Most English-Friendly Cities in Spain (For Remote Families)
Moving to Spain as a remote-working family is an adventure packed with tapas, siestas, and a surprising amount of paperwork. Whether you’re chasing the sun or just trying to avoid the dreaded “mañana” attitude in the middle of a Wi-Fi outage, one thing matters: how easy is it to get by if your Spanish is, well, a work in progress? The truth: it depends a lot on where you land.
Over the last two years, I’ve clocked time in a handful of Spanish cities with my laptop and family in tow. If you’re looking for a spot where English will carry you through the everyday—schools, healthcare, bureaucracy, even shopping—here’s the practical take. No sugarcoating. And yes, plenty of cerveza on the side.
What Makes a City “English-Friendly”?
For this list, I focused on five key areas that matter most for expat families working remotely:
- Services: Can you find English-speaking staff in banks, shops, and coworking spaces?
- Schools: Are there international or bilingual schools that actually teach in English?
- Healthcare: Will doctors and clinics communicate in English, especially in a pinch?
- Bureaucracy: Is there help in English for visas, taxes, and all the paperwork?
- Daily Life: How easy is it to make friends, order food, and get things done in English?
“In theory, English is the global language. In practice, even Google Translate can’t save you from Spanish bureaucracy if you’re not prepared.”
Spain’s Most English-Friendly Cities: The Shortlist
Here’s my ranking, based on real-life hassle (and occasional hilarity):
- Barcelona
- Madrid
- Valencia
- Malaga
- Seville
- Bilbao
- Alicante
- Granada
1. Barcelona: The Expat Magnet
Barcelona is hands-down the easiest place for English speakers. Coworking spaces are everywhere, almost every second person speaks decent English, and there are more international schools than jamón varieties. The only catch: high prices and lots of tourists.
- Services: Very high. Even government offices have English-speaking staff (sometimes).
- Schools: Dozens of international & British schools. Expect to pay €8,000–€20,000/year.
- Healthcare: Private clinics with English-speaking doctors are common.
- Bureaucracy: Still a pain, but more “gestors” (fixers) speak English.
- Daily Life: Order coffee, meet friends, get a haircut—all possible in English.
Trade-off: Catalan is the co-official language. Most people will switch to Spanish or English if you ask, but public signs and school options may be in Catalan.
Etiquette Note
Barcelona locals appreciate simple greetings in Catalan (“Bon dia!”). Even if you switch to English after, it goes a long way.
2. Madrid: Spain’s Global Capital
Madrid is a close second. The city is bigger and more “Spanish,” but expats are everywhere. English is common in professional settings and international schools are top-notch. Bureaucracy is still a maze.
- Services: High in the city center, less so in suburbs.
- Schools: Dozens of international and bilingual schools (€7,000–€18,000/year).
- Healthcare: Large private hospitals with English-speaking staff. Public sector: hit or miss.
- Bureaucracy: Many gestors speak English, but not all government staff.
- Daily Life: Supermarkets, gyms, and cafes in central neighborhoods are used to expats.
Trade-off: Madrid is less “beachy,” and summers are scorching.
3. Valencia: The Rising Star
Valencia is increasingly popular with digital nomads. English is common in the city center and among young people. International schools are less expensive (€4,000–€10,000/year), and the beach is right there.
- Services: Many coworking spaces and cafes are English-friendly.
- Schools: A handful of good international options, plus bilingual public schools.
- Healthcare: Private clinics with English-speaking doctors are easy to find.
- Bureaucracy: Some English available, but you’ll need help for complex paperwork.
- Daily Life: Easy to get by in English, especially near Russafa and El Carmen.
Trade-off: Public offices and local markets may expect some basic Spanish. Prices are rising fast.
4. Malaga: The Costa del Sol Classic
Malaga and the nearby coastal towns are full of British expats. English is everywhere, especially in tourism and real estate. International schools are affordable by Spanish standards (€4,000–€9,000/year).
- Services: High concentration of English-speaking staff.
- Schools: Several international and British schools.
- Healthcare: Many English-speaking doctors, especially in private clinics.
- Bureaucracy: Most “gestors” are bilingual, but government offices may not be.
- Daily Life: Ordering food in English? No problem. Making Spanish friends? Might take longer.
