Adoption in Spain 2026: Requirements, National and International Process

# Adoption in Spain 2026: Requirements, National and International Process

Adoption creates a full and irrevocable filiation bond between the adopted person and the adoptive parents, equivalent to natural filiation in all its effects (Art. 108 CC). It is regulated in Arts. 175-180 CC, reformed by Law 26/2015.

Requirements to adopt in Spain

• Minimum age: 25 years (at least one of the adoptive parents in the case of a couple)
• Age difference: at least 16 years older than the adopted person; máximum 45-year difference
• Suitability declaration: by the competent autonomous community's child protection services (interviews, psychosocial report, pre-adoptive training)
• The adopted person must be under 18 years of age

International adoption

Spain is party to the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, implemented by Law 54/2007. The process requires obtaining suitability in Spain, working through an accredited international adoption body (ECAI), and obtaining recognition of the foreign adoption decisión.

Lexiel helps family lawyers find Supreme Court case law on adoption suitability, international recognition and open adoption, and draft the voluntary jurisdiction documents.