Security cameras in Spain. Credit: Tomasz_Mikolajczyk, Pixabay.

Many homeowners in Spain choose to install home security cameras for peace of mind, particularly for expats with second homes or holiday rental properties left empty for long periods.

However, Spanish law places strict limits on how and where CCTV can be used, and breaches can result in fines. Understanding the rules before installing any surveillance system is advised.

Are home security cameras legal in Spain?

Yes. Home security cameras are legal on private property in Spain, provided they are used exclusively for security and comply with data protection law. According to guidance from the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD), private video surveillance must never infringe the privacy rights of others.

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Homeowners are not generally required to formally register domestic CCTV systems with the AEPD. Instead, they must comply with data protection obligations set out under Spain’s Organic Law 3/2018 on data protection and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Where security cameras can – and cannot – point in Spain

Spanish law draws a firm distinction between private and public space:

  • Cameras may record your own private property only
  • Filming public streets, pavements or neighbouring homes is generally prohibited
  • If capturing a small part of a public area is unavoidable, the camera angle must be tightly restricted and justified

The AEPD states that cameras installed in private spaces “cannot capture images of public spaces unless it is indispensable for the intended surveillance purpose or unavoidable due to their placement.”

In apartment blocks or residential complexes, private cameras must not record communal areas such as corridors, stairwells or car parks. Even partial or accidental recording can lead to penalties.

Cameras in shared buildings and urbanisations

In properties with shared spaces, CCTV is not an individual decision. Under Spain’s Horizontal Property Law, installing surveillance systems in communal areas requires approval from the homeowners’ association, with at least three-fifths of owners voting in favour.

Private cameras that capture shared areas without consent have been the subject of repeated enforcement action by the AEPD, particularly involving smart doorbell systems.

Ring Doorbell cameras

Smart doorbells with cameras are treated as surveillance systems under Spanish law. Devices such as Ring, Nest or Eufy must:

  • Record only your private entrance
  • Avoid filming neighbours’ doors or public walkways
  • Comply with GDPR data protection obligations if footage is stored
  • Display CCTV signage where required

Spanish authorities have fined homeowners for doorbell cameras that recorded shared hallways, even where the intention was purely personal security.

Data protection and storage rules

Because video footage can identify individuals, it is classed as personal data. This creates several legal obligations:

  • Use cameras only for a legitimate security purpose
  • Display visible CCTV signage with contact details
  • Restrict access to recordings to the owner only
  • Secure online access with passwords
  • Delete footage after a maximum of 30 days, unless required for a police investigation.

Individuals recorded on camera also have the legal right to request access to, or deletion of, their images.

Filming cleaners, builders or domestic staff

Recording people working on your property is permitted, but only under strict conditions. Workers must be informed in advance, and written consent is strongly recommended. Cameras must never be installed in bathrooms, changing rooms or rest areas, and monitoring must be proportionate.

Villa vs apartment camera use in Spain

Example one:

A British expat owns a detached villa and installs two outdoor cameras covering the front gate and private garden.

  • Cameras point only at private land
  • No public road or neighbouring property is recorded
  • CCTV signage is displayed
  • Footage is password-protected and deleted after 30 days

This setup is generally lawful, provided the cameras are used proportionately and in line with data protection rules.

Example two:

An expat living in an apartment block installs a smart doorbell camera at the front door.

  • The camera captures part of the shared hallway
  • Neighbours are visible when entering or leaving
  • No community approval has been granted

This setup is likely illegal, even if used in good faith. Spanish courts and regulators have repeatedly ruled against cameras that record communal areas.

Spain’s Supreme Court has reinforced this position, banning intrusive peephole and doorbell cameras that capture shared spaces.

What fines apply for illegal use of security cameras in Spain?

Failure to comply with CCTV rules can result in financial penalties imposed by the AEPD. While GDPR allows for very high maximum fines, penalties applied to private homeowners are usually proportionate, often ranging from several hundred to a few thousand euros, depending on the seriousness of the breach.

More serious cases can also lead to orders to remove cameras, delete footage, or compensate affected neighbours.

For many expats, CCTV breaches happen unintentionally, particularly in apartment buildings or when using smart doorbells. Knowing the rules in 2026 will allow you to protect your home without risking neighbour disputes, legal action, or fines.

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