Complete guide to birth certificates in Spain

The birth certificate is the official document that certifies a person's birth and is essential for procedures such as applying for a DNI, passport, marriage, inheritance, nationality, or studies. Below, we detail what it is, its types, requirements, and how to obtain it in person, officially online, or through an agency.

What is a birth certificate?

The birth certificate is the document issued by the Civil Registry (or Justice of the Peace Court in small municipalities) that contains the birth registration. It includes data such as name, surnames, date, time, place, filiation, and sex.

Important: the certificate must correspond to the registry where the birth was recorded (normally the municipality of birth).

Types of birth certificate

TypeContentRecommended use
LiteralFull copy of the registry entry (all data)Legal procedures, inheritances, nationality
MultilingualBasic summary (without full details)Simple procedures, DNI renewal
NegativeCertifies that the birth is not recordedExceptional cases

General requirements

  • Who can request it: the interested party (of legal age), parents, legal guardians, or third parties with notarised authorisation.
  • Required data:
    • Full name and surnames of the person born.
    • Date and municipality of birth.
    • Parents names (parentage).
    • Applicants DNI.
  • Official cost: free (extract) or €3-5 (literal) + shipping if applicable.

How to obtain a birth certificate

There are several options:

1. In person (by appointment)

  1. Book an appointment at sede.mjusticia.gob.es or call 060.
  2. Go to the Civil Registry or Justice of the Peace Court in the municipality of birth.
  3. Present your DNI and the birth details.
  4. Receive the certificate immediately or within a few days.

2. Online with an agency (recommended – 100% remote)

Use www.registrocivil.es, a professional agency that processes birth certificates from any Civil Registry or Justice of the Peace Court in Spain.

Steps:

  1. Enter the link -> Request a birth certificate
  2. Indicate municipality, certificate type, and birth details.
  3. Select extras (apostille, copies, priority).
  4. Pay online (€55 + extras).
  5. Receive the certificate by post.

Advantages:

  • No appointment, no Cl@ve, no travel.
  • Management of old births (since 1870).
  • Sending of the physical original by certified mail.
  • Personalised attention from an agent.

3. Official online application (Ministry of Justice)

  • Access the Electronic Headquarters of the Ministry of Justice: sede.mjusticia.gob.es.
  • Step by step:
    1. Identify yourself with Cl@ve, digital certificate, or electronic ID (not available without these).
    2. Selecciona "Certificado de Nacimiento" > "Inscrito es para mí" o "Tercero".
    3. Enter the birth details.
    4. Download the PDF with a secure verification code (valid for 3 months).
  • Limitations: only for literal certificates if the Civil Registry of the city is digitised. If not, it will redirect you to an in-person application.
  • Advantages: requesting the certificate is free.
  • Disadvantages: there is no tracking of the application and the application may not be processed correctly if it has errors or missing information.

International legalisation

If the certificate is for use abroad:

  • Hague Apostille: €25 extra (the agency processes it).
  • Valid in countries party to the Hague Convention.
  • Without apostille: consular legalisation (more complex).

Frequently asked questions

Can I request another person's birth certificate?
Yes, with notarised authorisation or if you are a direct ascendant/descendant.

Is an expired certificate valid?
It depends on the organisation. The official PDF is valid for 3 months; the physical one does not expire.

What to do if the birth is not registered?
Request late registration at the Civil Registry with a baptismal certificate or other documents.

Can I obtain it from abroad?
Yes, through the official online option or the agency.

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