Trade-off: The area can feel “too” expat-y, especially in peak season.
5. Seville: Charming, Traditional, Improving
In Seville, English isn’t as common, but it’s getting easier every year. Many young locals speak some English, and there’s a growing remote worker scene.
- Services: Coworking spaces are English-friendly. Smaller shops, less so.
- Schools: Limited international options, but bilingual programs are growing.
- Healthcare: Private clinics usually have English-speaking staff.
- Bureaucracy: Bring a translator or bilingual friend.
- Daily Life: Some patience (and a translation app) required in daily life.
Trade-off: Incredible local culture, but less international. You’ll pick up Spanish fast—or get creative.
6. Bilbao: The Basque Option
Banks and public services are less likely to have English speakers, but the city is modern and family-friendly. International schools exist, and English is common among young professionals.
- Services: English in tech and hospitality, but not everywhere.
- Schools: A few international options, plus English immersion programs.
- Healthcare: Some English in private clinics.
- Bureaucracy: Basque and Spanish are the main languages. Get help for paperwork.
- Daily Life: Touristy areas are easier.
Trade-off: You’ll encounter Basque language (Euskara) on top of Spanish.
7. Alicante: Compact and Accessible
Alicante is popular with retirees and long-term expats. English is widely spoken, especially along the coast and in property businesses.
- Services: High English proficiency in real estate, healthcare, and cafes.
- Schools: Several English-language and bilingual schools.
- Healthcare: Many English-speaking clinics.
- Bureaucracy: Easier with a local fixer.
- Daily Life: Easygoing and English-friendly.
Trade-off: Less city “buzz,” more laid-back.
8. Granada: Student City, Growing Expat Scene
Granada is smaller, with a strong university presence. English is common among students and in tourist spots, but less so in suburban neighborhoods. Schools are more limited.
- Services: Some English in hospitality and tech.
- Schools: Few international options, but some bilingual programs.
- Healthcare: Private clinics with some English speakers.
- Bureaucracy: Expect Spanish forms and staff.
- Daily Life: Easier in the center, trickier outside.
Trade-off: Affordable and beautiful, but you’ll need more Spanish.
English-Friendly Spain: Quick Comparison Table
| City | Services | Schools | Healthcare | Bureaucracy | Daily Life | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Expensive, Catalan language |
| Madrid | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Hot, less beachy |
| Valencia | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Prices rising |
| Malaga | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Very expat-heavy |
| Seville | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Traditional, less English |
| Bilbao | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Basque language |
| Alicante | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | Less city life |
| Granada | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Needs more Spanish |
15-Minute Checklist: Preparing for Life in Spain (When Your Spanish Is… Developing)
- Google “gestor + [city name] + English” and make an appointment for any paperwork help.
- Download DeepL and Google Translate on your phone.
- Bookmark English-speaking private clinics near your new address.
- Research international schools early—waitlists can be long, especially in Barcelona and Madrid.
- Join local Facebook or WhatsApp groups (“Expats in [City]”, “Digital Nomads [City]”).
- Save the number for your country’s embassy in Spain.
- Practice a few Spanish basics (“¿Hablas inglés?”, “¿Dónde está el baño?”) and one local greeting.
- Set up a Wise or Revolut account for easy banking and currency exchange.
- Find out which government offices require in-person appointments—get these booked early.
- Accept that paperwork in Spain is never “one and done.” Breathe, double-check, and bring snacks.
Useful Links & Tools
- Just Landed Spain: Expat guides and forums.
- Expatica Spain: Info on schools, healthcare, and more.
- List of embassies in Spain
- Expats Barcelona Facebook group
- Costa Expat: Especially good for the south coast.
So, Is Spain English-Friendly for Remote Families?
In the end, Spain is what you make of it. The bigger the city, the easier it is to get by in English—especially if you stick to international schools and the private healthcare system. But even in Barcelona or Madrid, a little Spanish (or Catalan, or Basque) goes a long way, and the best connections often happen over a coffee, a smile, and a willingness to laugh at your own accent.
My advice? Use the English-friendliness as a safety net, not a crutch. Your Spanish will improve, your patience will be tested, and your family will have stories to tell for years. And if all else fails—there’s always Google Translate and a friendly local who’s eager to practice their English.
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