Barcelona’s demographic landscape has changed significantly: young residents are now predominantly those who have come from other countries. According to a recent study, more than a third of the population in the Catalan capital was born outside Spain, and among people aged 25 to 39, migrants already comprise the majority.
The report pays particular attention to the living conditions of newcomers. Around 70% of migrants are forced to rent housing, a sharp contrast to local residents—only 20% of whom rent apartments. At the same time, housing and utility costs for foreigners make up nearly half of their income, while for Spaniards this share is twice as low.
Most employed migrants work in sectors where labor conditions are far from ideal. Take, for example, a Dominican woman employed in hotel cleaning: her experience highlights common issues—job instability and low wages. The largest groups among new residents come from Argentina, Colombia, and Peru. Today, it is migrants who sustain the city’s economy by filling jobs in hotels, restaurants, and domestic services.
Despite having a high level of education—nearly half of foreigners hold a university degree—many face the reality that their qualifications are not recognized, forcing them to accept low-skilled jobs. Social benefits and pensions do little to significantly reduce the risk of poverty among migrants, and access to these programs is limited.
City authorities acknowledge that urgent improvements are needed in integration measures for newcomers—not only to reduce social tensions, but also to harness the potential of new residents for Barcelona’s development. Otherwise, the gap between locals and migrants will continue to widen.
