Moving to a new city can be challenging when you do not speak the local language. This guide details the different resources, government offices, emergency contacts, and professional services available to help you in Madrid.
You can access support from both official municipal channels and community-run organisations.
Emergency support services
If you face an immediate emergency, you should call the standard European emergency number.
Dial 112 for police, medical, or fire emergencies.
This emergency phone line is free and works from any mobile phone.
The operators on the 112 service can speak English and several other languages.
National police (Policía Nacional)
For reporting crimes, thefts, or lost documents, contact the Policía Nacional.
You can call them directly by dialing 091.
To file a report in English, you should visit the specialized foreign tourist police office.
Local municipal police (Policía Municipal)
The local municipal police handle traffic accidents, noise complaints, and city bylaws.
You can contact the local police by dialing 092.
They do not usually speak English, so prepare your query in Spanish.
Municipal information services
The Madrid city council provides general information and administrative assistance to residents.
You can contact them for questions about registration, trash sorting, or local events.
These services are accessible by phone, online, or in person.
The 010 telephone line
You can dial 010 from within the city of Madrid to reach the citizen information service.
If you call from outside the city, dial +34 915 298 210 instead.
The operators can help you schedule appointments for municipal services.
The service is available in Spanish, English, and French.
Calling the 010 number is subject to a small flat fee depending on your phone provider.
You can call between 8:00 and 22:00 from Monday to Sunday.
Citizen attention offices (OAC)
The city council runs several citizen offices called Oficinas de Atención a la Ciudadanía (OAC).
You must book an appointment online or via the 010 line before visiting.
These offices handle the address registration process, known as the empadronamiento.
They also handle local tax payments and registrations.
Ensure you bring all required documentation to your appointment.
Most OAC staff only speak Spanish, so bringing a translator is useful.
Professional help and advice
Official administrative processes in Spain can be slow and require complex paperwork.
Many expats hire professional services to handle these procedures.
Paying for help can save time and prevent legal mistakes.
Relocation agencies and consultants
Relocation consultants help you find housing, apply for visas, and register with local offices.
They offer packages that cover your first few months in Madrid.
These services are highly useful if you do not speak Spanish.
Consultants charge based on the number of services you request.
Expect to pay between €500 and €1,500 for a complete relocation package.
Always read reviews and check references before hiring a relocation agency.
Professional administrative agents (Gestores)
A gestor is a registered professional who handles administrative tasks with government offices.
They act as intermediaries between you and the tax or social security systems.
A gestor is useful for managing self-employment declarations and filing income taxes.
They charge a monthly fee for ongoing services or a flat fee for single tasks.
Monthly fees for self-employed individuals range from €60 to €150.
Filing a basic annual tax return usually costs between €50 and €120.
Legal assistance (Abogados)
For complex residency applications, real estate purchases, or employment disputes, you need a lawyer.
A lawyer, or abogado, provides legal representation and advice.
Ensure your lawyer is registered with the Madrid Bar Association, called the Colegio de Abogados de Madrid.
Hourly rates for English-speaking lawyers in Madrid range from €100 to €250.
Always request a written quote, called a hoja de encargo, before starting.
This document outlines the agreed scope of work and the final costs.
English-speaking tax advisors (gestores) in Madrid
Support resource comparison
The table below compares the main support channels available to expats in Madrid.
Choose the resource that best matches your budget and language skills.
Costs are estimated based on standard local market prices.
| Resource Type | Main Service | Language Support | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Line 112 | Police and Medical | English and Spanish | Free of charge |
| Municipal 010 | Local Admin Booking | Spanish and English | Standard call rate |
| Relocation Agent | Visas and Housing | English and German | €500 to €1,500 |
| Professional Gestor | Taxes and Autónomo | Spanish and English | €60 to €150/month |
| English Lawyer | Court and Contracts | English and French | €100 to €250/hour |
Expat integration checklist
Save these resources and complete these steps during your first week in Madrid.
This preparation will make your transition to Spain easier.
Verify each item on the list:
- Save 112 in your phone : Ensure you can access emergency services immediately.
- Locate your local OAC : Find the nearest citizen attention office for address registration.
- Register with a health center : Locate your nearest public health clinic, called a centro de salud.
- Find an English gestor : Interview at least two accountants if you plan to work as an autónomo.
- Join local expat groups : Sign up for local forums to get peer advice on living in Madrid.
- Save the 010 number : Add the citizen hotline to your contacts for easy appointment bookings.
How the public health system works
Questions and answers
Can I speak English when calling 112 in Madrid?
Yes. The 112 emergency center has operators trained to handle calls in English. They also have access to translation services for other common languages. Remain calm and speak slowly when describing your location.
What is the difference between a gestor and a lawyer?
A gestor handles administrative paperwork, while a lawyer provides legal representation. Hire a gestor for tax filings, vehicle transfers, or social security filings. Hire a lawyer for contract disputes, criminal defense, or complex lawsuits.
Do I need an appointment to visit a government office?
Yes. Almost all government offices in Madrid require a pre-booked appointment, known as a cita previa. You cannot walk in and expect service. Book your appointment online or through the 010 information line.
Where can I report a stolen wallet or passport?
You must visit a national police station. Go to the nearest Comisaría de Policía to file a report, called a denuncia. You need this report to request a new passport or file an insurance claim.
Are there free legal aid services in Madrid?
Yes, for residents with low incomes. The Madrid Bar Association provides free legal advice, called Asistencia Jurídica Gratuita. You must apply at their offices and prove your income level is below the legal threshold.
How do I find the nearest public health center?
Use the Madrid regional health website. Search for your centro de salud based on your registered address. You must register at this specific center to get assigned a public doctor.
Can I hire a gestor for a single task instead of monthly?
Yes. Many gestores offer one-off services for tasks like registering an address or submitting a visa renewal. They will quote a flat fee for the specific service. This is a good option if you do not need monthly accounting.
