Spanish Civil Registry

The Civil Registry is a key institution in Spain responsible for managing and processing certain civil acts that cannot be registered in local civil registries. This body, under the Ministry of Justice, is responsible for recording acts and events related to the civil status of individuals that, due to their nature or circumstances, cannot be managed at a specific local registry.

The Civil Registry is responsible for recording births, marriages, and deaths that occur outside Spanish territory, as well as other special cases that cannot be registered in local civil registries. It also handles procedures for Spanish citizens residing abroad, among other functions.

It was created to manage those acts that go beyond the territorial jurisdiction of ordinary civil registries, thus facilitating the centralisation of information and streamlining certain procedures. Its main office is in Madrid, and it is directly linked to the Ministry of Justice.

What are the functions of the Civil Registry?

The Civil Registry performs various essential functions for administering the civil status of citizens. Some of its main duties include:

1. Registration of births, marriages, and deaths occurring abroad: Spanish citizens born, married, or deceased outside Spain must register with the Civil Registry for these acts to be legally valid in the country.
2. Registration of civil acts related to foreigners: For foreigners who obtain Spanish nationality or have legal ties with the country, the Civil Registry is responsible for recording these changes.
3. Issuance of certificates and attestations: The Civil Registry issues certificates of registered acts, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as nationality certificates and other documents related to civil status.
4. Nationality processing: One of the most common procedures is the registration of Spanish nationality for individuals who have acquired it outside Spain or who, due to their status, need to manage their nationality through this institution.
5. Recognition of foreign judgments: The Civil Registry is also responsible for recognising foreign court judgments that affect the civil status of citizens, such as divorces or annulments of marriage.

What Procedures Can Be Conducted at the Central Civil Registry?

There are several procedures managed exclusively through the Civil Registry. Some of the most important include:

1. Birth Certificate

The births of Spaniards abroad must be registered with the Civil Registry. To obtain the Birth Certificate, you can apply in person or through the website registrocivil.es by filling out the following form (Click to view form). This certificate is necessary for a wide variety of legal procedures, such as applying for an ID card or passport.

2. Marriage Certificate

Marriages conducted outside Spain involving at least one Spanish citizen must also be registered. The Marriage Certificate is requested similarly to the birth certificate and is essential for processing legal matters, such as registering children or changing marital status in Spain. You can apply for the marriage certificate through the website registrocivil.es by filling out the following form (Click to view form)

3. Death Certificate

In the event of the death of a Spanish citizen abroad, this fact must be registered with the Civil Registry. The Death Certificate is a vital document for managing inheritance, pensions, and other matters related to the person's death. You can request the death certificate through the website registrocivil.es by filling out the following form (Click to view form)

4. Nationality Certificates

The Civil Registry also manages applications for Spanish nationality by individuals who acquire it abroad. Once nationality is granted, the corresponding certificate is issued.

5. Corrections and Late Registrations

The Civil Registry can correct errors in registrations and perform late registrations for events that were not recorded at the time.

How to Request a Certificate from the Civil Registry?

There are various ways to request a certificate from the Civil Registry, depending on the type of procedure you need to carry out:

Online Request

You can request the issuance of certificates through the web portal of Registrocivil.es. This method is quick and straightforward and allows you to receive the certificate by postal or electronic mail.

Steps to make an online application:

1. Access the registrocivil.es portal (www.registrocivil.es).
2. Select the type of certificate you need (birth, marriage, death, etc.).
3. Fill out the form with the required information.
4. Select the delivery mode.
5. Confirm the application and wait for the certificate delivery.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The delivery time for Civil Registry certificates varies depending on the type of request and the method you use to make it:

• In-person: In general, certificates requested in person can be delivered on the same day or within a few days, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
• Internet and Mail: Applications via the Internet or postal mail can take between 1 and 2 weeks, although this period may be extended during high-demand periods.

Conclusion

The Civil Registry is an essential institution in Spain that manages registrations and procedures related to the civil status of Spanish citizens and foreigners when events occur outside national territory. From registering births, marriages, and deaths abroad to managing nationality and issuing certificates, this body plays a crucial role in the civil administration of those with ties abroad. Its procedures can be conducted both in person and online, facilitating access for citizens from anywhere in the world.

If you need to carry out any procedure related to the Civil Registry, it is essential to have the appropriate documentation and follow the steps indicated to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.