Is Spain safe for expats and tourists in 2026?

Yes, Spain is very safe. It ranks as the 25th safest country globally and has the 6th lowest homicide rate in the EU (0.63 per 100,000 people).

Safety Overview

Violent crime: Very rare

• Random violence uncommon
• Gun crime extremely rare (strict gun laws)
• Safe to walk alone at night in most areas
• Women generally feel safe

Petty crime: More common in tourist areas

• Pickpocketing: Main concern, especially in Barcelona
• Bag snatching: Crowded metros, tourist sites
• Theft from cars: Don't leave valuables visible

Safety by City

Barcelona (highest petty crime):

• Heavy pickpocketing on Las Ramblas, metro, Sagrada Família
• Still very safe overall—just stay alert
• Violent crime remains very rare

Madrid (safer):

• Less pickpocketing than Barcelona
• Very safe city overall
• Tourist areas: Sol, Gran Vía require awareness

Valencia, Sevilla, Málaga: Very safe

• Lower tourist crime
• Comfortable at all hours

Smaller cities: Extremely safe

• Very low crime rates
• Strong sense of community

Protection Tips

Avoid pickpockets:

• Keep valuables in front pockets or crossbody bag
• Money belt for passport and cards
• Be extra vigilant on crowded metros
• Don't leave phone on café tables

Common scams to avoid:

• Distraction techniques (fake bird poop, petitions)
• Overpriced tourist menus (check prices)
• ATM skimming (use bank ATMs inside branches)

Emergency Services

Emergency numbers:

• 112: Universal emergency (police, fire, ambulance)
• 091: National police
• 092: Local police

Bottom Line

Spain is one of Europe's safest countries. The main concerns are pickpocketing in tourist areas (easily preventable) and occasional scams. Violent crime is extremely rare, and day-to-day life feels very safe for both tourists and expats.

Compared to other countries:

• Much safer than most major US cities
• Safer than UK and France in terms of violent crime
• Similar safety level to Portugal, Italy
• Slightly more petty crime than Nordic countries due to tourism

Verdict: Don't let pickpocket warnings scare you—Spain is genuinely very safe. Just use common sense in crowded tourist areas and you'll have no issues.