Do People Speak English in Spain? Here's The Truth ...

Whether you’re planning a short trip or considering moving here long-term, you’re probably curious about how easy it will be to get by with little or no Spanish. Six years ago, I found myself asking the same question as I prepared to move to Spain without speaking a word of Spanish.

By the end of this post, I hope your concerns will be put to rest, and you'll feel more confident about your upcoming trip or move. So, do people in Spain speak English? Let’s break it down.

Do People Speak English in Spain?

The short answer is: it depends. If you’re in international hubs like Madrid, Barcelona, or tourist hotspots such as Mallorca, you’ll have no problem finding English speakers. In these places, most locals—especially younger generations—speak English decently, and restaurants and tourist services frequently provide menus and information in both Spanish and English.

However, it’s worth mentioning that compared to other European countries, the level of English proficiency in Spain tends to be lower. Spain ranks behind countries like the Netherlands or Sweden in English fluency, but you’ll still find plenty of people who can communicate in English, particularly in larger cities and tourist zones.

Can You Get By in Spain Speaking Only English?

Outside of the big cities, things can get a bit trickier. While many younger Spaniards speak enough English to get by, older generations might not. Having said that, in my experience, even in less touristy areas, people are usually patient and willing to help, even if they don’t speak English fluently.

I actually know plenty of people who have been living in Barcelona for as long as I have and still don't speak Spanish. Why? Well, because so many services are offered in English, and the city is full of English-speaking expats, it’s easy to fall into the trap of not learning the local language. For many, it simply doesn’t impact their day-to-day life. With so much available in English, some people just never find the time or the urgency to learn Spanish.

However, there is one area where you might find it challenging if you don’t speak Spanish—bureaucracy. Whether it's dealing with local government paperwork, medical appointments, or signing rental contracts, things can get tough without knowing the language. If you're planning to stay in Spain long-term, you may eventually need some help navigating these more complex processes, as English is not as widely spoken in these formal settings.

Overall though, you can get by with only English, especially in larger cities, but knowing some basic Spanish phrases will definitely enhance your experience and help you connect better with locals. My advice is always the same though: don't let the language barrier stop you from visiting or living in Spain—embracing the challenge is part of the adventure

Can You Visit Spain Without Speaking Spanish?

If you’re coming to Spain for a short tourist visit, not knowing Spanish should not be a reason to worry. On my first solo trip to the south of Spain, I visited Seville, Córdoba, Málaga, and Granada. Despite my limited Spanish at the time, I got by just fine by speaking English with locals. These cities, being popular tourist destinations, are accustomed to catering to English speakers.

However, when I traveled through the north of Spain on the Camino de Santiago, I noticed fewer English speakers, especially in places like Bilbao, Zarautz, and Gernika. In general, this applies to most countries, in rural areas, expect English to be less common, but with patience, gestures, and basic phrases, you’ll still manage.

Can I Go to Barcelona If I Only Speak English?

When I first moved to Barcelona in 2018, I didn’t speak any Spanish. To my surprise, I had no issues getting by, as many people in Barcelona spoke English. In fact, I even landed a job without needing to know Spanish, as many international companies here prioritize English. In my current company, English is the primary working language, not Spanish.

Likewise, if you're planning a short visit to Barcelona, you’ll likely have no problem finding English speakers. Barcelona, as a top tourist destination, is well-prepared for international visitors, and many services—restaurants, hotels, tours—offer information in English.

Where to Live in Spain If You Only Speak English

Not speaking Spanish shouldn’t stop you from living anywhere in Spain - quite the opposite. Once you’re here, it’s the perfect time to start learning the language. I know it can feel daunting—I’ve been there—but surrounding yourself with Spanish speakers will push you out of your comfort zone and accelerate your learning.

When I first moved to Spain, I lived just outside Barcelona in a neighborhood where most people, especially the older generation, didn’t speak much English. It was the perfect environment for me to practice Spanish and improve quickly. Had I lived in a more touristy area like Gràcia or El Gòtic, it might have taken me much longer to find the courage to start learning.

Final thoughts

So, do people in Spain speak English? The answer is —it depends. In larger cities and tourist hotspots, you'll find plenty of people who speak English, making it easy to get by. However, in smaller towns or less touristy areas, English is less common, and you might encounter more challenges. That said, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will definitely help, and locals always appreciate the effort. Whether you're visiting for a few days or planning to live here, don't let the language barrier stop you—it’s all part of the adventure!

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📜Living in Spain Planning Guide📜

Before Moving to Spain

• 🔍Research the visa process, residence permits, and other essential documentation early on.

  💡 Did you know it’s mandatory to have official documents translated by a sworn translator?

• Consider hiring a translation service like Translyt for handling any official documents.

  💡 Important: If you're moving from a non-European country, private health insurance is required for your visa application.

• 🧑‍⚕️ Finalize your local health insurance plan with Innoinsure for comprehensive coverage, or opt for the digital insurance services of Feather or ASSSA.

• If you are a digital nomad or need travel insurance, SafetyWing provides flexible coverage for individuals living abroad.

  • 🐕 If your pets have joined you, use Petplan for their health insurance and well-being.

Once in Spain

• 🏠 Use platforms like Spotahome *get 15% off with code: CTSPAIN15* or Flatio to find your new home in Spain. They offer verified listings and short- to long-term rental options.

  • Are you on a tight budget? Check out Trusted Housesitters for free accommodation in exchange of pet sitting (Get 12% off annual memberships with code 12TRUST)

• 💸Money Transfers: Set up a reliable currency exchange and transfer service like XE Money Transfer to avoid high banking fees when transferring funds internationally.

  💡 Can you live and work in Spain without speaking Spanish?

• The answer is YES! But learning Spanish will make your life so much easier. Start learning Spanish using Preply’s language tutor to learn the basics, and expect to see massive improvements within the first few months.