Since Spain launched the "Property Investment Immigration", an increasing number of Chinese newborns are being born in Spain. However, many young couples who are first-time parents are unsure about the various procedures that need to be completed after the birth of their child. Below, I will briefly explain the procedures that need to be handled for newborns.
1. LIBRO DE FAMILIA - Family Book
In Spain, the libro de familia is equivalent to a family register, and it can only be issued for children born here. Additionally, it serves as proof of the familial relationships among all family members. The best time to apply for the libro de familia is within 24 hours to 8 days after the baby is born. If the registration is delayed, it can still be processed later, but the procedures will be much more complicated.
What materials are required for the application?
You need to register at the Civil Registry (REGISTRO CIVIL).
If the parents are not married, both must go to the Civil Registry in person, and the baby does not need to be present. The required materials include:
A signed birth certificate issued by the hospital, on yellow paper (Partemedico de alumbramiento);
Original and photocopy of both parents' residence permits;
Proof of both parents' passports.
If the parents are married, both spouses must also go to the Civil Registry together, and the baby does not need to be present. The required materials include:
A birth certificate issued by the hospital, on yellow paper (Parte medico dealumbramiento);
Original residence permits and passports of both parents;
Marriage certificate of the parents.
Where can the marriage certificate (certificado de matrimonio) be obtained?
If the marriage was registered at the Civil Registry in Spain, you can obtain a marriage certificate from the Civil Registry;
If the marriage was registered at the Chinese Embassy in Spain, it can be issued by the embassy;
If the marriage was registered in China, you can register it at the Civil Registry in Spain.
If neither parent has a residence permit, can they still apply for the libro de familia?
Yes, it is possible. This is different from applying for a residence permit for the newborn, which requires at least one parent to hold a residence permit.
2. PARTIDA DE NACIMIENTO - Birth Certificate
After obtaining the libro de familia, the birth certificate can be processed at the same Civil Registry (Registro Civil).
3. How to apply for a passport for the newborn?
Both parents must go to the Chinese Embassy in Spain with the child to apply in person, fill out the passport application form, and take a photo of the child. The required materials include:
Libro de familia (Family Book) and a photocopy;
Original and photocopy of both parents' residence permits;
Original and photocopy of both parents' passports;
Original and photocopy of the marriage certificate.
4. Registration of Residence
The newborn needs to register for a residence certificate. Go to the local relevant city government, and generally, an appointment is required. Bring the child, passport, birth certificate, or libro de familia, and fill out a newborn residence registration form (alta de recien nacido en el Padron). After registration, you can ask the staff to print a residence certificate (CERTIFICADO DE EMPADRONAMIENTO).
5. Application for Newborn Residence Permit in Spain
According to Spanish foreign law, if at least one parent holds a valid residence permit in Spain, they can apply for a residence permit for the newborn, and the application must be submitted before the child turns one year old. The residence permit for newborns is generally approved on the spot.
After making an online appointment, the required materials include:
Original and full photocopy of the child's passport;
Libro de familia (Family Book) and birth certificate;
Full family residence certificate;
Original and full photocopy of the dependent's residence permit and passport;
Application form and TASA.
On the day of submitting the materials, the child does not need to be present, but the dependent must be there.
6. Health Card
With the residence permit and residence certificate, you need to go to the nearest centro de salud (health center) to apply. The required materials include:
Obtain a certificado de inclusion de beneficiario from the INSS social security office. To process this document, the dependent must bring the libro de familia (Family Book) or birth certificate and residence permit, and an appointment is generally required;
Libro de familia (Family Book);
Dependent's residence permit and the baby's residence permit.
A significant advantage for newborns born in Spain is that after obtaining a residence permit for one year, their parents can apply for Spanish citizenship on their behalf. According to Spanish immigration law, Chinese individuals not born in Spain must legally reside for 10 years before they can apply for citizenship.
