city planning transformation in its recent
history. The city planning and
infrastructure projects recently
undertaken and currently in progress are
shaping the 21st century city, where
economic growth, the maintenance of
competitiveness and job creation will
affect citizens’ lives. Later is a description
of some of the most emblematic projects:
15

17. Sagrera-Sant Andreu plan
provide answers with perspectives
40 million passengers per year.
ranging from molecular to population
This is a city planning transformation
levels. 90 operators at the busiest times and 400,000
project covering a large area of
operations per year.
50.000 square metres. Barcelona. It includes regulating the
500.000 tonnes of goods per year.
railway infrastructures in the north of
80 research groups.
the city, building the new La Sagrera
250-hectare services area.
1.000 professionals, scientists and highly High Speed Train central station and
+ www.aena.es
qualified technicians.
carrying out city planning
improvements on five districts around
+ www.prbb.org
the new rail complex, which will
Port extension
involve covering the tracks and
Work on the extension of Barcelona port
Airport extension creating a large linear park of over 4
began in late 2001 with the placing of the
kilometres in length connecting the
first stone of the east pier. When this is
The airport extension project is
districts of Sant Andreu-La Sagrera to
completed, the port’s area and
coordinated through the Airport Master
Sant Martí. The details of the plan are:
infrastructures will have doubled,
Plan, which provides for the regulation of
enabling it to double its goods traffic too.
activities in the airport premises and the
One of the port's main appeals will be
completion of the new passenger and Total area: 163 hectares (98 hectares of
offices and housing; 53 hectares of green
multi-access, thanks to the new road and
cargo terminals and of the whole airport
areas, and 12 hectares of facilities).
1. ECONOMIC PRESENTATION
rail access, the arrival of the European
in general.
track width and the close proximity of the Construction of 8,000 new dwellings, offices
and commercial premises..
airport. This extension, which will be
The aim is to turn Barcelona El Prat
completed in 2010, will make it possible
airport into an international connection +www.bcn.es/urbanisme/tav
for the port to become the main logistics
airport which will be able to meet the
centre in Southern Europe.
growing demands forecast between now For information on other projects for
and the 2025 horizon. The main actions Barcelona and its environs, visit:
envisaged by the Plan by 2007 are: 1.265 hectares of land surface area (currently
www.bcn2000.es.
558 hectares).
renovation and refurbishing of the
current terminal area, building the third 786 hectares of sea area (currently 374
hectares).
runway and extending the existing one,
the new South terminal, road and rail 265 hectares of logistics areas (currently 65
access, the services area (air cargo hectares).
centre and aeronautical park), and
+ www.apb.es
environmental action.
16

18. LOCATION AND
1.3
THE PROPERTY MARKET
1.3.1 OFFICES AND BASIC INFORMATION RELATING TO OFFICES
COMMERCIAL m2
PREMISES
Office space 4.906.634
Barcelona’s business spaces – over 12 Contracted surface area 413.000
million square metres of industrial areas
Available space 295.000
and around 4,500,000 square metres of
total office floor space – enable business Non-occupancy rate 6%
activities to grow and develop with
Minimum and maximum rent prices (€/m2/month). 8,5 / 23,5
excellent value for money, especially with
Source: Jones Lang Lasalle. 2005
regard to offices.
OFFICE MARKET ZONING IN THE BARCELONA AREA
Sant Cugat Vallès Occ.
Sant Just Desvern
Sant Joan Despí
Cornellà
Mas Blau
Zona Franca
Traditional central area Traditional business district Traditional secondary central New central districts Inner periphery
Barcelona city. Barcelona city. zone Barcelona area. Barcelona area.
Avenida Diagonal and City centre and central Barcelona city. Gran Via l’Hospitalet, Diagonal Zona Franca, Mas Blau,
Passeig de Gràcia. Eixample area. Left and right Eixample, Mar, 22@, Olympic Village and Sant Cugat Business Park,
17
boundary areas. Port. Cornellà, Cerdanyola and
Viladecans.

