FAQs

Frequently asked questions about services offered

In this section you can find the frequently asked questions from registrocivil.es (FAQ) along with their answers based on our clients' experiences. If you have any doubts or questions not included here, please remember you can use our contact section.

What is the Civil Registry and what is its main function?

The Civil Registry is a public institution that depends on the Ministry of Justice. Its main function is to register the facts and acts that affect the civil status of individuals, such as births, marriages, deaths, among others.

Where is the nearest Civil Registry to my home?

The nearest Civil Registry is generally located in the town or municipality where you reside. You can check its exact location on the Ministry of Justice website or on your local council's website.

What are the opening hours of the Civil Registry?

The hours may vary depending on the location, but generally the Civil Registry is open Monday to Friday during the morning. It is advisable to check the specific hours on the relevant Civil Registry website.

What documentation do I need to register the birth of a child?

1) Medical birth certificate.

2) Identity document of the parents.

3) Family book (if you have one).

How long do I have to register a birth at the Civil Registry?

The birth must be registered within a maximum of 8 days from the birth, although in justified cases this period can be extended up to 30 days.

How can I register a civil marriage at the Civil Registry?

1) Request the opening of a marriage file at the Civil Registry, presenting ID, birth certificate, registration certificate, and sworn statement of civil status.

2) Celebrate the marriage once the file has been approved.

3) Register the marriage at the Civil Registry with the marriage certificate.

What documents are required to register a religious marriage?

1) Certificate of the marriage celebration issued by the competent religious authority.

2) Identity documents of the contracting parties.

3) Family book (if you have one).

How is a death registered at the Civil Registry?

1) Medical death certificate.

2) ID of the deceased.

3) Family book (if you have one).

What is the Family Book and how is it obtained?

The Family Book is an official document issued by the Civil Registry that records the most important civil events of a family, such as births, marriages, and deaths. It is obtained by registering the first civil event, such as the marriage or the birth of the first child.

How can I change a person's name or surname?

1) Submit an application at the Civil Registry, justifying the legitimate cause.

2) Provide the documentation justifying the change.

3) In some cases, publish the change in the Official State Bulletin (BOE).

4) Wait for the resolution from the Ministry of Justice.

How are certificates obtained from the Civil Registry?

1) Request through this website using the links for: application for a birth certificate, application for a marriage certificate or application for a death certificate.

2) Request in person at the Civil Registry using the links on this portal.

3) Request online via the Ministry of Justice website.

What is the Central Civil Registry and what is its function?

The Central Civil Registry is a special office that registers events that cannot be registered in local registries, such as births, marriages, or deaths of Spaniards abroad, and also coordinates local registries.

How can Spanish nationality be requested?

1) Residence: With a legal and continuous period of residence in Spain.

2) Marriage: Being married to a Spanish citizen and legally residing in Spain.

3) Option: For children of Spanish parents born outside Spain. The procedure includes submitting an application, providing supporting documents, and, in some cases, attending an interview.

How is a divorce or separation registered?

1) Divorce or separation ruling issued by the court.

2) Identity documents of the ex-spouses.

3) Family book.

What is a certificate of life and status and how is it obtained?

The certificate of life and status is a document that certifies that a person is alive and their civil status. It is obtained by presenting ID at the Civil Registry.

How can an error in the Civil Registry be corrected?

To correct an error, an application for rectification must be submitted to the corresponding Civil Registry, providing documentation justifying the error and its correction.

What is adoption and how is it registered in the Civil Registry?

Adoption is a legal process by which a person assumes the parenthood of a minor. Once the adoption is granted by the judge, it is registered in the Civil Registry by presenting the court resolution and the ID of the adoptive parents.

How can a certificate of singleness be obtained?

The certificate of singleness is requested at the Civil Registry by presenting ID and a sworn declaration of civil status.

Is it possible to register a birth that occurred abroad?

Yes, the births of Spaniards that occurred abroad can be registered at the Central Civil Registry or at the Spanish consulate in the country of birth.

What is a declaration of absence and how is it registered?

The declaration of absence is a court resolution that recognises the absence of a person. It is registered at the Civil Registry by presenting the corresponding court resolution.

How is the recognition of a child registered?

The recognition of a child is registered by presenting a declaration of recognition at the Civil Registry, accompanied by the ID of the declarant and the child's birth certificate.

What is emancipation and how is it registered?

Emancipation is the process by which a minor acquires full legal capacity. It is registered by presenting the court ruling or the notarial deed that grants emancipation.

What is parental authority and how is its modification registered?

Parental authority is the set of rights and duties of parents over their minor children. Modifications, such as deprivation or suspension, are registered by presenting the corresponding court ruling.

How is a foreign court ruling registered in the Spanish Civil Registry?

To register a foreign court ruling, the ruling must be duly legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish, along with an application at the Civil Registry.

How can an appointment be requested at the Civil Registry?

Appointments can be requested on the Ministry of Justice website, where the type of procedure is selected and the available date and time are chosen.