Starting utilities in your name

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will know what to set up first, what each supplier needs from you, and how to get contracts into your name even without a NIE, a bank account or a cooperative landlord.

Start with "Which utilities to set up first when you arrive in Spain". It sets out the order for electricity, water, gas, phone and internet, and shows what blocks what. From there, pick the pages that match your situation, such as taking over a supply, renting with bills included, or buying a home.

Key rules

• Change of holder: A change of holder on an existing electricity supply does not cut the power and normally takes a few days.
• Previous debts: Electricity and gas debts stay with the previous holder, so you do not inherit them with a new contract, but water rules vary by town.
• First: Sort electricity first, because the other services and the fibre installer need power.
• New connections: A new connection of any utility takes weeks or months, so ask for it as early as you can.
• Bank account: A Spanish account is the most reliable way to set up direct debit, especially for water.
• Water: Each water operator sets its own document list, so ask it before you go.

Starting utilities in your name: the whole process, step by step

• Work out the order of services and what to arrange before you land (Which utilities to set up first when you arrive in Spain; What to arrange for utilities before you land in Spain): before you travel

• Gather ID, proof of occupancy and bank details, and check whether a foreign IBAN is accepted (Documents and ID Spanish suppliers ask for when you sign up): before you contact any supplier

• If you lack a NIE or Spanish bank account, ask each supplier about passport and other payment options (Getting utilities on without a NIE, Spanish bank account or registration): before you sign any contract

• If the landlord refuses to help, ask in writing and send a burofax with a deadline, then go to the supplier, consumer office or court (What to do when your landlord won't cooperate on utilities): as soon as the landlord stalls, before you move in if possible

• Move electricity on an existing supply into your name (Taking over a supply from the previous occupant): usually 1 to 5 working days

• Move water or gas on an existing supply into your name (Taking over a supply from the previous occupant): a few days to 2 weeks

• Reactivate a gas supply that was closed, which needs a technical visit: usually 1 to 3 weeks

• Order fibre internet in a building already covered: order it as early as you can; installation usually happens 3 to 15 days after ordering, and keeping an existing number adds a few days

• Arrange a brand-new connection where the home has no active supply (New connections and the electrical certificate): start early, as it takes weeks to months

• Keep bank payments covered so no direct debit is returned: from the first bill; a returned debit can bring a bank charge and late-payment interest

Lead times vary by supplier, town and building; confirm each one with the supplier or distributor before you rely on it.

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your ID
• Your valid foreign passport — What to arrange for utilities before you land in Spain, Getting utilities on without a NIE, Spanish bank account or registration (empadronamiento)
• Proof of identity for a prepaid mobile SIM — Getting utilities on without a NIE, Spanish bank account or registration (empadronamiento)

The home and the lease

• Your signed lease — Which utilities to set up first when you arrive in Spain, What to do when your landlord won't cooperate on utilities
• Rental contract — Who holds and pays each utility contract as a tenant or owner, Using a utility bill as proof of address in Spain
• Property title or lease — New connections (alta nueva) and the electrical certificate (boletín eléctrico)

Other documents

• The installation certificate
• The cédula de habitabilidad
• The CUPS
• Energy performance certificate — Who holds and pays each utility contract as a tenant or owner
• The deed — Utilities after buying a home: contracts and certificates to change

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Starting utilities in your name: questions that cross several articles

Can I set up utilities with only a passport and a foreign bank account?

Often yes for electricity, gas and telecom, but it depends on the supplier. No law requires a NIE, yet many suppliers ask for one, and water companies usually want a Spanish account. Read "Getting utilities on without a NIE, Spanish bank account or registration (empadronamiento)" and "Documents and ID Spanish suppliers ask for when you sign up".

How long before I move in should I start arranging utilities?

Start as early as you can, because lead times differ by service. Electricity on an existing supply takes about 1 to 5 working days, water and gas a few days to 2 weeks, and fibre usually 3 to 15 days. A new connection takes weeks or months. See "Which utilities to set up first when you arrive in Spain" and "New connections (alta nueva) and the electrical certificate (boletín eléctrico)".

What can I do if the supplier needs the landlord's help and he refuses?

You can often contract the supply yourself with your lease, the CUPS (the supply point number), your ID and the address. Electricity does not need the previous holder's consent when you prove you live there. If that fails, read "What to do when your landlord won't cooperate on utilities" and "Taking over a supply from the previous occupant (cambio de titular)".