Paperwork: What You Need to Get After Baby is Born in Madrid

After giving birth, getting your baby registered in Spain can feel like a challenge even if you speak Spanish and have a Spanish partner. If you're lost at where to start getting paperwork done, take a look at this short rundown:

Birth Registration: When a baby is born, the hospital issues a certificate, but the proper registration needs to be made in the Registro Civil. This is to obtain the proper birth certificate that is then requested to obtain other papers such as passport or DNI later in life. A DNI is the Documento Nacional de Identidad which translates to National Identity Document.

Certificado de Empadronamiento: Also, parents have to register their children in the local padrón municipal which is a municipal registry. If you've been living in Spain for any amount of time, you'll be somewhat familiar with this document and it's important to register your baby as living at your home as well. You'll need this document for other processes.

Bajas de Ma/Paternidad: The "bajas" are permissions to be absent from work, so "baja por maternidad" is the maternity leave which is also available for the father as "baja por paternidad". These are both paid leave provided by the state.

Seguridad Social (social security) has given a new name to this and now it is called "Nacimiento y cuidado del menor" (Birth and Care of a Minor). Starting this year, 2021, both mother and father are allowed an obligatory uninterrupted period of 6 weeks rest followed by 10 weeks that can be spread in weekly terms during the first year of the child.

There are also a few family allowances available:

• 100€ for single/young mother

• Birth of Multiples (twins, triplets, etc)

• Numerous family, for families with 3 or more children

At a glance:

• Registro Civil = Civil Registry

• DNI = Documento Nacional de Identidad --> National Identity Card

• Certificado de Empadronamiento = Municipal Registry Certificate

• Baja de Maternidad = Maternity Leave

• Baja de Paternidad = Paternity Leave

• Seguridad Social = Social Security

• Nacimiento y Cuidado del Menor = Birth and Care of a Minor

• Familia Numerosa = Numerous Family

If this all sounds like a lot to deal with on your own, there are some options out there to get this paperwork done for you or to get more information about it. Angela, from Relocation Angel Spain can help with the paperwork and help with any translation needed.

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Giving birth in Madrid or a new mom in Madrid? Looking for support on the wild ride called parenthood?

Look no further - book a free discovery call with me (Madison - doula in Madrid) today and let's chat about how together we can work to make your experience a positive one! And be sure to check out the Madoula homepage. If you're looking for doula support during your pregnancy, birth, or postpartum please be sure to contact me for a free consultation!

Giving birth is one of the most vulnerable moments in a person's life. There are many factors to consider at all times. The support of a doula from home to hospital adds an additional layer of support for both the birthing person and partner. Continuous care and individualized support both increase the likelihood of satisfaction with one's birth experience, regardless of the birth outcome.