Police and reporting a crime

It is written for people thinking about, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. You will learn which police to approach, how to file a report properly, what you get from it and what realistically follows. A correct, documented report is the key to an insurance claim, to replacing lost documents and to any later case.

Start with "Who is who among Spain's police forces". It sets out the different forces, so the other pages make sense. Emergency numbers, criminal proceedings, domestic and sexual violence support, and hate crime are covered in other topics.

Key rules

• Online report: An online pre-denuncia is not complete until you sign it at the police station you chose, usually within 72 hours of sending it.
• Interpreter: If you do not understand Spanish, you have the right to a free interpreter when you report.
• Police must accept: Police must accept your report and pass it to the court, and cannot refuse because the crime happened in another area.
• Foreigner paperwork: Policía Nacional has exclusive competence over DNI, passports and foreigner and immigration documents.
• Roads and countryside: Guardia Civil covers highways, rural areas, borders and weapons control.
• Emergency: Call 112 if a crime is in progress or someone is hurt.

Police and reporting a crime: the whole process, step by step

• Work out which force to contact. Read "Which police to contact for a theft, break-in or other problem" and "Who is who among Spain's police forces": before you go anywhere

• Choose to report online or in person. See "Reporting a crime online or by phone, and its limits": as soon as possible after the incident

• Sign your online report at the police station you chose: usually within 72 hours of sending it

• Give your statement at the station, bring photo ID and read the statement before you sign. See "How to report a crime (denuncia) at a police station": the same day you go, no appointment needed

• Ask for your copy with the case number. See "Getting a copy of your police report (denuncia) and its uses": before you leave the station

• If you are a foreign victim of gender violence or trafficking without papers, read "Reporting a crime if your residence papers are pending or missing" for the protections that apply: before or right after you report

• Go to court if you receive a summons as victim or witness. See "What happens after you report a crime": on the date and at the place set in the summons; missing it can bring a fine

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Valid photo ID
• NIE number — Which police to contact for a theft, break-in or other problem
• TIE card — Which police to contact for a theft, break-in or other problem

The home and the lease

• Declaration of loss for a lost driving licence — Getting a copy of your police report (denuncia) and its uses

Translations and legal papers

• A translation of the essential information about your complaint — Reporting a crime when you don't speak Spanish well

Other documents

• The copy of your denuncia
• EU citizen registration certificate — Which police to contact for a theft, break-in or other problem
• A police report of loss or theft — Reporting a crime online or by phone, and its limits
• The vehicle's documents — How to report a crime (denuncia) at a police station
• A written authorisation — How to report a crime (denuncia) at a police station

Police and reporting a crime: questions that cross several articles

Do I need an appointment to report a crime?

No, you do not need an appointment to report a crime, and you can walk into any Policía Nacional station, Guardia Civil post or local police station. Some Policía Nacional offices also let you book a slot online. Appointments are required for papers like the NIE or TIE, not for reporting. Read "How to report a crime (denuncia) at a police station" next.

Can I report at any station, even if the crime happened elsewhere?

Yes, police stations normally accept a report about a crime that happened elsewhere in Spain and pass it to the right court. Some stations may send you to the one in the area, so ask politely for it to be taken anyway. See "How to report a crime (denuncia) at a police station" and "Which police to contact for a theft, break-in or other problem".

What should I bring, and what do I get back?

Bring valid photo ID (a DNI, TIE, passport, or NIE certificate with passport) and any proof such as receipts, photos or a phone's IMEI number. You should leave with a copy showing the case number, which insurers need. Read "How to report a crime (denuncia) at a police station" and "Getting a copy of your police report (denuncia) and its uses".

Which force handles my report, and does it matter?

It matters little for filing, since any police station can take your report. Policía Nacional covers towns and cities and foreigner matters, Guardia Civil covers rural areas and roads, and Policía Local handles local issues. Read "Who is who among Spain's police forces" and "Which police to contact for a theft, break-in or other problem".

What happens if I ignore a court summons after reporting?

If you ignore a court summons without a valid reason, the judge can fine you, and repeated absence can lead to police bringing you to court. As a victim, your absence may also lead to the case being closed. Read "What happens after you report a crime".