Getting a fishing licence in Spain is genuinely easy once you understand how the system works — but for foreign residents that first step is the hard part, because the rules are split between the national government and each region, and the official websites are all in Spanish. This guide walks British and other expat anglers through exactly what you need, what it costs and how to apply, with specific notes for Andalusia, Murcia and the Costa Blanca (Valencia). (We use the British spelling "licence"; you will also see "license".)
The two licence systems in Spain
Spain has two completely separate fishing-licence systems. Choosing the right one is the single most important thing to get right:
- Sea / saltwater fishing (pesca marítima de recreo) — for fishing from the shore, rocks, a pier or a boat, and for spearfishing. The licence is issued by your autonomous community, is usually free, and is valid along the whole Spanish coast. Since March 2026 sea anglers must also report catches through the PescaREC app.
- Inland / freshwater fishing (pesca continental or fluvial) — for rivers, reservoirs and lakes. This is run entirely by each region, so the price, the rules and where you apply all depend on the region, and the licence is generally only valid in that region.
Get the licence that matches where you fish. An inland licence does not cover the sea, and a sea licence does not cover rivers. If you do both, you need both.
Who needs a licence (and who is exempt)
- Adults: anyone aged 14 or over needs their own licence to fish inland.
- Children under 14: can usually fish accompanied by an adult who holds a valid licence, without needing their own; some regions issue a free junior licence anyway.
- Over-65s and under-14s: the licence is free or reduced in many regions — for example, it is free for both groups in the Comunidad Valenciana.
- Spearfishing (pesca submarina): minimum age 16, plus compulsory civil-liability insurance and a medical fitness certificate.
- Sea fishing from shore or boat: a minimum age of 16 applies in some regions (such as Murcia).
How much does a fishing licence cost in Spain?
| Region | Inland licence | Sea licence | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andalusia | ~€10–€15 | Free | 1–5 years |
| Murcia | ~€10–€22 (T130 fee) | Usually free* | Up to several years |
| Costa Blanca / Valencia | ~€10–€30 (model 046) | Free | 1–3 years |
Prices are approximate and almost always cheaper, or free, for over-65s and under-14s. *In Murcia the sea licence is low-cost or free depending on the modality, but spearfishing requires civil-liability insurance.
How to apply for your licence
You usually have three options:
- Online — through your region's electronic office (sede electrónica). This is the fastest route, and the inland licence is often issued almost instantly once you have paid the fee. You will normally need a Cl@ve or a digital certificate to identify yourself; if you don't have one, it is free to obtain and useful for many other procedures.
- In person — at a regional government office (in Valencia, the PROP citizen-service offices in each provincial capital). Bring your NIE or passport, a copy, and the paid-fee receipt.
- Through a tackle shop or fishing club — many shops and local angling societies will do the whole thing for you for a small charge. This is the easiest option if your Spanish is limited.
A separate federation card (licencia federativa, around €30–€50 a year) is optional. It is not the same as the official licence, but it includes civil-liability and accident insurance and gives access to clubs and competitions.
Region by region
Andalusia (Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz, Almería)
Inland licences are issued by the Junta de Andalucía, online via its sede electrónica with Cl@ve, for roughly €10–€15 and valid for 1 to 5 years (cheaper for minors and over-65s). The sea licence is free and processed through the national platform. Watch out for octopus closed seasons and the special permits required for bluefin tuna. Full details in our Spanish guide: Licencia de pesca en Andalucía 2026.
Murcia (Costa Cálida, Mar Menor)
The inland licence is processed through the CARM electronic office with the T130 fee (about €10–€22) and is valid only within the Region of Murcia — note that Murcia is not part of the inter-regional inland licence scheme. The sea licence covers fishing from the shore, a boat or spearfishing, with a minimum age of 16, compulsory civil-liability insurance, and daylight-only fishing; it is valid along the entire Spanish coast. More in our Spanish guide: Licencia de pesca en Murcia 2026.
Costa Blanca and the rest of Valencia (Alicante, Valencia, Castellón)
The Costa Blanca is part of the Comunidad Valenciana. Inland licences are issued by the Generalitat Valenciana online (paying the "model 046" fee), cost roughly €10–€30 and are valid for 1 to 3 years — and they are free for under-14s and over-65s. There are separate licence options for inland, sea and spearfishing. A typical daily sea quota is around 5 kg per angler. Full details: Licencia de pesca Comunidad Valenciana 2026.
Don't forget: sea anglers must now use PescaREC
Since 20 March 2026, anyone fishing recreationally at sea in Spain must record their catches in the official PescaREC app, on top of holding the marine recreational licence. It is free and quick, but it is compulsory. We explain it fully in PescaREC explained: Spain's new sea-fishing law for expats.
Fishing licences in Spain: frequently asked questions
Can I fish in the sea with an inland licence?
No. The inland (freshwater) licence only covers rivers and reservoirs in the region that issued it. For the sea you need a marine recreational licence, which is separate and usually free.
Does my licence work in other regions of Spain?
The sea licence is valid along the whole Spanish coast. An inland licence is generally valid only in the region that issued it; to fish rivers in another region you usually need that region's own licence.
I'm over 65 — do I have to pay?
In many regions the licence is free or reduced for over-65s. In the Comunidad Valenciana, for example, it is free for both over-65s and under-14s. Always check the rules of your specific region.
Do I need insurance to fish in Spain?
For shore and inland fishing, insurance is not generally compulsory, though it is recommended. For spearfishing, civil-liability insurance is mandatory. A federation card is an easy way to be covered.
Can I do the paperwork in English?
The official portals are in Spanish. If your Spanish is limited, many tackle shops and local fishing clubs will process the licence for you for a small fee, which is the simplest route for most newcomers.
How long does it take to get the licence?
Applied for online, the inland licence is usually issued almost immediately once the fee is paid, so you can often print it and fish the same day.
