15.04.2025 
Childbirth in Spain: How to Solve the Main Problems and Obtain All the Necessary Information
1. Introduction
Childbirth in Spain has been attracting women from all over the world for several years. The reasons are clear: a high standard of healthcare, safety, comfort, and the opportunity to obtain a residence permit under certain conditions.At the same time, many face common questions and doubts: how much childbirth costs, which documents are needed, how to obtain medical insurance, and whether it is possible to secure citizenship for the child, among others.
2. Main Problems for Prospective Parents
1. High Cost of Childbirth Abroad
Many believe that giving birth in another country is always too expensive. A large part of the expenses is not only for medical services but also for accommodation and transportation.
2. Lack of Information About the Documents
Pregnant women or families often do not know which documents they need to arrange for staying in Spain, how to obtain a residence permit, and what to do about medical insurance.
3. Language and Bureaucratic Barriers
Spain primarily uses Spanish; those who speak only Russian or English may encounter difficulties in clinics. In addition, questions arise about how to register quickly, where to obtain certificates, and how to communicate with public institutions.
4. Fear of Giving Birth Far from Home
The lack of support from loved ones, an unfamiliar environment, and unknown formats of medical care create stress for prospective parents. Moreover, there is always the concern of whether to trust a clinic abroad and what quality guarantees exist.
5. Citizenship Issues
One of the key advantages of giving birth in Spain is the possibility for the child to obtain citizenship or, at least, secure a residence permit at birth. However, parents often do not know exactly how this works, the timeframe for processing the child’s status, and what rights the child will have.
3. Options for Solving Financial Issues
1. Average Price Range
In Spain, the cost of a natural childbirth starts at approximately 2500–3000 euros and can reach up to 5000 euros. A caesarean section is more expensive, averaging between 6000 and 8000 euros. The final amount depends on the clinic (private or public), the city, and whether additional services (upgraded room, anesthesia, accommodation for relatives, etc.) are included.
2. Medical Insurance
To avoid paying thousands of euros for childbirth and hospitalization, women planning to have a baby in Spain often opt for private insurance. This medical insurance can cost from 800 euros per year and covers a significant part of the expenses related to prenatal care, tests, hospital stay, and the childbirth process.
– Advantages of the insurance:
- Significant savings on medical services.
- The possibility to choose the doctor and clinic in advance (provided the clinic collaborates with the insurer).
- Peace of mind in case of unforeseen situations that require urgent hospitalization.
3. Free Childbirth in Public Clinics
Foreign women who legally reside in Spain (for example, those holding a residence permit) can access public healthcare services, including childbirth in public hospitals. However, without the proper legal status or insurance, access to public healthcare may be limited to emergency cases.
4. Required Documents and Legal Stay
1. Entry with a Tourist Visa
If a pregnant woman arrives in Spain close to her due date with a short-term visa, the cost of medical services in a private clinic falls on her (if she does not have private insurance). In addition, her stay in the country is limited to 90 days within a six-month period.
2. Obtaining a Residence Permit
One way to reside legally and long-term in Spain is to obtain a residence permit. There are several types of permits, for example:
- Family Reunification(if there are already relatives in Spain with legal status).
- For investors who invest at least 500,000 euros in real estate or make other investments.
- For financially independent individuals who have sufficient income without the right to work in Spain.
- For remote workers (digital nomads), if the income comes from outside Spain.
3. Documents for the Child
– Birth certificate: issued at the local civil registry (Registro Civil).
– Subsequent status: if the parents have a valid residence permit at the time of the child’s birth, a simplified procedure can be applied for the child’s documentation. After one year, the child may be eligible for citizenship, provided the family legally resides in Spain.
5. Choosing a Clinic (Medical Facility)
1. Private Clinics
– More flexible, individualized care.
– The possibility to choose the doctor and method of anesthesia (e.g., epidural) in advance.
– A high level of comfort in the rooms and additional services.
2. Public Clinics
– Free or nearly free service if eligible for public healthcare (for example, if holding a residence permit and registered in the healthcare system).
– Qualified staff and modern treatment protocols.
