Phone Numbers in Spain: Formats, Dialing Rules, and Telecom Insights
Quick Reference
- Country: Spain
- Country Code: +34
- International Prefix: 00
- National Prefix: None
Overview
Discover the comprehensive details of Spain's telephone numbering plan. This guide outlines the structure of phone numbers, dialing procedures, and regulatory information. Whether you're a telecom professional, developer, or simply need to understand Spain's phone number system, this guide provides all the essential information.
History of Spain's Numbering Plan
Before 1998, Spain operated under an open numbering plan where local calls could be made without dialing the area code, and the trunk prefix `9` was used for long-distance calls within the country. On December 1, 1998, Spain transitioned to a closed numbering plan, incorporating the trunk prefix into the subscriber's number and standardizing all phone numbers to nine digits. This change simplified the dialing process and prepared the system for future expansions.
Number Formats
General Number Structure
Spain's phone numbers adhere to the E.164 international standard, ensuring global uniqueness. The format is:
- Country Code: +34
- National Significant Number (NSN): 9 digits
Number Types and Formats
Type | Format | Example | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Geographic Numbers | `9X XXX XXX` | 912 345 678 | Fixed-line numbers, area code (2 or 3 digits) followed by a 6 or 7-digit subscriber number. |
Mobile Numbers | `6XX XXX XXX` | 612 345 678 | Mobile numbers starting with '6', followed by an 8-digit subscriber number. |
Additional Mobile Numbers | `7YX XXX XXX` | 712 345 678 | Mobile numbers starting with '7', where Y is 1-9 (excluding 0). |
Toll-Free Numbers | `800 XXX XXX` | 800 123 456 | Toll-free services, starting with '800' or '900'. |
Premium Rate Numbers | `80X XXX XXX` | 803 123 456 | Premium services, including adult ('803'), entertainment ('806'), and professional ('807') services. |
Shared Cost Numbers | `90[12] XXX XXX` | 901 123 456 | Shared cost services, starting with '901' or '902'. |
Personal Numbers | `70X XXX XXX` | 700 123 456 | Personal numbering services that can be redirected to any other number. |
Internet Access Numbers | `908/909 XXX XXX` | 908 123 456 | Dial-up internet access numbers (largely obsolete). |
Emergency Numbers | `1XX` | 112 | Short numbers for emergencies and services (e.g., '112' for emergencies). |
Regular Expressions for Number Validation
Use these regex patterns to validate Spanish phone numbers:
- Geographic Numbers: `^9\d8$`
- Mobile Numbers (6): `^6\d8$`
- Mobile Numbers (7): `^7[1-9]\d7$`
- Toll-Free Numbers: `^(800|900)\d6$`
- Premium Rate Numbers: `^80[0-9]\d6$`
- Shared Cost Numbers: `^90[12]\d6$`
- Personal Numbers: `^70\d8$`
- Internet Access Numbers: `^90[89]\d6$`
- Emergency Numbers: `^1\d2$`
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
- Landline to Landline: Dial the full 9-digit number (e.g., `912 345 678`).
- Landline to Mobile: Dial the full 9-digit mobile number (e.g., `612 345 678`).
- Mobile to Mobile: Dial the full 9-digit mobile number (e.g., `712 345 678`).
International Calls
- Outgoing: Dial `00` (international prefix), followed by the country code, area code, and subscriber number. For example, to call France, dial `00 + 33 + area code + subscriber number`.
- Incoming: From outside Spain, dial your international access code (e.g., `+` or `00`), followed by `34` (Spain's country code), and the 9-digit Spanish number.
Special Numbers
- Emergency Services: Dial `112` for universal emergency assistance.
- Information Services: Numbers starting with `118` for directory assistance.
Number Portability
Spain supports number portability for both fixed-line and mobile numbers:
- Fixed-Line Number Portability: Available since 2003.
- Mobile Number Portability: Available since 2000.
This feature allows users to retain their phone numbers when switching between service providers.
Area Codes and Geographic Numbers
Geographic numbers in Spain start with `9` or `8` and are associated with specific provinces or regions. The area code is included in the full 9-digit number and must be dialed even for local calls. Examples include:
- Madrid: `91X XXX XXX`
- Barcelona: `93X XXX XXX`
- Valencia: `96X XXX XXX`
- Seville: `95X XXX XXX`
Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges
Operator | Service Type | Number Range |
---|---|---|
Telefónica (Movistar) | Fixed & Mobile | `6XX`, `7YX`, `9XX` |
Orange España | Fixed & Mobile | `6XX`, `7YX`, `9XX` |
Vodafone Spain | Fixed & Mobile | `6XX`, `7YX`, `9XX` |
MásMóvil | Mobile | `6XX`, `7YX` |
Number Allocation and Management
The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) is responsible for the allocation and management of telephone numbers in Spain. The CNMC ensures efficient use of numbering resources and oversees number portability. For more information, visit the CNMC official website.
Special Numbers and Services
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency: `112`
- Medical Emergencies: `061`
- National Police: `091`
- Civil Guard: `062`
- Fire Brigade: `080` or `085` (depending on the province)
- Local Police: `092`
Service and Information Numbers
- Government Information:
- 010: City Council Information
- 012: Regional Government Information
- 060: National Government Information
- Violence Against Women Hotline: `016` (Calls do not appear on the phone bill)
- Directory Assistance: Numbers starting with `118`
Premium Rate and Special Tariff Numbers
- Premium Rate (Adult Services): Numbers starting with `803`
- Premium Rate (Entertainment): Numbers starting with `806`
- Premium Rate (Professional Services): Numbers starting with `807`
- Voting Systems: Numbers starting with `905`
- Shared Cost Numbers:
- 901: Cost shared between caller and receiver
- 902: Caller pays the full cost (not included in call bundles and can be expensive)
Internet Access Numbers
- Dial-up Internet Access:
- 908: Billed by the access operator
- 909: Billed by a different operator (largely obsolete due to broadband)
Technical Considerations
Developer Guidelines
- Validation: Use the provided regex patterns for validating Spanish phone numbers in applications.
- Formatting: Ensure numbers are stored in E.164 format (`+34XXXXXXXXX`) for consistency.
- Portability: Implement portability checks when dealing with mobile and fixed-line numbers.
- Time Zones: Consider Spain's time zone (CET/CEST) when scheduling automated calls or messages.
- Blocking Premium Numbers: Be aware that numbers starting with `80`, `90`, and `70` may be premium rate services and could be blocked in corporate environments.
Special Cases
- Personal Numbers: Numbers starting with `70` are personal numbers that can be redirected to any other number by the owner.
- Obsolete Services: Numbers starting with `908`, `909`, and `907` were used for dial-up internet access and premium rate data services but are largely obsolete.
- Number Blocking: Certain number ranges, especially premium rate services, may be blocked by default in corporate or VoIP systems.
Conclusion
Understanding Spain's telephone numbering plan is crucial for effective communication and telecom operations within the country. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, but always refer to official sources or regulatory bodies for the latest updates.
Note: For the most up-to-date information on telecommunications regulations in Spain, please consult the official website of the national telecommunications authority, the CNMC.