Saturday morning: coffee on the Onyar river, a ride through volcanic hills in the Garrotxa, lunch in a village square in the Empordà, and the sea at Calella de Palafrugell before sunset. In the province of Girona, that is not a holiday. It is a normal weekend.
Girona has become one of the favourite places in Spain for remote workers, families and retirees who want culture and nature without the pace of Barcelona, which is less than 40 minutes away by high-speed train. Here is what life there looks like, and what you need to settle in legally.
Three Ways to Live in the Province
Girona city
ForFamilies, professionals, cyclists LifeMedieval old town, schools, university, hospital, fast trainCosta Brava
ForSea lovers, retirees, second homes LifeCoves and fishing villages, very busy in summer, quiet in winterInland (Empordà, Garrotxa)
ForSpace, nature, remote work LifeStone villages, volcanoes, vineyards, a car is essentialCulture All Year Round
- The old town: the Cathedral, the city walls and one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe
- The Dalí Triangle: the Theatre-Museum in Figueres, his house in Portlligat and Gala’s castle in Púbol
- Food: Catalan classics, Empordà wines and El Celler de Can Roca, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world
An Outdoor Paradise
Girona is home to a large community of professional cyclists from all over the world, drawn by its climate and quiet roads. Beyond cycling:
- Pirinexus, a long cross-border cycling loop linking the Pyrenees and the Costa Brava
- Hiking in the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park and the Pyrenees
- Snorkelling, kayaking and coastal paths along the Camí de Ronda
- Rowing and walking around Banyoles lake, the largest in Catalonia
Example
Tom and Nina, a Dutch couple who work remotely, rented a flat in Girona’s Eixample so their son could walk to school. Weekdays they work from a coworking space by the river. Weekends they ride in the Garrotxa or drive 40 minutes to the coast. City services, country weekends.
Settling In Legally
What you need depends on your passport and how you will earn a living:
Which situation fits you best?
I have an EU, EEA or Swiss passport.EU registration → I will keep working remotely for clients or employers abroad.Digital Nomad Visa → I will live on savings or a pension, without working.Non-Lucrative Visa → I want to work for a local company or start a business.Work and business →Thinking of buying a home here? Our office is in Girona, and we handle purchases across the province.
What Newcomers Underestimate
- The summer and winter contrast on the coast: many services close outside the season.
- How much a car matters once you leave Girona city.
- That Catalan is the main language at school and in local administration.
- Arriving on a tourist stay and leaving the residence paperwork for later.
That Saturday by the river can be your normal routine. It starts with the right residence route for your situation.
Talk to a Lawyer Based in Girona
If you are planning a move to Girona or the Costa Brava, that is exactly what a consultation is for. At MigratioLex, we review your specific case, not a generic checklist. We respond within 24 hours, in English, French or Spanish.
Book Your Initial ConsultationThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Event dates vary slightly each year. The example is illustrative.
