Few life events are bureaucracy-free and the birth of a child is certainly no exception. Therefore, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the steps you’ll need to take to complete the registration process before they arrive.
We’ll outline what needs to be done, the documentation required and how to manage it all efficiently, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
Birth registration at the Civil Registry
The birth registration is the official record that documents your baby’s birth, including details such as the date, time and place of birth, as well as the child's identity, sex, and, where applicable, parentage.
Although birth has civil effects from the moment it occurs, full recognition requires registration in the Civil Registry. Typically, the parents are responsible for completing this registration, which can be done either in person at the Civil Registry corresponding to the place of birth (within 10 days) or electronically from the healthcare centre (in which case, the deadline is 72 hours).
Regarding the documentation required, in addition to the parents' ID, you will need the birth certificate – the "yellow sheet" that contains all the medical details of the birth, signed by the medical staff who assisted with the delivery. If you are married, you will also need to provide supporting documentation.
For unmarried couples, both parents must be present to complete this procedure. However, in the case of married couples, only one party can act on behalf of both.
These procedures are always free of charge, unless you choose to hire the services of a consultancy.
How to apply for a birth certificate?
While it's not a mandatory procedure, you'll likely need to request your child's birth certificate at some point. This document, issued by the Civil Registry, certifies the birth with all the relevant details.
The application can be made in person or by regular mail, always at the Civil Registry where the birth was registered. Alternatively, you can obtain a birth certificate online through the official link.
As for the necessary documentation, all you need is the applicant's ID number and the identification (name, surname, date and place of birth, among other details) of the person for whom the certificate is being requested.
The "literal" birth certificate
If you need a document that includes all the information recorded in the Civil Registry, you will require a "literal" birth certificate, which provides more detailed information. For instance, a literal birth certificate is necessary for obtaining a National Identity Document (DNI) for the baby (first registration).
To apply for it, you can follow the same process as for obtaining a standard birth certificate. The easiest method is to do this online, provided you have an identification system approved by Cl@ve.
Once you've identified yourself, you'll need to fill in specific details about the child, including their full name, date of birth and information related to their Civil Registry registration (such as volume, page and the office where they were registered).
Registering a baby with Social Security
Registering a newborn with Social Security is another essential procedure. Any insured person can register their children as beneficiaries. The easiest way to do this is by registering the newborn online.
To complete the registration, you just need a valid digital identification method and access to Your Social Security (TUSS) portal (only available in Spanish). Once logged in to your personalised portal, you will see the option to register a Social Security beneficiary. Simply follow the steps provided to complete the process.
If you register your baby within the first three months of their life, you won’t need to provide any documentation, as the Civil Registry will automatically notify Social Security of the birth. If this time passes, you will need to provide a valid birth certificate.
Alternatively, you can register your child with Social Security in person at a Social Security Information and Assistance Centre (CAISS), by appointment or by regular mail to the Provincial Office of the INSS or the relevant Social Institute of the Navy (ISM).
Whichever method you choose, you will receive a health card for your newborn, making them a beneficiary of the healthcare service.
How to register a newborn baby?
The registration process for a newborn depends on the town or city you live in. In some cases, the Civil Registry will automatically forward this information to your local council, so registration will be done for you and you won’t need to take any further action.
In other cases, you will need to contact your local council and submit certain documentation. The easiest way to find out what’s required is to get in touch with your local council's information department and enquire about the process for registering a newborn in that particular town or city.
What papers do I need when my baby is born?
When preparing the documentation to take to the hospital before your baby's birth, it’s important to remember to include your ID, and if applicable, that of the other parent, as well as your health card.
From a medical perspective, you should also bring all documentation related to your pregnancy follow-up, including your pregnancy record, test results, ultrasound scans and check-up reports. If you wish, you can also include your birth plan.