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EmergenciesChecklist

Emergency and helpline numbers in Spain

The numbers to save on your first day in Spain: 112 for all emergencies, the police (091, 062), the 016 gender-violence line, the 024 suicide crisis line and, in Catalonia, 061 Salut Respon, plus what changed in Barcelona when 112 replaced 092 and 080.

Checked 8 Oct 2026
Applies to
Everyone living in or visiting Spain.
Effort
Low effort
Time needed
Five minutes to save the numbers in your phone
Cost
Calls to 112, 091, 062, 016 and 024 are free.
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Emergencies
  3. Helplines
  4. Health advice in Catalonia
  5. Non-emergency city information
  6. Watch out
  7. Common mistakes
  8. Tips
  9. Frequently asked questions
  10. Official links
  11. In your plan
  12. Sources
  13. Related guides

In Spain, as in the rest of the EU, 112 is the single emergency number. It is free, works 24 hours a day and connects you to ambulances, fire and rescue, police and civil protection. Other numbers reach specific services. Save them in your phone now, before you need them.

Emergencies

  • 112 – all emergencies. Medical emergencies, fire, accidents, crime in progress, civil protection. In Catalonia, 112 is also the emergency number of the regional police, the Mossos d'Esquadra; the Mossos warn that messages claiming their old 088 number is back in service are false. In Barcelona city, 112 has replaced the local police (Guàrdia Urbana) number 092 and the city fire brigade number 080 since 25 January 2021.
  • 091 – National Police (Policía Nacional). Police assistance in areas policed by the National Police.
  • 062 – Civil Guard (Guardia Civil). Answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year; general information on 900 101 062 (free).

Helplines

  • 016 – violence against women. A Ministry of Equality service offering information, legal advice (8:00 to 22:00) and immediate psychosocial support (24 hours). It is free and confidential, answers in 53 languages by phone, and is also available by WhatsApp on 600 000 016 (messages only), online chat and email (016-online@igualdad.gob.es). Emergency calls are transferred to 112.
  • 024 – suicide crisis line. A Ministry of Health line for people with suicidal thoughts and their families and friends. It is national, free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In an imminent life-threatening emergency, call 112.

Health advice in Catalonia

  • 061 Salut Respon is Catalonia's health line. More than 200 doctors, nurses and technicians give advice by phone, help with administrative procedures and, if necessary, send a doctor, an ambulance or a medical helicopter. Outside Catalonia, check your regional health service for its advice line.

Non-emergency city information

  • 010 is Barcelona City Council's citizen information line (from outside the metropolitan area 931 537 010, standard rate).

Watch out

Only call 112 in a real emergency. For non-urgent health questions in Catalonia use 061; for city services in Barcelona use 010.

If you cannot speak safely, 016 can be contacted by WhatsApp or online chat.

Common mistakes

  • Calling 092 or 080 in Barcelona; since 2021 these calls are handled through 112.
  • Assuming the police number in your home country works in Spain.

Tips

  • Save your home address in Spanish or Catalan in your phone so you can read it out under stress.
  • Note the nearest hospital with an emergency department and your local health centre.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Will 112 understand English?

Do not count on it. Speak slowly and give your exact location first, then say what happened; if someone nearby speaks Spanish or Catalan, ask them to help.

Which police force should I call in Barcelona?

Call 112. Barcelona City Council explains that the 112 centre receives all emergency calls in the city and sends the information electronically to the Guàrdia Urbana and the fire service when they need to act; 112 is also the Mossos d'Esquadra's emergency number.

In your plan

  • Save Spain's emergency and helpline numbers

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 8 Oct 2027.

  1. Generalitat de Catalunya – Mossos d'EsquadraOfficial source
    Contacte – Mossos d'Esquadra (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  2. Generalitat de Catalunya – Mossos d'EsquadraOfficial source
    Fals avís sobre la recuperació del número d'emergències 088 (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  3. Ajuntament de BarcelonaOfficial source
    A partir de demà el telèfon 112 gestionarà totes les trucades d'emergències a la ciutat (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  4. Policía NacionalOfficial source
    Información para desplazados ucranianos en España (guía) (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026

    112 general emergency number; 091 police.

  5. Guardia CivilOfficial source
    Atención al ciudadano – Contacta (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  6. Ministerio de IgualdadOfficial source
    Teléfono 016 – 016 online – WhatsApp (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  7. Ministerio de SanidadOfficial source
    024. Línea de atención a la conducta suicida (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  8. Generalitat de Catalunya – Sistema d'Emergències Mèdiques (SEM)Official source
    061 Salut Respon (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  9. Ajuntament de Barcelona – Guia BarcelonaOfficial source
    Oficina d'Atenció Ciutadana Monumental (010 information) (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026

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