Finding English-speaking services in Barcelona

Finding a doctor you can explain your symptoms to, or a gestor who'll walk you through a tax form in English, makes life in Barcelona far less stressful. Here's where to look.

Emergencies

• 112 — the EU-wide emergency number for police, fire and ambulance. Operators can usually help in English.
• 061 — Catalonia's health line (CatSalut Respon) for urgent but non-emergency medical advice.
• Pharmacies (farmàcies, green cross sign) — pharmacists are a great first stop for minor ailments. A rota of 24-hour pharmacies is posted in every pharmacy window.

For lost or stolen passports, contact your country's consulate in Barcelona or embassy in Madrid.

Doctors and hospitals

In the public system, your local health centre (CAP) is your first point of contact. Staff will do their best, but English isn't guaranteed — a translation app helps. Barcelona's major public hospitals are excellent.

In the private system, many clinics have English-speaking doctors, and several large private hospitals have international patient departments. Most private insurers let you filter their doctor directories by language. Visitors from the EU should carry their EHIC; others should have travel insurance.

Dentists, therapists and specialists

Dental care is mostly private in Spain. Many dentists, physiotherapists and psychologists in central Barcelona work in English — ask in community groups for personal recommendations, which are often the most reliable guide.

Gestors, lawyers and accountants

A gestor (administrative agent) handles bureaucracy: residency paperwork, tax returns, autónomo registration and more. For immigration, property or employment issues, use a qualified lawyer (abogado). Many firms in Barcelona specialise in international clients and work in English. Check credentials, ask for a written quote and read reviews.

Other everyday services

• English bookshops — Barcelona has several, including the secondhand Hibernian Books in Gràcia. Shops & services →
• Hairdressers and barbers — international salons are easy to find in Eixample, Gràcia and El Born.
• Vets, removals, handymen — community recommendations are your best bet.
• Schools — Barcelona has a wide range of British, American and international schools.

Ask the community

The quickest way to find a trusted English-speaking professional is to ask people who've been here a while. The communities in our network — AmigoUp, Barcelona English Speakers and Irish in Barcelona — share recommendations in their member groups.

Are you an English-speaking professional?

Doctors, dentists, gestors, lawyers, therapists and tradespeople can be listed in the Barcelona in English directory. See listing options →