This figure represents 2% of the total Catalans residing outside the country and continues an upward trend observed since 2016, when there were 5,241 Sabadell citizens registered abroad. The increase of 359 people during 2025 highlights a growing decision, especially among young people, to seek opportunities beyond national borders.
“"I have better conditions than when I worked in Catalonia, but I went more for personal reasons and the desire to re-experience living abroad than for a work issue."
Many of these emigrants, such as a resident in Berlin for three years, emphasize that the main motivation is not always exclusively work-related. In her case, the Erasmus experience was key to falling in love with the city and deciding to return for personal reasons, despite acknowledging better working conditions in an environmental consultancy. This person values the diversity and pace of life in the German capital, although she misses the "camaraderie" and "warmth" of Sabadell.
“"I didn't see much future prospects in Spain and wanted to find an alternative. I was missing something and wanted to live a different experience."
Other cases, such as that of an early childhood education teacher who moved to Australia last December, are strongly motivated by labor and economic reasons. This person did not see a clear professional future in Spain that would allow her an independent life and found significantly higher salaries in Australia, which can be double or triple those in Catalonia, without the cost of living being proportionally higher. She currently combines two jobs to extend her visa and highlights the safety and work-life balance in the oceanic country.
Another resident in Berlin, with a background in contemporary dance, emigrated three years ago seeking more professional opportunities in her field. Despite having to combine her vocation with other jobs, such as babysitting, she has found advantageous working conditions in Germany, with a base salary of around 14 euros per hour and flexible hours. This combination allows her to dedicate time to her personal projects and enjoy a better quality of life, despite the initial difficulty of adaptation and the distance from home.
Finally, a journalist and marketing expert who has lived in Japan and currently resides in Dubai, views his stay abroad as a stage of personal and professional growth. After a stressful experience in Japan, he sought new opportunities in Dubai, where he works for a technology company in the audiovisual sector. His goal is to return to Sabadell in the future to apply the knowledge and experience gained abroad, contributing to the city's progress.
