How long do I have to register a birth in Spain?

You have 72 hours (3 days) to register the birth at the Registro Civil. The hospital will give you the medical certificate required for registration.

Do I need to register my baby's birth in both Spain and the UK?

Yes. Register first in Spain (within 72 hours) to get the Spanish birth certificate. Then register with the UK consulate to get a British birth certificate and apply for a British passport.

Will my baby be Spanish if born in Tenerife?

Not automatically. Spain doesn't have birthright citizenship. Your baby inherits citizenship from parents. However, if your child lives in Spain for 10 years, they can apply for Spanish nationality.

Register Birth in Tenerife: Spanish + UK Birth Certificate

Welcoming a new baby is exciting, but it also comes with important administrative tasks. If your child is born in Tenerife, you must register the birth with Spanish authorities first, and then with UK authorities. This guide explains the dual registration process.

Step 1: Spanish Birth Registration (Within 72 Hours!)

Spanish law requires you to register the birth at the Registro Civil (Civil Registry) within 72 hours. The hospital will provide a medical certificate of birth that you must take to the registry. You'll need both parents' passports and TIE/NIE cards, the hospital's medical certificate, parents' Padrón certificates, and parents' birth certificates (official translations if not in Spanish). If the parents are married, bring the marriage certificate. The Registro Civil is typically at the local courthouse or Ayuntamiento.

Choosing Your Baby's Name

Spain has rules about names. You cannot use surnames as first names or names that could cause confusion or ridicule. If you choose a non-Spanish name, be prepared to explain it. The registrar may request confirmation it's a legitimate name in your culture.

What You'll Receive

After registration, you'll receive the Certificado de Nacimiento (Spanish birth certificate) and Libro de Familia (family book) if it's your first child in Spain. You'll need these documents for everything related to your child in Spain, including healthcare registration (you'll continue with midwife services post-birth), applying for a Spanish ID number, enrolling in school, and applying for benefits.

Step 2: UK Birth Registration

Once you have the Spanish birth certificate, register with the UK to ensure your child has British citizenship and can get a UK passport. Contact the British Consulate in Spain to register the birth and apply for a passport. You'll need the Spanish birth certificate (with official translation), parents' British passports and birth certificates, and proof of parents' British citizenship. This process can take several weeks.

Passport and Travel Documents

Your baby will need a passport to travel. You can apply for a Spanish passport (if eligible) through the Spanish authorities or a British passport through the UK consulate (via passport services). Get this sorted well before any planned travel.

How We Help New Parents

This is a stressful time with a new baby. We provide appointment booking at Registro Civil (urgent, given 72-hour deadline!), accompany you to the registry as interpreter, ensure all documents are in order, translate your baby's name choices if needed, help with UK consulate registration, and coordinate with Ayuntamiento and other offices. We want you to focus on your new arrival, not paperwork stress.

Registering a Birth in Tenerife: Guide for British Parents