Born in Spain, But Not Spanish? A Guide for Foreign Parents
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Temps de lecture 2 min
As expat parents who gave birth to our children here in Spain, we know firsthand how the system works when it comes to registering a newborn. We thought it would be straightforward, but it turned out to be a complicated process of paperwork and deadlines.
While welcoming a child into the world is a beautiful moment, understanding the legalities of their status in Spain is essential.
We are here to help you navigate this process and ensure that your child's birth is a happy and memorable occasion.
Residency or Citizenship? The Basics
Children born in Spain to foreign parents must be officially registered immediately after birth. While residency is practically guaranteed, Spanish nationality is not automatic unless the child would otherwise be stateless due to the nationality laws of the parents' home country.
If you're unfamiliar with the nuances of citizenship laws, this could come as a surprise, so it's worth checking your own country's regulations beforehand.
Deadlines and Timeframes
The process starts at the hospital, where you'll receive your birth certificate within 72 hours. Many Spanish hospitals can send this document directly to the Civil Registry, saving you a trip.
If your hospital doesn't offer this service, you must register at the nearest Civil Registry office. Act quickly. Spanish law gives parents a window of 10 days to register their child. In exceptional cases, such as illness or delays in obtaining the necessary documents, this period can be extended to 30 days, provided you have a valid reason. Miss these deadlines and complications will arise.
Documents You’ll Need
The paperwork is simple: have the right documents and it will be easy.
You will need the hospital-issued birth certificate, your Libro de Familia (Family Book), and identification documents for both parents, including passports and residence permits.
!NB! If you already have a literal birth certificate, use that instead of the hospital document. If you are married, you will also need to provide a marriage certificate, especially if it was issued abroad. This must be translated and apostilled if necessary.
You will also need proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental contract.
Conclusion or Why It Matters
This process is about more than just paperwork.
Registering your child officially secures their access to healthcare, education, and legal residency in Spain.
Delays or missing documents will result in unnecessary stress and potential legal complications.
We know from experience how confusing and overwhelming it can be to navigate Spain's administrative system as an expat. If you act promptly, gather the required documents, and understand the registration process, you will ensure your baby starts their life in Spain on the right foot.
The best gift you can give your child is a solid foundation, starting with their legal status in the country where they were born.
Visit administracion.gob.es for official guidelines and resources.