– A larger number of patients, which may mean less individualized attention.
3. Selection Criteria
– The reputation and experience of the staff.
– Availability of modern equipment, including neonatal intensive care units.
– Convenient location (especially if a prolonged stay in the city is anticipated).
6. Language Barrier and Organizational Aspects
1. Adapting to the Spanish Environment
Approximately 85–90 percent of the medical personnel in Spain communicate mainly in Spanish. In private clinics, it is more common to find doctors who speak English, and sometimes an interpreter is provided. If you do not speak Spanish, it is advisable to arrange for an interpreter in advance.
2. On-site Documentation
– Contract with the clinic: for private childbirth, it is advisable to sign it in advance, discussing all conditions, types of rooms, and anesthesia methods.
– Pre-registration in a public clinic: if you have access to public healthcare, registration and obtaining an exchange card from the local doctor are necessary.
3. Advance Relocation
It is optimal to arrive in Spain by the end of the second trimester to allow sufficient time to register, choose a clinic, and adjust to the new climate. Occasionally, airlines impose restrictions on flights for pregnant women after 34–36 weeks.
7. Childbirth and the Postpartum Period in Spain
1. Preparation for Childbirth
Most clinics offer special courses for prospective parents. These courses teach breathing techniques, aspects of breastfeeding, and newborn care.
2. The Childbirth Process
– Natural childbirth in Spain is considered the preferred method, unless there are medical contraindications.
– Caesarean sections are performed either on medical indication or at the mother’s request (in some private clinics).
– The presence of a partner or relative during childbirth is usually permitted and even encouraged.
3. Postpartum Care
– The mother and baby often stay in the same room.
– If there are no complications, discharge can occur 2–3 days after a natural childbirth or 4–5 days after a caesarean section.
– Maternity leave for residents in Spain is 16 weeks, with the first 6 weeks being mandatory for the mother.
8. Citizenship and Future Prospects
1. How to Obtain Citizenship for the Child
If at least one parent has resided in Spain for one year with a residence permit and the child holds that status, after one year the child may be eligible for citizenship, provided the family legally resides in the country.
2. Advantages of Citizenship
– The right to live and work in any country in the European Union without additional permits.
– The possibility to travel freely throughout Europe and enter other countries without a visa or via simplified procedures (such as the USA, Canada, etc.).
– Social benefits and guarantees, including public healthcare and educational programs.
3. Permanent Residence
If the parents do not wish or are unable to renounce their original citizenship, the child can retain permanent residence and have almost the same rights as Spanish citizens, except for the right to vote and hold certain public offices.
9. How to Minimize Stress and Risks
1. Budget Planning
– Calculate in advance the total expenses (flight, accommodation, clinic, medical insurance, interpreter), including a reserve fund in case of complications or an extended stay.
– If necessary, consider investment programs or other ways to legally obtain a residence permit that allows access to public healthcare.
2. Choosing a Reliable Intermediary
– Some agencies specialize in assisting with childbirth abroad, taking care of documentation and facilitating communication with clinics.
– If opting for independent preparation, it is essential to gather as much information as possible about the city, the healthcare system, and the available services.
3. Early Consultation with a Lawyer
– If the goal is not only childbirth but also obtaining a residence permit or citizenship for the child, consulting a lawyer specialized in Spanish law can help avoid delays and errors in document processing.
10. Conclusion
Childbirth in Spain offers prospective parents and their children a wide range of opportunities: from high-quality healthcare to the potential of obtaining citizenship. However, for a successful outcome, it is essential to prepare meticulously and consider several key factors: arranging the documents, planning expenses or medical insurance, choosing the right clinic, and clarifying legal status and duration of stay in the country. If everything is done correctly, childbirth in Spain will not only be safe and comfortable but will also open new prospects for the entire family.
In conclusion, a well-planned childbirth in Spain can be the optimal solution for those who value high-quality healthcare, wish to obtain a residence permit, and, in the future, provide the child with the option of staying in Europe or returning to their home country. The key is to thoroughly research all the details in advance and plan the process to avoid unexpected obstacles while enjoying the benefits that this country offers.
