Denuncia: How To Report A Crime In Spain

While Spain is considered one of the safest countries in Europe, crime does occur — and knowing how to report it properly can make all the difference. Whether you’re a resident or tourist, if you’re a victim or witness of a crime, you have the right to file a denuncia — a formal police report that can initiate legal proceedings or support an insurance claim.

This 2025 guide walks you through when and how to file a denuncia in Spain, the different methods available, and what to expect once your report is submitted.

What Is a Denuncia?

A denuncia is an official statement submitted to law enforcement to report a crime, incident, or violation of the law. It can be made by anyone — a victim, a witness, or someone reporting a lost item. You do not need to be a Spanish citizen or legal resident to file one.

There are two types of denuncia:

• Denuncia penal – for criminal offences (e.g. theft, assault, vandalism)
• Denuncia administrativa – for civil or administrative issues (e.g. noise complaints, housing violations)

When Should You File a Denuncia?

File a denuncia when you experience or witness any of the following:

• Theft or burglary (e.g. phone, wallet, or vehicle stolen)
• Damage to your property or vehicle
• Violent or non-violent crime (assault, harassment, scams)
• Domestic violence or gender-based violence
• Squatting or illegal occupation of your property
• Lost or stolen identity/residency documents
• Suspicious activity or public disorder

You can also file a denuncia if you find lost property or are the target of fraud (online or offline).

How to File a Denuncia in 2025

There are three main ways to report a crime:

• 1. In Person: Go to your nearest police station (comisaría). This is required for serious crimes (e.g. assault, sexual violence, domestic abuse).
• 2. By Phone: Call the national denuncia hotline on 902 102 112. English-speaking agents are available from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
• 3. Online: You can pre-file a report using the official website:
  https://denuncias.policia.es/OVD/
  Note: You must visit a police station within 48 hours to sign the report and make it official.

To find your nearest police station, use the national locator tool:
https://www.policia.es/_es/dependencias_localizador.php

More options explained here:
https://www.policia.es/_es/denuncias.php

Documents You’ll Need

• Valid ID (passport, DNI, or NIE certificate)
• Proof of address (if applicable)
• Details of the incident (date, time, location, items lost/damaged)
• Receipts or photos of stolen/damaged items (for insurance)

If your Spanish is limited, bring a translator or Spanish-speaking friend. Many police stations do not offer interpreters unless it’s a tourist-heavy area.

Important Notes

• For violent or sexual offences, you must file the report in person — not online or by phone.
• Reports filed in person are prioritised over those submitted online.
• Once your online report is filed, you must go in person within 48 hours to sign and validate it — otherwise, it is invalid.

What Happens After Filing?

Once submitted and signed, the denuncia becomes an official legal document. The police may:

• Open an investigation (if applicable)
• Pass the case to a public prosecutor (fiscal)
• Issue a report for insurance or administrative purposes

If you're reporting a crime for insurance purposes (e.g. burglary, theft), be sure to get a signed copy of the report and verify its details. Your insurer will likely ask for it when processing your claim.

What If You Receive a Denuncia?

Being served with a denuncia doesn't automatically mean you're guilty. It simply means someone has filed a complaint against you. Common reasons include:

• Noise complaints from neighbours
• Community disputes
• Traffic violations or civil disagreements

You’ll usually be notified by the town hall or police. You’ll have a fixed deadline (usually 10–15 days) to respond or present your version of events. Minor cases may be dropped entirely. More serious ones may be referred to a public prosecutor.

Lost or Stolen Residency Documents?

If your residency document (TIE/NIE) is lost or stolen, you must file a police report before requesting a replacement. Read our full guide here:

Lost Your Spanish TIE Or Residency Document? Here's What You Need To Do

Conclusion

Filing a denuncia in Spain is straightforward — and can be critical in ensuring your safety, protecting your rights, and validating insurance claims. Whether you're a long-term resident or just visiting, don’t hesitate to report a crime.

Bookmark this page or share it with others — because when something goes wrong, knowing what to do makes all the difference.

Also read: Understanding the Police in Spain

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