How private security works in Spain: companies, staff and services

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The law regulates security services provided by private companies and individuals, such as guarding, bodyguard services, cash transport and private investigation. All these activities are complementary and subordinate to public security.
2. Only authorized companies and licensed staff may provide security services. Providing them without authorization or a license is prohibited and punishable.
3. Private security companies need administrative authorization, except if they only install and maintain security systems connected to alarm receiving centers, in which case a simple responsible statement is enough. The authorization is valid indefinitely.
4. Private detective offices and training centers no longer need prior authorization: filing a responsible statement is enough. Detectives may only investigate crimes that require a private complaint, never crimes prosecuted automatically.
5. Private security staff (guards, bodyguards, rural wardens, security heads and directors, and detectives) must obtain a license from the Ministry of the Interior and carry a professional ID card. If they are attacked while working with the Security Forces and Corps, they receive the same legal protection as law enforcement officers.
6. Video surveillance is regulated by law for the first time: cameras may not record public roads or spaces without authorization, and recordings may only be used for their intended purpose.
7. The Security Forces and Corps may inspect companies, services and security measures, and take provisional measures such as sealing equipment or suspending irregular services. These measures must be ratified within a maximum of fifteen days.
8. Offenses are classified as minor, serious and very serious, with fines ranging from €300 up to €600,000 for companies, depending on the case. Sanctions may be made public in cases of risk, repeat offenses or intent.

Who it affects

• Private security companies: They need authorization or a responsible statement, must meet requirements, register, and are subject to inspections and sanctions.
• Private security staff (guards, bodyguards, rural wardens, detectives...): They must obtain a professional license, follow rules of conduct, and can be sanctioned for offenses.
• Users who hire private security: They must hire only authorized companies and staff, and adopt mandatory security measures where applicable.
• Private detectives and detective offices: They may only investigate crimes requiring a private complaint, must keep professional secrecy, and must write investigation reports.
• Training centers for security staff: A responsible statement is enough to open, but they must meet requirements and can be sanctioned or closed.

Words worth knowing

Declaración responsable (responsible statement)

A document filed with the administration stating that a person or company meets the required conditions, without waiting for prior authorization.

Habilitación (professional license)

Official authorization allowing a person to work in a private security profession.

Delitos perseguibles de oficio (crimes prosecuted ex officio)

Serious crimes that the justice system prosecutes automatically, without the victim needing to file a complaint. Private detectives may not investigate them.

Homologación (type approval)

Official verification that a security product or equipment meets the required technical specifications.

Infraestructuras críticas (critical infrastructure)

Facilities essential to society, such as energy or transport, whose protection has reinforced requirements.

It summarizes the law as published in the BOE. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries