If you have been the victim of theft, a road traffic incident, or any other crime in Spain, you will almost certainly be told to file a denuncia. For many English-speaking residents on the Costa Blanca, that word alone is enough to cause anxiety. This guide explains what a denuncia is, how to do it, and what to expect when you walk through the door.
What is a denuncia?
A denuncia is a formal police complaint. It creates an official record that something happened to you, and it functions as a legal document that can be used in court proceedings, by your insurance company, and when replacing stolen documents such as your passport or NIE card.
Filing one is not optional in most situations. Insurance companies in Spain will not process claims without a denuncia reference number. If your car was broken into, your bag was stolen, or you have been the victim of fraud, you will need one.
Where do you go?
Which police station you go to depends on where you are and what happened.
Policía Nacional handles most crimes in towns and cities, including theft, fraud, and document loss. Guardia Civil covers rural areas, road traffic incidents on main roads, and crimes outside urban boundaries. Policía Local deals with local issues such as noise complaints or minor disputes but will direct you to the Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil for anything requiring a formal denuncia.
If you are unsure, go to your nearest Policía Nacional station. They will redirect you if needed.
What you need to bring
Take the following with you:
- Your passport or NIE card (original)
- Any evidence you have: photos, receipts, bank statements showing fraudulent transactions, screenshots
- A record of dates, times, and locations as accurately as you can remember them
- Your insurance policy number if the denuncia is related to a claim
If your vehicle was involved, also bring your driving licence, vehicle registration document (permiso de circulación), and your insurance certificate.
What happens when you get there
An officer will take your statement. In practice, this means they will type what you tell them into a form, in Spanish. The statement will then be presented to you in Spanish for you to confirm and sign.
This is where things become difficult if you do not speak Spanish. The officer will not normally translate the document for you. They will work at their own pace, and if something is unclear, it is up to you to identify it. Once you sign, the document stands as your official account of what happened.
A signed denuncia is a legal record. If a detail is wrong, a date is off, or the description of events does not fully reflect what occurred, that can cause problems later, particularly if the matter goes further.
How Jodie can help
Jodie accompanies English-speaking clients to police stations and Guardia Civil posts across the Costa Blanca, including Torrevieja, Guardamar del Segura, Rojales, Ciudad Quesada, and surrounding areas.
She helps you prepare your account beforehand, ensures the officer records exactly what you mean, and reads through the statement before you sign it. If anything is incorrect or unclear, she raises it in the room, before you leave.
Filing a denuncia is already stressful enough. You should not have to do it in a language you do not speak, for a document you cannot read before you sign.
To arrange support, call or message Jodie on +34 623 733 286 by phone or WhatsApp.