The Generalitat of Catalonia is set to open three new citizen service offices in metropolitan areas, improving access for nearly 400,000 residents. This initiative aims to streamline administrative processes and provide personalized support.
The Generalitat of Catalonia is taking significant steps to improve public administration by announcing the opening of three new citizen service offices (OAC) in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. This expansion, revealed by Conseller Albert Dalmau, will serve approximately 400,000 residents across Esplugues de Llobregat, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Sabadell. The initiative aims to centralize various administrative services into a single location, making it easier for citizens to complete necessary paperwork without traveling to different municipalities.
The new office in Sabadell will be located at 17 Gràcia Street, integrating services from the departments of Education and Agriculture. It is expected to employ 12 information officers and begin operations early next year. Meanwhile, the Santa Coloma office is projected to open by early 2028, staffed with seven personnel dedicated to assisting residents. The Esplugues office is slated for a third-quarter launch in 2028, situated within the Molí building on Avenida Verge de la Mercè.
This announcement follows the recent establishment of integrated offices in Barcelona’s Eixample district and Seu d’Urgell. The Eixample location at Gran Via 641 currently operates with a temporary team of ten until its permanent site opens at Torre Muñoz on Passeig de Gràcia. Similarly, an expanded office in Sant Honorat will also transition to a new facility in Ciutat Vella soon.
The overarching goal of these OACs is to simplify interactions between citizens and government agencies by tailoring services to individual needs. Residents can utilize these offices for document registration, obtaining digital certificates, processing applications across various departments, receiving information about available services from the Generalitat, and getting assistance with electronic procedures.
This latest expansion marks a crucial phase in a broader strategy initiated during this legislative term aimed at enhancing public access throughout Catalonia. Following previous openings in Tarragona and other regions, future plans include establishing additional offices in Vilafranca del Penedès, Puigcerdà, Lleida, Tremp, and further expansions within Barcelona itself.
Dalmau emphasized that these developments are vital for bringing government services closer to citizens who need help with issues such as dependency law applications or educational aid requests. This initiative builds on earlier efforts that included mobile offices designed for remote areas and reflects ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing administrative functions—such as eliminating mandatory prior appointments.
The total investment for this extensive rollout across all Catalan regions is estimated at around €18 million. As part of this effort, existing facilities in Girona, Tortosa, and Manresa will continue operating alongside these new additions.
For those looking to access these services once they open: keep an eye on local announcements regarding specific operational dates for each office as they become available over the next few years.
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