Know your rights

The guide “Living on the street in Barcelona” recognizes public and private resources in the city that those living on the street can go to directly, without needing a reference from social services.

Besides basic resources to sleep, eat or shower, we also want to inform you about other resources to protect your rights. Here, you will find information about registering yourself with the government, accessing public healthcare and managing important procedures and social aids, among others.

Last Edited: 09/02/2023

Legal Registration

Even if you live in the street, you can still register; it’s important to show that you live permanently in a municipality and to process aid. In the city of Barcelona, you can register yourself, without a fixed address but you will need to identify yourself, presenting your DNI or valid passport. If you have lost it or have been robbed, try bringing a photocopy of the complaint.
You can register yourself without a fixed address if you have a document showing the request from your social worker. If you don’t have a social worker, you can go to the Social Integration Service (Passeig Pujades 29, Barcelona).
Another way of registering yourself without a fixed address is to do the pertinent procedure in the Citizens’ Services Office (OAC) closest to you. Here you can see all of the OAC offices in Barcelona.

Going to the Doctor

If you don’t have a health card, you feel bad or have an accident, go to urgent care or call 112 (it’s free). Any person with a health problem has the right to access the emergency room. Pregnant women and minors have the right to medical follow-up.
The initial processing of a health card is free, whether you’re doing it for the first time or need a duplicate. They will ask you for some formalities that they have to see in relation to your administrative status. Ask in the health center.
If you take drugs, you can be informed of possible treatment options by calling the free telephone number of the Generalitat: (+34) 900 900 540. If you are actively taking drugs, in harm reduction centers, they offer syringe exchange services, spaces of assisted venipuncture and social attention. Here you can see more information about these centers.

Getting a Health Card

Salud y Familia

Address: c/ Via Laietana, 40
How to get there: Metro L4 Jaume I or L1 Urquinaona
Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9:00-19:30. Thursday and Thursday, 9:00-18:00. Friday, 9:00-16:30.
Additional Information: If you have a contagious illness, if you are a woman and have minors in your care and/or if you are pregnant, here they will help you get a health card. You can make an appointment by calling the telephone number (+34) 932 682 453.

Accompanying Migrants

Fundació Ibn Battuta

Address: C/ Sant Pau, 82.
How to get there: Metro L3 Liceu
Hours: From Monday to Friday, 10:00-14:30 and 15:00-18:00. You can go and make an appointment beforehand.
Additional Information: If you need to make an appointment, fill out forms, or access websites, and the language is a challenge for you, here they can help you. They also offer a free legal service in which they can help you request social, family or work ties, whether or not you have documentation.

EICASCANTIC

Address: c/ Comerç, 42.
How to get there: Metro L4 Jaume I
Additional Information: This service can advise you in immigration and registration procedures. They also offer linguistic assistance and employment guidance. They have a service specifically for women. You will need to make an appointment beforehand; you can send a message on WhatsApp to the phone number (+34) 722 242 035.

Comedor solidario Gregal

Address: Rambla Prim, 22
How to get there: Metro L4 El Maresme-Forum and Besòs Mar
Hours: From Monday to Friday, 13:00-14:45.
Additional Information: They can advise you about the procedures to change your administrative situation.

Migra Studium

Address: c/del Palau, 3
How to get there: Metro L3 Liceu
Hours: From Monday to Thursday, 9:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00. Friday, 9:00-13:00.
Additional Information: This service offers legal advice, including that concerning your administrative situation.

Keep in mind...

1. Protect your documentation and intend not to lose it. You can ask in many luggage spaces if they can guard it and make photocopies for you.

2. If this is the first time you’re going to SIS, ask for everything you need: shower, place to eat, metro card, glasses, etc… Make sure you need everything you ask for.

3. If you are in prison, explain that you will not have a place to sleep so that they can guide you. If you have any money, first look for a pension to sleep and then head to social services.

4. To know whether you have a right to social benefits, ask your social worker, in the Social and Family Affairs Offices (Oficina Benestar Social i Família) or in the employment office.

5. Barcelona has a city ordinance that prohibits sleeping and drinking alcohol on the street, making noise, washing oneself in fountains… you can be fined. If this happens, ask an entity or social services to know what you can do.