Spanish Digital Accessibility Laws: What Organizations Need to Know

For many organizations operating in Spain, digital accessibility isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement. Like other European Union (EU) Member States, Spain has incorporated two major, accessibility-focused EU directives into its national laws: the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and the Web Accessibility Directive (WAD). Additionally, large businesses have been held accountable for digital accessibility under older anti-discrimination legislation.

Understanding which Spanish laws apply to your organization, and what’s required for compliance, is key to mitigating risks. This blog summarizes the key digital accessibility regulations in Spain. For more details, check out our fact sheet on Spain’s legal framework.

Real Decreto Legislativo 1112/2018: Requirements for the public sector

If your organization is part of Spain’s public sector—or you sell digital products to Spanish public entities—you should be aware of Real Decreto Legislativo (“Royal Legislative Decree”) 1112/2018, Spain’s transposition of the EU WAD. (In the EU, a transposition is a law incorporating an EU directive into a country’s national legal framework.) This regulation sets out clear digital accessibility requirements for national, regional, and local government bodies, including:

• Ensuring websites and mobile apps are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR) for people with disabilities. (This can be demonstrated through conformance with the European digital accessibility standard, EN 301 549.)

• Publishing detailed accessibility statements.

• Setting up a mechanism for users to provide accessibility feedback.

Because the law covers third-party technology that organizations integrate into websites and mobile apps, businesses selling into Spain’s public sector should also ensure their products are accessible—or they’ll risk losing government contracts. That’s because government entities often require that vendors meet accessibility requirements, so as not to jeopardize their own compliance.

Ley 11/2023: Spain’s EAA transposition law

Private companies aren’t off the hook when it comes to accessibility. In fact, starting in June 2025, businesses must comply with a new law that specifically covers digital experiences used by consumers.

Ley 11/2023, Spain’s transposition of the EAA, requires that many common products and services, including e-commerce, banking, and travel, are accessible to all users. In practice, the best way for businesses to prove compliance is to conform with EN 301 549. They must also meet other general EAA requirements, including implementing accessibility training and publishing an accessibility statement.

Non-compliance with Ley 11/2023 can have significant consequences: Businesses may be fined up to €600,000 for very serious infractions.

Ley 56/2007: The Spaniards with Disabilities Act

In addition to adopting broader EU directives, Spain has enacted its own accessibility law: Ley 56/2007, also known as the Spaniards with Disabilities Act. This broad civil rights act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, and applies to both government organizations and private businesses.

Even though the law doesn’t specifically mention digital experiences, it has been cited in web-accessibility-related regulatory action against major enterprises, including airlines. This action pre-dates the EAA—underscoring the fact that, even before this EU directive, Spanish authorities were holding businesses accountable for digital inclusion.

Because Ley 56/2007 doesn’t outline specific digital accessibility requirements, the most reliable path to risk mitigation is to meet the requirements of Real Decreto Legislativo 1112/2018—such as conforming to EN 301 549, publishing an accessibility statement, and giving users a way to share feedback about accessibility issues.

Your partner for compliance with Spanish accessibility laws

The laws are clear: Digital accessibility is a requirement for operating in the Spanish market. And complying with Spanish digital accessibility laws isn’t just a regulatory obligation—it’s a strategic business opportunity. By proactively addressing digital accessibility, your organization can improve user experience, reach new customer segments, and demonstrate a strong commitment to corporate responsibility.

Partnering with a reputable accessibility provider will put you in an excellent position to avoid penalties and stand out as a leader in inclusive innovation. With more than 25 years of experience supporting organizations across Europe, North America, and beyond, Level Access is your trusted partner for digital accessibility. Our end-to-end solution is designed around the three pillars of effective accessibility programs—Audit & Test, Build & Fix, and Governance & Reporting—to make compliance achievable and sustainable.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your accessibility journey or looking to strengthen your existing program, our team is ready to help you succeed. Engage with Level Access today to learn more about our industry-leading platform and services.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key digital accessibility laws in Spain?

Businesses in Spain must comply with several laws governing digital accessibility, including Ley 56/2007 (the Spaniards with Disabilities Act), Real Decreto 1112/2018 (Spain’s transposition of the European Union Web Accessibility Directive), and Ley 11/2023 (Spain’s transposition of the European Accessibility Act).

Should private and public organizations follow the same standards?

Even though different digital accessibility laws apply to private companies and public entities in Spain, all organizations should follow the same standard for compliance: EN 301 549, the harmonized European standard for information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility.

What should we do to comply with Spain’s accessibility laws?

Start by assessing your current digital assets for conformance with EN 301 549, the harmonized European accessibility standard, and address any violations. Many laws also require that organizations take additional steps, such as publishing an accessibility statement and providing a mechanism for users to report accessibility issues. Partnering with an experienced accessibility provider can help you audit, remediate, and manage compliance effectively through a comprehensive accessibility program.