Since the introduction of Spain's 500,000 Euro real estate investment immigration policy, it has attracted many wealthy individuals from China to immigrate to Spain. Consequently, an increasing number of newborn babies of Chinese nationality are being born in Spain. However, many young, first-time parents are often at a loss regarding the various procedures that must be completed after their child is born. Below is a brief explanation of the essential procedures required for your newborn.
After a child is born, the hospital will provide a yellow birth certificate. This document is crucial and is essential for future procedures such as obtaining the family record book (Libro de Familia) and residency permits.
1. LIBRO DE FAMILIA (Family Record Book)
For any child born in Spain, regardless of whether the parents hold a residency permit or citizenship, they can be registered in the LIBRO DE FAMILIA.
- Timeline:
Within 30 days of the child's birth.
- Location:
The local Civil Registry (REGISTRO CIVIL).
- Required documents:
The birth certificate issued by the hospital. If the parents are married, a marriage registration certificate is required. It can be processed by either one of the parents. If the parents are not registered as married and are living together as a de facto couple, both parents must appear in person to register the newborn.
2. PARTIDA DE NACIMIENTO (Birth Certificate)
Once you have the LIBRO DE FAMILIA, you can apply for the child's birth certificate (PARTIDA DE NACIMIENTO) at the same Civil Registry (REGISTRO CIVIL). This document is equivalent to a notarized birth certificate issued in China.
3. Passport
With the LIBRO DE FAMILIA, you can apply for a passport for your child at the Embassy of China in Madrid or the Consulate General in Barcelona. Both parents must bring the infant in person to the consular section. Required documents: the parents' passports, residency cards, and the LIBRO DE FAMILIA. Forms will be filled out on-site, and the infant will be photographed there.
For compatriots living on the islands, one parent can take the child to the consular section. However, you must first download the "Statement of Consent for Newborn Passport Application" from the Embassy's website. The parent who cannot be present in person must sign it, and the other parent must bring the original documents (passport, residency card) of the absent parent to the consular section. For those in other regions, both parents must accompany the infant to the consular section.
4. Applying for Residency
Once you have the passport, you can begin the process of applying for a residency permit. The prerequisite is that at least one parent must hold legal residency in Spain. The residency permit for a newborn is generally approved on the spot.
- Timeline:
Within one year after birth.
- Required documents:
First, you must schedule an appointment (cita). You will then need to bring the residency permit of the sponsoring parent, the child's passport, the LIBRO DE FAMILIA, the birth certificate (PARTIDA DE NACIMIENTO), and the family residence registration (empadronamiento).
5. Applying for Citizenship
A child born in Spain may apply for Spanish citizenship through their parents one year after obtaining their residency permit. In comparison, Chinese citizens not born in Spain typically need to reside legally in the country for 10 years before they are eligible to apply for naturalization.