Mobile and Internet
Getting a Spanish mobile phone plan
How to get a Spanish SIM or contract, and what to compare between providers.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Prepaid SIMs are typically active immediately; postpaid contracts and number porting can take a few days.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Getting a Spanish phone number is usually one of the first practical things worth sorting out — it's often required for other registrations (bank accounts, deliveries, appointment confirmations).
Requirements
- NIE or passport, for a contract plan (prepaid SIMs sometimes require less)
- A Spanish bank account, for most contract (postpaid) plans
Step-by-step process
- Decide between a prepaid SIM (simpler, no contract, top up as needed) or a postpaid contract (usually cheaper per GB, requires a bank account and ID)
- Compare providers — the market is competitive and virtual operators (MVNOs) are often significantly cheaper than major carriers
- Activate your SIM and port your existing number if you want to keep it
Required documents
- Passport or NIE
- Spanish bank account (for contract plans)
Common mistakes
- Signing a long contract before comparing prices — Spain's mobile market has many competitive lower-cost operators
- Not requesting a PAC code in time when porting a number from another Spanish provider
Practical tips
- Virtual operators (running on the same networks as major carriers) often offer very similar coverage for meaningfully less
- Prepaid is a good way to get connected on arrival before you have all your paperwork ready for a contract
How Tuchati can help
If comparing providers feels like one more thing to figure out, Tuchati can recommend a plan that fits your situation.