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Guide: Paperwork & IDs

Newborn Paperwork in Spain for Expats: Registration, Healthcare, and Benefits

Expats' 2026 guide to newborn paperwork in Spain: birth registration, healthcare, and benefits. Essential steps, timelines, and document checklists for new parents.

Updated February 12, 2026
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Spain can offer a calmer and more sustainable daily life, but relocation decisions get expensive when this stage is handled late. This guide covers Newborn Paperwork in Spain for Expats: Registration, Healthcare, and Benefits so new parents can complete critical registrations in the first weeks after birth.

Last reviewed on February 12, 2026. Requirements and timelines can change by province, office, and consulate. Confirm current rules with official sources before filing or paying fees.

Clear promise

You will leave this guide with a practical execution plan, a document checklist, and a realistic timeline to navigate newborn paperwork in Spain.

Quick reality check

This path is usually a good fit if:

  • You are familiar with Spanish administrative processes or have local support.
  • You prioritize timely registration to ensure your child's legal status and access to services.

This path is harder if:

  • You delay essential registrations, which can complicate access to healthcare or benefits.
  • You do not gather required documents or translations in advance.

Decision questions to answer first

  • What are the immediate registration deadlines after birth?
  • How does my residency status affect my child's paperwork?
  • What documents are needed for healthcare enrollment?

Step-by-step main guidance

1. Register the birth at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil)

This is the first and most critical step. The birth must be registered within a specific timeframe (usually 24-72 hours, up to 10 days in some cases) at the local Registro Civil corresponding to the place of birth. You will receive the official birth certificate (Certificado Literal de Nacimiento).

2. Obtain the "Libro de Familia"

If you are married and at least one parent is Spanish or has permanent residency, you might be issued a Libro de Familia (Family Book). This document centralizes family records, including births, marriages, and deaths.

3. Register the newborn at the local Town Hall (Empadronamiento)

Once you have the birth certificate, register your newborn at your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) to include them on the padrón (municipal register). This is essential for accessing public services like healthcare and schools.

4. Apply for the child's Social Security number and SIP card

With the empadronamiento and birth certificate, you can apply for a Social Security number (Número de Afiliación a la Seguridad Social) for your child. Subsequently, you can register them with the public health system to obtain their SIP card (Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual), granting access to public healthcare.

5. Update residency documents (TIE) or apply for a TIE

If you are a non-EU citizen with a TIE (Foreigner's Identity Card), you must inform the immigration authorities of the birth. Your child may need to be added to your TIE or apply for their own, depending on your residency type and their nationality. This usually has a 30-day deadline from the date of birth or birth certificate issuance.

6. Explore available family benefits

Research and apply for any applicable family benefits, such as maternity/paternity leave, child allowances, or specific regional aid. Requirements vary by region and individual circumstances.

Costs, timing, and required documents

Use these ranges for planning, not guarantees:

  • Birth Registration: Free. Must be done within 10 days of birth (ideally 24-72 hours).
  • Empadronamiento: Free. As soon as birth certificate is available.
  • Social Security & SIP Card: Free. After birth registration and empadronamiento.
  • TIE update/application: Fees apply (Modelo 790 code 012). Within 30 days of birth or birth certificate.

Core documents to prepare:

  • Hospital birth report (Parte facultativo de alumbramiento).
  • Parents' DNI/NIE/TIE and passports.
  • Marriage certificate (translated and apostilled/legalized if foreign).
  • Empadronamiento certificate for parents.
  • Application forms for Social Security, SIP card, and TIE.
  • Photos for TIE (if applicable).

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Delaying birth registration: Missing the initial window can lead to more complex procedures. Register within the first few days.
  • Not gathering documents in advance: Ensure all parents' IDs, marriage certificates, and their translations are ready before the birth.
  • Assuming automatic healthcare enrollment: Actively apply for the Social Security number and SIP card after civil registration and empadronamiento.
  • Forgetting to update residency documents: Non-EU parents must update their TIE or apply for their child's TIE within the stipulated timeframe.

Final action plan: what to do this week

  1. Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of your local Registro Civil.
  2. Gather all necessary parents' documents, including IDs, marriage certificates, and any required translations.
  3. Identify the locations and opening hours for your local Registro Civil and Town Hall (Ayuntamiento).
  4. Research any specific regional family benefits that may apply to your situation.

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