Finding official forms and websites in English

Key rules

• Binding language: Spanish is the language that counts, so an English page never overrides the Spanish one.
• Forms: Expect forms and online filing offices to be in Spanish, even where guidance is in English.
• Regional languages: In regions like the Basque Country, Galicia and Valencia, expect a co-official language beside Spanish.

What to expect: English guidance, Spanish forms

Some state and regional portals offer English guidance, but binding forms and procedures are generally Spanish only. Use English pages to understand a process. Expect to complete the actual step in Spanish.

Where you can find English content

National bodies

• The tax agency (Agencia Tributaria) has some tax guidance in English.
• The Foreign Ministry site covers visas and consulates and has English content.
• The Ministry of Inclusion and Migration has some English content.
• Social security (Seguridad Social) has limited English.

Regional and city sites

• Catalonia's regional government site comes in Catalan, Spanish, English and other languages.
• Madrid's regional site and the city sites of Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid have English pages.
• Many local sites in areas popular with tourists and expats, such as Andalusia and the Balearic Islands, offer English.

In the Basque Country, Galicia and Valencia, the regional language is official alongside Spanish. Expect those languages, not English, on the forms there.

Forms and online offices

The application forms and the online offices (sedes electrónicas) where you file them are largely Spanish only. Open the English guidance first, then use it to work out what each Spanish field asks. If you are stuck, ask a gestor, a translator or a friend who reads Spanish. Do not guess on a form.

English pages do not change your duties

Only the Spanish text has legal effect, so translated pages and machine translation never change your deadlines or duties. Many English pages say this themselves and note that the Spanish version prevails. If an English page and the Spanish page differ, follow the Spanish one. Co-official regional languages are also valid in their own regions.

Practical habits

• Check the Spanish page for any deadline before you act.
• Language coverage changes and is often partial, so a page that was in English last year may not be now.
• Ask the office, or your town hall, if you are unsure which version applies.

The questions below cover common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Which Spanish government websites have English content?

Several national sites offer some English, including the tax agency (Agencia Tributaria), the Foreign Ministry for visas and consulates, Social Security (limited) and the Ministry of Inclusion and Migration. Regional sites such as Catalonia's and Madrid's, and city sites such as Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid, also have English pages. Tourist and expat areas like Andalusia and the Balearics often do too.

Can I fill in official forms in English?

No, the application forms and the electronic offices (sedes electrónicas) where you file them are largely Spanish only. English pages are there to help you understand the process. In Basque Country, Galicia and Valencia, the forms may also come in the regional co-official language, which is valid in that region.

Does an English page change my deadlines if it says something different?

No, an English page is guidance only and does not change your deadlines or duties. Many carry a note that the Spanish version prevails. If something looks different, follow the Spanish text.