Keep your phone number when you switch in Spain

The short answer

You can keep your number when you change operator, and no direct fee may be charged for it. Your number must be activated within one working day of the date you agreed (arts. 33 and 70 Ley 11/2022).

You can usually take your mobile or landline number with you to a new provider. You ask the new provider to transfer it, and the number moves on an agreed day.

Official source: boe.es · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Spain

Compensation

Delays and abuse in porting give you a right to compensation, but the law leaves the amounts, and the cases where payment is automatic, to a royal decree (art. 70.8 Ley 11/2022).

The details

You keep the right to port your number for at least one month after your contract ends, unless you give it up. (boe.es)
If the porting fails, the old operator must reactivate your number or service and keep providing it on the same terms until the porting succeeds. (boe.es)
Prepaid: on request, the old operator must refund your remaining credit without undue delay. It may charge a fee only if your contract provides for one, and only in proportion to its real costs. (boe.es)
Changed your mind? Ask the new operator to cancel, by any channel it offers for signing up: for mobile by 14:00 the day before the switch, for most landline ports by 19:00 the day before. Cancelling is always free. (blog.cnmc.es)

Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC)

Market regulator. It does not handle individual complaints from telecom users; for problems with your operator, go to the Oficina de Atención al Usuario de Telecomunicaciones.

🔗 cnmc.es

Official source: blog.cnmc.es · Checked 2026-10-14

Oficina de Atención al Usuario de Telecomunicaciones

Handles complaints when your operator fails to respect your rights in a change of operator, after you have complained to the operator first.

📞 91 945 89 74 🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es

Official source: usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

Do not cancel the old contract firstIf you end the old contract before the transfer, the number can be lost. Let the new provider request the transfer.
Get your details readyYou usually need the number, the name on the old contract and sometimes a customer number or transfer code from the old provider.
Agree the transfer dateThe new provider tells you when the number moves. Keep the old SIM or line in use until then.
Check that everything worksTest calls and messages on the new SIM or line, and check that the old provider sends a final bill and stops charging.

📇 Who to contact

Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC)Market regulator. It does not handle individual complaints from telecom users; for problems with your operator, go to the Oficina de Atención al Usuario de Telecomunicaciones.🔗 www.cnmc.es

Oficina de Atención al Usuario de TelecomunicacionesHandles complaints when your operator fails to respect your rights in a change of operator, after you have complained to the operator first.📞 91 945 89 74 🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es/reclamaciones/telefonia-e-internet

Ministerio para la Transformación Digital y de la Función Pública (Secretaría de Estado de Telecomunicaciones e Infraestructuras Digitales)Supervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules📞 91 945 89 74 🔗 usuariosteleco.digital.gob.es/derechos-usuario

❓ Questions

How long does a number transfer take?

It is usually quick. If the rules in Spain set a maximum time or compensation for delays, you find them on this page.

Can I keep my number if I still owe the old provider money?

You still have to pay what you owe under the old contract. Ask the new provider before you switch whether anything could hold up the transfer.

Can I move a mobile number to a landline, or the other way round?

Usually not: mobile numbers move between mobile providers, landline numbers between landline providers.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

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📲 Can I keep my phone number when I switch provider in Spain?