Unless you are blind to what is currently going on in Catalunya you will know that the ruling CIU party are trying to legalise and call a referendum on Independence, as is happening in Scotland.

There has been a lot of talk by Artur Mas, the president of the Generalitat, about 'Democratic Catalunya' and that 'Every citizen of Catalunya will have the right to vote'.

How does this affect us foreigners who are registered here and have made our lives here - is this right also applied to us? Well, as of today - no. We have no right to vote.

Did you know that in 2012, according to the census of the population of Catalunya, 13% were foreigners? This, in numbers, translates to nearly 984,000 people who live and contribute that will be excluded - is this democratic?

I have written to 4 of the main political parties in Catalunya asking for their views and if foreigners will be included in any reforendum and if not then how can they call themselves democratic.

I wrote:
I am a foreigner and, according to demographic studies 13% of the Catalan population has foreign nationality.
I have lived in Catalunya over 9 years, I am registered, I'm self-employed and pay my taxes here.
In 2012 there were, according to the Government, 7,565,603 inhabitants in Catalonia, that means that 983,528 foreigners were registered as resident.
If there is a referendum for independence, does this 13% of foreigners have the right to vote?
If not, where is democracy? If 13% are not entitled to decide their future, is it fair or democratic?
If there should be a referendum it should include all who live and are registered here.

I wonder if I have the right to vote. If not, where is democracy?

So far I have had one positive reply from Esquerra:


Hi Nigel,

Thanks for your input. I totally agree. We are working to ensure that all citizens in Catalunya can vote, and not only that, but if there is Independence then all citizens will be able to have Catalan nationality.

This Friday the 'Llei deConsultes Populars no referendàries', in which it is expected that the right of residents with at least 3 years of residency to votewill be approved. I'll be able to answer your question more accurately from Friday when the bill passes.

Thanks and cheers


So ther IS hope for us foreigners that have been registered for at least 3 years and, should Catalunya gain Independence, we will have the right to become Catalan citizens.

I will keep you posted on any other replies and any updates on the reply from Izquerra.

Nigel