Living in Spain Guide

Setting Up Phone, Internet, and Utilities in Spain: The Complete Expat Guide

Getting your phone, broadband, electricity and gas sorted quickly makes your new life in Spain feel real. Here is everything you need to know — providers, prices, paperwork, and the mistakes that catch most newcomers out.

Updated April 2026
• 14 min read
• 10 FAQs covered
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What You Need Before You Start

Documents and Requirements for Setting Up Utilities in Spain

Before calling any provider or visiting a shop, gather these documents. Having them ready will save you multiple trips and callbacks.

  • NIE (Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero) — required for most contracts
  • Passport — always useful to bring as backup identification
  • Spanish bank account with IBAN — direct debit (domiciliacion bancaria) is standard for all utility billing
  • Proof of address — rental contract or recent utility bill for the property
  • CUPS code — for electricity and gas contracts (on existing bills or from your landlord)
  • Spanish mobile number — needed for account verification and engineer visit coordination

NIE tip: While a NIE is technically required for utility contracts, prepaid mobile SIMs can be purchased with just a passport. For electricity and gas, some providers accept a passport number as a temporary identifier while you wait for your NIE, though this varies.

The good news is that Spain has excellent infrastructure. Fibre broadband coverage exceeds 95% in urban areas. Mobile coverage from the major networks is comprehensive in cities and towns, though can be patchy in rural mountain and coastal areas. Electricity and gas supply are reliable across the country.

Mobile Phones

Setting Up a Spanish Mobile Phone Contract

Spain has a competitive mobile market with five significant players and numerous virtual operators (MVNOs) using their infrastructure. Prices are among the lowest in Europe, particularly for data.

The Main Providers

Best rural coverage

Movistar (Telefonica)

Spain's largest and most established network. Best rural coverage. More expensive but most reliable nationwide.

Strong nationwide

Vodafone

Strong coverage in cities and towns. Good for bundles with broadband. Competitive pricing on contracts.

Good urban coverage

Orange (MasMov group)

Good urban coverage and competitive prices. Strong fibre + mobile bundle offers. Part of the MasMov group.

Best value

Digi

Romanian-owned but operating its own Spanish network. Exceptionally cheap — often the best value for data. Growing coverage.

Expat favourite

Lebara

MVNO popular with expats and international callers. Cheap international calls. No contract options available.

Budget SIM

Lycamobile

Budget MVNO with very cheap international calling rates. Good for keeping in touch with home. Prepaid focused.

Prepaid vs Contract

If you have just arrived in Spain and do not yet have a NIE or Spanish bank account, a prepaid (prepago) SIM is the easiest starting point. You can buy one in any phone shop, supermarket, or petrol station with just your passport. Top up with cash or card.

Once you have your NIE and a Spanish bank account, switch to a contract (contrato or postpago) for better value. Spanish contract plans in 2026 typically offer 30–100GB of data for €15–30 per month, with unlimited calls to Spanish numbers included as standard.

Provider Approx. Monthly Cost Data (typical plan) Best for
Movistar€30–50UnlimitedRural areas, reliability
Vodafone€25–4050GB–UnlimitedUrban, bundles
Orange€20–3530GB–UnlimitedValue bundles
Digi€10–2050GB–UnlimitedBest price in cities
Lebara€8–2010–40GBInternational calls, expats

Keeping Your UK Number

After Brexit, UK numbers used in Spain are subject to roaming charges that can be significant. Most UK operators charge between 2p and 5p per minute for calls made in Spain on UK numbers, and data packages may not include EU roaming at all on cheaper plans. Check your specific plan before arrival.

The practical solution used by most expats is to maintain a low-cost UK SIM for receiving calls from UK contacts (consider a VOIP number as an alternative), while using a Spanish SIM as your primary number in Spain.

Broadband and Internet

Getting Fibre Broadband in Spain

Spain has one of the best fibre broadband infrastructures in Europe. As of 2026, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) coverage exceeds 95% in urban areas and around 80% nationally. Speeds of 600Mbps to 1Gbps are standard on entry-level contracts.

Main Broadband Providers

Movistar owns most of the underlying fibre infrastructure and rents it to other providers. They offer the widest coverage but are typically the most expensive. Vodafone and Orange offer competitive fibre bundles, often combined with mobile plans for a discount. Digi offers the most competitive pricing where available — often 1Gbps for around €20/month — but their own network does not yet cover all areas.

Setting Up Broadband: What to Expect

  1. Check coverage at your address

    Use the provider's website to check availability. If your building does not yet have fibre, you may need to request a new installation, which takes longer. Most urban Spanish buildings were wired for fibre during the rapid infrastructure rollout of 2015–2022.

  2. Sign the contract online or in store

    You will need your NIE, a Spanish IBAN for direct debit, and the full address. Some providers allow you to sign entirely online; others require a physical signature via a home visit or in-store appointment.

