Are Home Security Cameras Legal In Spain?

When you own property in Spain—whether it's a full-time residence or a holiday home—you want peace of mind that it's protected. Installing security cameras may seem like a straightforward solution, but Spanish law places strict limits on how, where, and why you can use video surveillance.

This updated 2025 guide explains everything you need to know about home CCTV in Spain, including what’s legal, what’s not, and what steps you need to follow to remain compliant. We’ll cover:

• Whether home security cameras are legal in Spain
• How data protection laws apply to personal surveillance
• Rules about filming public spaces or communal areas
• Installation procedures and signage requirements
• What applies to Ring-style smart doorbells
• How to film domestic workers legally

Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or expat concerned about safety, understanding the law will help you avoid heavy fines and protect your privacy—and others'.

Is it legal to install home security cameras in Spain?

Yes, installing security cameras on private property in Spain is legal. But your use must comply with Spanish data protection laws and cannot infringe on others' privacy—especially in public or shared spaces. You must also follow several obligations, including:

• Registering your system with the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD)
• Displaying an approved video surveillance sign with contact and registration details
• Ensuring only the camera owner can access the footage
• Protecting recordings with secure logins if accessed online
• Deleting all recordings after 30 days unless needed for a police report

These rules apply even if you're only recording your own driveway or front gate. Violations can result in fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of euros under Spain’s data protection law (Ley Orgánica 3/2018 and GDPR).

Can I film shared spaces or public areas?

No, unless filming public or communal space is absolutely unavoidable—and even then, your camera angle should be tightly restricted. Spanish law prohibits private individuals from filming public roads, pavements, or neighbours’ homes. This is a direct violation of both GDPR and rulings by the AEPD.

In private apartment buildings or urbanisations, communal surveillance cameras (e.g. entry gates, garages) must be approved by the homeowners’ association. At least three-fifths of property owners must vote in favour under Spain’s Horizontal Property Law.

If your private camera accidentally captures part of a shared corridor or stairwell, you may be fined—even if no one complains. The AEPD has issued recent sanctions over this exact issue, including against owners using smart doorbells that recorded shared hallways.

What about data protection and storage rules?

Spain’s data protection law, aligned with the EU's GDPR, treats video recordings as personal data when they identify individuals. That means:

• You must register your surveillance system with the AEPD
• You must not record or retain data without justification
• Footage can only be kept for a maximum of 30 days
• Recorded individuals have the right to access or request deletion of their image

Failure to comply can trigger fines under GDPR (up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher)—though for private citizens, the AEPD usually applies proportional penalties.

Can I film household staff like cleaners or builders?

Yes, but with strict conditions. You must inform workers in advance and—ideally—obtain written consent. Surveillance must be proportionate, clearly related to their work, and respectful of their privacy. Do not film in bathrooms, changing rooms, or off-duty areas. Avoid excessive or constant monitoring, and limit footage to legitimate security or performance reasons.

In 2025, Spanish courts have reinforced that verbal warnings may not be sufficient if challenged. A signed notice or employment agreement clause is recommended. Recordings must also follow the same rules for deletion and secure access.

Are Ring-style doorbells treated the same?

Yes. Smart doorbells with cameras (like Ring, Nest, or Eufy) are legally treated as surveillance devices. They must:

• Only record your private entrance
• Not point toward neighbours, public walkways, or shared internal areas
• Be registered with the AEPD if they retain footage
• Display signage if footage is stored or viewed online

The AEPD recently fined a homeowner for using a smart doorbell to film a neighbour’s doorway and shared hallway. This highlights how seriously Spain treats even small-scale breaches of surveillance law.

Checklist for installing security cameras legally in Spain (2025)

• Install cameras on private property only
• Avoid capturing public spaces or shared zones
• Register your system with the AEPD if recording
• Use clear video surveillance signage with contact info
• Limit footage access and protect with passwords
• Delete all recordings after 30 days unless legally required
• Inform and get consent from any filmed workers or visitors

By respecting these obligations, you can protect your home while staying within Spanish law and safeguarding others' privacy rights.

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Sources

• Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD)
• Horizontal Property Law (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal)
• Organic Law 3/2018 on the Protection of Personal Data
• EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)