Registering the birth of a baby

All births in Spain, need to be registered at the Civil Registry by the registrar, in order to produce an official record that a baby has been born. This record will show the following details:

  • Date

  • Time

  • Place of the birth

  • Identity

  • Sex

  • Details of the parents.

A baby’s birth must be registered by any of the following individuals:

 
  • Father.

  • Mother.

  • The closest relative or, failing that, any adult present at the birth who can verify that the baby was born.

  • The head of the maternity unit or household where the baby was born.

  • In the case of abandoned babies, the person who found the baby.

How long do I have to register a birth? What documentation is required?

In the case that the maternity unit has not notified of the birth of the baby,, any person who has a duty to register the birth must do so within 10 days at a Civil Registry. However, in exceptional circumstances, this can be extended to 30 days.

The following documentation is required to register the birth:

  • Identity documents of the person registering the birth.

  • The medical certificate for the birth, with the details of the professional signing the certificate (full name, qualification and registration number).

To complete registration, you must provide:

  • the date and time of birth

  • Place of the birth,

  • Sex of the baby,

  • Mother’s name and details.

Where do I register a birth?

All births must be registered at the Municipal or Consular Registry corresponding to the place where the baby was born. However, births on Spanish territory can also be registered, within the time limit, at the Municipal Civil Registry which covers the area where the legally recognised parent(s) live.

We hope you found this information useful. If you need further help, please do not hesitate to contact on our Infoline.

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