  3. Book the installation appointment

    A technician will visit to install the router and connect your apartment to the building's fibre distribution point. Appointments are typically available within 5–10 working days. Someone must be present during the installation window (usually 2 hours).

  4. Connect your devices and test

    The technician will leave a router, usually provided by the operator. You can typically use your own router, though the operator's router is needed for initial setup. Test your speeds and contact the provider if the delivered speed is significantly below the contracted amount.

Watch out for minimum contract periods: Most Spanish broadband contracts have a 12 or 24-month minimum term with early termination penalties. If you are renting short-term or planning to move within a year, clarify termination conditions before signing.

Electricity

Setting Up Electricity in Spain

Spain's electricity market is liberalised, meaning you can choose your supplier from a range of competing companies. This is different from the UK where you choose a retailer — in Spain, the physical supply network is separate from the billing company.

Understanding the Spanish Electricity Market

There are two types of electricity tariff in Spain:

  • PVPC (Precio Voluntario para el Pequeno Consumidor): The regulated tariff, set by the Spanish government and linked to the wholesale electricity market. Prices vary hourly. Can be very cheap at off-peak hours but unpredictable.
  • Fixed or indexed commercial tariff: Set by commercial suppliers — Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, Holaluz, Repsol, etc. Provides price certainty in exchange for a small premium over PVPC.

Your Electricity Bill: The Two Main Charges

Understanding your bill prevents overpaying. Every Spanish electricity bill has two main components:

  • Termino de potencia (power term): A fixed monthly charge based on your contracted power capacity in kilowatts (kW), regardless of how much electricity you actually use. Standard residential contracts are 3.45kW or 5.75kW. You pay this even if you use no electricity at all.
  • Termino de consumo (consumption term): What you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) actually used. This is the variable part of your bill.
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Money-saving tip: Review your contracted power level (potencia contratada). Many Spanish homes are contracted for more capacity than they need — particularly older apartments. Reducing from 5.75kW to 3.45kW can save €15–25/month on the fixed charge alone. Your bills will tell you your current level.

Main Electricity Providers in Spain

Iberdrola and Endesa are the two largest providers and between them supply most of Spain. Naturgy (formerly Gas Natural) is the leading gas supplier and also offers combined electricity contracts. Holaluz and Repsol are growing alternatives, with Holaluz positioning itself as a 100% renewable option.

Setting Up a New Contract

To set up electricity at a new address, you need:

  • CUPS code for the supply point (from existing bills or your landlord)
  • NIE or Spanish identity document
  • Spanish bank account IBAN for direct debit
  • Proof of address (rental contract)
  • Power of attorney certificate if the supply is currently inactive (may require an electrician's visit)
Gas and Water

Gas and Water Connections in Spain

Gas

Not all Spanish homes have mains gas — it depends on the building and municipality. In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, mains gas (gas natural) is common. In coastal areas and newer developments, many buildings use electricity only, with communal LPG (butano) cylinders for cooking.

If your home has mains gas, Naturgy is the market leader, followed by Endesa Gas and various regional providers. The setup process is similar to electricity — you need your CUPS code for gas (different from the electricity CUPS), your NIE, and a Spanish IBAN.

If your home uses butano cylinders (orange Repsol Butano bottles), you exchange empty cylinders for full ones — the delivery driver collects the empty and leaves a full one. This is a very traditional system still used in many older Spanish apartments. Cylinders can also be bought at petrol stations and some supermarkets.

Water

Water supply in Spain is a municipal monopoly — you have no choice of provider. The local water company for your municipality will be your supplier. In most cases, your landlord or the previous occupant will have an existing contract, which you notify of the change of account holder.

Water bills arrive every one to three months depending on the municipality. They are typically inexpensive by northern European standards, though some southern and island areas experience supply restrictions during summer and have higher costs per cubic metre.

Dry summer areas: In parts of Andalucia, Murcia, and the Canary and Balearic Islands, water can be restricted in summer. If you are moving to these areas, check whether your building has an external water storage tank (deposito) and understand local restrictions before July–September.

Money-Saving Tips

How to Avoid Overpaying for Utilities in Spain

  • Compare electricity tariffs annually — the Spanish comparison site comparador.esios.ree.es (REES) shows PVPC vs. commercial rates
  • Review your contracted power level — most expats inherit an oversized contract from the previous occupant
  • Consider a time-of-use electricity tariff if you can shift heavy usage (washing machine, dishwasher) to overnight hours
  • Get a fibre + mobile bundle from the same provider for a 10–25% discount on combined billing
  • Digi is consistently the cheapest provider for standalone fibre and mobile where available
  • For international calls, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Meet replace most landline and mobile calling to the UK and Ireland
  • Check your internet bill: many providers add optional insurance and TV packages that you may not need
  • Switch electricity providers without disruption — you keep the same wires, just choose who bills you
Keep Reading