19. Commercial premises
SHOPPING STREETS AND DISTRICTS IN BARCELONA
Commerce has always played a very
important role in Barcelona’s history. The
commercial sector is one of the activities
which best reflect the open mentality of
Barcelona’s inhabitants and the city’s
good economic development. In
addition, Barcelona has inherited a track
record as a successful Mediterranean
trading city.
In 2004, commercial sector turnover
rose to €32,664 million, 6.2% higher
than the previous year. This figure
represents 15% of the city’s GDP and
over 163,000 jobs. Barcelona has 17
BASIC INFORMATION RELATING TO COMMERCE
open air shopping districts spread out
Number of commercial establishments 53.668
throughout the city. They are city areas
with high concentrations of shops. They
• Wholesale (26,6%) 14.280
are generally shopping areas with a
• Retail (73,4%) 39.388
different offering from the city centre.
Non-occupancy rate 7,8%
Average rent prices (€/m2/year) 600
1.3.2 INDUSTRIAL LAND
Total average sale price (€/m2) 2.000
AND BUILDINGS
Source: Developed in-house based on data provided by Global Property Alliance, King Sturge and Barcelona City Council
Barcelona is one of the cities with the
E-1
most real property available for industrial
ZONING OF BARCELONA'S INDUSTRIAL OFFERING activities in the Mediterranean Basin:
E-1
over 12 million square metres. In spite of
the limits on increasing this availability
with new industrial land, the metropolitan
D-2
B-5 area offers new opportunities around the
1. ECONOMIC PRESENTATION
D-1
main road arteries. The general trend
B-4
C-3
E-1 indicates that the industrial land closest
D-1
to Barcelona city centre is gradually
C-4
C-2
being converted to mixed office,
B-2
B-3
warehouse and residential premises
B-1
A-3
C-1
A-2
E-1
A-1
E-1
Zona C
Zona A
Vallès Occidental and others
Barcelonès, Baix llobregat
AVERAGE PRICES FOR INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND PREMISES
Industrial building rent price (€/m2/month) 7,1
Zona B Zona D
Vallès Oriental and others Maresme and others
Industrial building sale price (€/m2) 1.175
Industrial land total sale price (€/m2) 707,5
Zona E
Source: Forcadell and King Sturge. Second ring
18

20. RENT COMPARISON.
BUSINESS SPACES IN THE MAIN URBAN AREAS OF THE WORLD (2004)
RENT Offices €/m2/year Commercial spaces €/m2/year Industry €/m2/month
Amsterdam 345 1.600 65
Athens 320 3700 85
Barcelona 260 600 80
Beijing 175 1.349 125
Berlin 288 2.280 72
Birmingham 418 4.732 91
Brussels 280 1.300 68
Buenos Aires 90 190 35
Chicago 270 1.321 104
Dublin 516 6.000 120
Hong Kong 461 3.664 45
London 908 7.882 190
Madrid 280 720 85
Manchester 396 5.047 84
Miami 265 209 74
New York 435 2.573 106
Paris 670 8.000 61
San Francisco 240 739 104
Shanghai 315 1.125 45
Taipei 172 1.059 136
Tokyo 720 575 138
Washington 370 530 116
19
Source: Global Aliance Property

21. 1.3.3 AVAILABLE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
Sarrià - Sant Gervasi Horta - Guinardó
Nou Barris
Les Corts Gràcia
Sant Andreu
L’Eixample
Sant Martí
Ciutat Vella
Sants - Montjuïc
HOUSING BY DISTRICT
2004 saw an upturn in the number of
Reference prices (2005) SALE RENT
dwellings in the market. The number of
1. ECONOMIC PRESENTATION
Districts Newly built €/m2 Second hand €/m2 Average €/m2 dwellings available in Barcelona
increased by 10.1%. Residential
Ciutat Vella 4.200 3.900 10,4
construction has focused on the
L'Eixample 5.276 4.139 10,56 outskirts, which have more land
available, mostly free from other uses. All
Sants 3.827 3.573 11,24
this new residential construction has
Les Corts 4.393 4.402 12,93
increased its sale price by around
20.6%. The rental market, on the other
Sarrià - Sant Gervasi 7.856 4.906 12,9
hand, has experienced a more moderate
Gràcia 4.335 4.006 11,21
growth: around 7.6%.
Horta - Guinardó 3.430 3.359 9,93
Nou Barris 3.350 3.121 9,75
Sant Andreu 3.581 3.364 9,65
Sant Martí 3.636 3.700 11.15
Average for Barcelona 4.493 3.813 10,91
20 Source: Municipal Housing Trust (Patronat Municipal de l'Habitatge)