Related Guides for New Arrivals in Spain

Banking

Opening a Spanish Bank Account

You need a Spanish IBAN to set up utility direct debits. Here is how to open one quickly.
Registration

Padron Municipal Registration

Register your Spanish address — required for many utility contracts and government services.
Essential Document

Getting Your NIE in Spain

Your NIE is required for most utility contracts. Here is how to get one fast.
Housing

Renting in Spain: Expat Guide

Find out what your rental contract should say about utility responsibilities.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Phone and Utilities in Spain

Do I need a NIE to set up utilities in Spain?
For electricity and gas contracts with the main providers, yes — you will typically need a NIE or Spanish identity document. However, some providers will accept a passport and proof of address for initial setup, particularly on short-term or temporary contracts. Mobile SIMs, especially prepaid (prepago), can usually be purchased with just a passport. Getting your NIE as soon as you arrive is strongly recommended to avoid complications.
Which mobile network has the best coverage in rural Spain?
Movistar (Telefonica) has the best and most extensive coverage in rural and remote areas of Spain, including mountain areas and inland villages. Vodafone and Orange have strong coverage in most populated areas but can have gaps in remote zones. Digi and Lebara use other networks' infrastructure (via roaming agreements) and may have notable gaps in rural areas. If you live outside a city or major town, Movistar is the safest choice, despite being more expensive than the alternatives.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Spain in 2026?
Digi is consistently the cheapest fibre broadband provider in Spain where their own network is available, offering 1Gbps symmetrical fibre for around 20–25 euros per month in 2026. Where Digi is not available, Orange and Movistar's entry-level fibre plans are competitive. Prices across all providers have dropped significantly as Spain's fibre coverage has expanded. A combined fibre plus mobile bundle from any of the big three (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange) often works out cheaper than separate contracts.
Can I set up electricity before I have my NIE?
In practice, many rental contracts include utilities or the contract remains in the landlord's name, making this less of an issue. If you need to set up a new electricity contract yourself without a NIE, some providers may accept a passport number as a temporary measure. However, this is not guaranteed and varies by provider. The cleanest solution is to ask your landlord to help with the initial setup, then transfer the contract to your name once you have your NIE.
How long does it take to get internet installed in Spain?
For fibre broadband in a building that already has fibre infrastructure (the majority of urban buildings), installation appointments with major providers are typically scheduled within 5–10 working days. Digi may take slightly longer in some areas. If your building needs new fibre run to it (less common in cities), the wait can extend to several weeks. Delays are more common in rural areas and older buildings. If you need internet immediately on arrival, a mobile data SIM with a generous data allowance is a reliable bridge.
What is the CUPS code and why do I need it?
CUPS (Codigo Unico de Punto de Suministro) is the unique reference number for your electricity or gas supply point — think of it as the address for your meter rather than for your flat. You need it when setting up a new electricity or gas contract, or when switching supplier, as it tells the new provider exactly which meter they are taking over. You can find your CUPS on any existing electricity or gas bill for the property, or ask your landlord. Without it, the provider cannot process your contract.
Can I keep my UK phone number in Spain?
You cannot easily keep a UK mobile number as your primary number in Spain. Since Brexit, UK numbers used in EU countries are subject to operator roaming policies that have changed significantly — many UK operators now charge extra for EU roaming or exclude it entirely from budget plans. The practical approach used by most British expats is to get a Spanish SIM for daily use in Spain, while keeping a UK SIM active on a minimal plan for receiving UK calls and maintaining UK contacts. VOIP services like Skype Numbers or Google Voice can provide a UK number at low cost.
How does Spanish electricity billing work?
Spanish electricity bills have two main components. The termino de potencia (power term) is a fixed monthly charge based on your contracted power capacity in kilowatts — you pay this regardless of how much electricity you use, so it pays to review whether you are contracted for the right capacity. The termino de consumo (consumption term) is the variable charge for actual kWh used. Both components attract IVA (VAT at 21%) and a small electricity tax. Bills are usually monthly and paid by direct debit.
What if my landlord pays the utilities?
Many rental contracts in Spain, particularly for furnished flats or short-term lets, include utilities within the monthly rent. This is convenient and avoids the need to set up your own contracts, but it means you have no control over the provider, tariff, or service quality. If utilities are included, your rental contract should specify what is included (electricity, gas, water, internet), any fair-use consumption limits, and who is responsible if there is a fault. For long-term rentals, it is more common for the tenant to take over or set up their own contracts.
How easy is it to switch electricity or internet provider in Spain?
Switching electricity supplier in Spain's liberalised market is straightforward and supply is never interrupted. Contact the new supplier with your CUPS code and NIE, and they manage the entire process — your lights stay on throughout. For broadband, switching typically requires a new installation appointment and a notice period of 15–30 days with your existing provider. Check your current contract's minimum term before switching — early termination fees apply on most Spanish broadband and bundle contracts, typically 50–100% of remaining monthly payments for the contracted period.

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