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Expat life planning · Spain

Do I Need a Fishing Licence in Spain? A Practical Guide for Expats

  • Official sources checked
  • Written by
  • Practical guidance

Published 18 August 2026

Fishing from the shore or a boat can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend time in Spain, but you normally need a valid recreational fishing licence before you begin.

The type of licence you need depends on where and how you intend to fish. Shore fishing, boat fishing, trolling and underwater fishing are treated differently.

There are also two practical ways to obtain a licence. You can apply directly through the relevant regional government, or you can pay someone to complete the Spanish paperwork for you.

This guide explains the options, likely costs and the important checks to make before you go fishing.

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The Quick Answer

Yes. You normally need a valid recreational fishing licence before fishing from the shore, a boat or underwater in Spain.

For ordinary shore fishing in the Canary Islands, this is generally a third-class licence. You can apply directly through the Canary Islands Government or use someone to arrange the paperwork for you.

A suitable sea-shore licence issued by another Spanish autonomous community can also be recognised in the Canary Islands, provided you follow local Canary Islands fishing rules.

People aged 65 or over are exempt from the official fee for a Cantabria-issued recreational sea fishing licence. However, someone completing the application for you may charge a separate service fee.

Always wait until you receive the actual licence, carry it with your identity document, and complete the required PescaREC registration and catch reporting.

Do I need a fishing licence in Spain?

Yes. Anyone taking part in recreational sea fishing in Spain normally needs a valid recreational fishing licence.

This applies whether you fish:

  • From the shore
  • From a harbour wall or pier where fishing is permitted
  • From a private boat
  • From a kayak
  • By trolling from a moving boat
  • Underwater or by spearfishing

The precise licence depends on the type of fishing and the autonomous community issuing it.

The three Canary Islands licence classes

The Canary Islands issue three main types of recreational sea fishing licence.

First-class licence

This is for recreational fishing from a boat while using surface trolling. The official 2026 fee is €33.85.

Second-class licence

This is for underwater recreational fishing and spearfishing. The official 2026 fee is €25.38. A medical certificate confirming that the applicant is fit to practise breath-hold underwater fishing is normally required.

Third-class licence

This is the usual licence for fishing from the shore or from a stationary boat without trolling. The official 2026 fee is €16.93.

Ordinary Canary Islands recreational fishing licences are valid for three years.

Fees are reviewed periodically, so check the official Canary Islands website before applying. The published 2026 Canary Islands fees can be checked here.

Applying directly in the Canary Islands

You can apply through the electronic office of the Canary Islands Government. The online procedure may require a digital certificate or Cl@ve. You will generally need:

  • Your full name
  • Your DNI, NIE, passport or other accepted identity document
  • Your date of birth and contact details
  • The correct licence class
  • Proof that the applicable fee has been paid
  • Additional documentation if someone is representing you

The licence can also be obtained in person through participating Canary Islands government and island offices. An appointment is recommended.

For help, telephone:

Open the official Canary Islands application information.

Using a licence issued elsewhere in Spain

The Canary Islands Government confirms that a recreational sea fishing licence issued by another Spanish autonomous community can be valid in the Canary Islands.

However, you must still follow Canary Islands rules concerning permitted areas, fishing methods, protected species, minimum sizes, closed seasons and catch limits.

One practical option is a five-year sea-shore fishing licence issued by the Government of Cantabria. This can be arranged directly or through someone who handles the paperwork.

The commercial service Spanish Fishing Licence offers this type of five-year licence. It is delivered by email as a PDF and can then be printed. Its service fee is separate from any official government fee.

The five-year licence offered through this route is for recreational sea and shore fishing. It does not cover fishing in rivers or lakes, and it should not be assumed to cover trolling or underwater fishing.

Is the licence free for people aged 65 or over?

This depends on the authority issuing the licence.

Cantabria exempts applicants aged 65 or over from the official recreational sea fishing licence fee. That does not necessarily mean that an organisation or representative completing the application will provide its service for free.

Sue’s husband obtains a five-year Cantabria-issued shore fishing licence. Because he is over 65, the official licence is free. He pays €10 to the person who completes the application for him. The licence is emailed to him as a PDF, which he prints and keeps with him.

That is Sue’s family’s own arrangement. Other representatives and commercial services may charge different amounts.

The Canary Islands do not currently advertise a general over-65 exemption for their own recreational sea fishing licence. Their direct fees depend on the licence class.

Receiving and carrying the licence

Depending on how you apply, the licence may be placed in your official electronic notification area or sent to you by email.

Check that the following information is correct:

  • Your full name
  • Your identity document number
  • Your date of birth
  • The licence type
  • The issue and expiry dates
  • Any QR code or verification reference

Print a copy and keep it with you when fishing. It is also sensible to retain a digital copy on your telephone.

A licence is personal and cannot be transferred to another person. Carry the identity document associated with the licence.

PescaREC

Since 20 March 2026, the Spanish Government’s PescaREC system has been compulsory for recreational sea fishing.

It is used to:

  • Register recreational sea fishers
  • Record and report catches and releases
  • Request authorisation for specially protected species
  • Receive information about closures and restrictions
  • Check certain minimum sizes and prohibited species
  • Receive licence and authorisation reminders

The requirement applies to shore, boat and underwater recreational sea fishing. A person can authorise someone else to submit reports for them in appropriate circumstances.

Read the official PescaREC guidance.

Check the place where you intend to fish

Having a licence does not mean that fishing is permitted everywhere.

Additional restrictions can apply in:

  • Marine reserves
  • Ports and harbours
  • Bathing areas
  • Areas close to aquaculture installations
  • Protected coastal zones
  • Seasonal closure areas
  • Underwater fishing zones

Check the rules for the particular island, beach, harbour or marine reserve before starting.

Important — Read Before You Act

A fishing licence does not automatically permit every type of fishing or allow you to fish in every location.

A shore fishing licence does not necessarily cover trolling, underwater fishing, spearfishing, freshwater fishing or specially protected species.

A payment receipt or application confirmation is not the fishing licence. You must have the licence itself.

Licences issued elsewhere in Spain may be recognised in the Canary Islands, but Canary Islands fishing rules still apply.

Some species require additional authorisation through PescaREC.

Government fees, exemptions and fishing regulations can change. Always check the current official information before applying or fishing.

This article provides general information and does not replace official rules or advice from the relevant fishing authority.

What To Do — Step by Step

  1. Decide whether you will fish from the shore, a stationary boat, a moving boat or underwater.

  2. Identify the licence class required for that type of fishing.

  3. Decide whether to apply directly to the regional government or use someone to help with the paperwork.

  4. Prepare your full name, date of birth and identity document number.

  5. Check whether you qualify for an official fee exemption or discount.

  6. Make sure that any payment is recorded in the licence holder’s name where required.

  7. Check every personal detail carefully before submitting the application.

  8. Wait until the actual licence has been issued.

  9. Save the licence PDF and print a copy.

  10. Register with PescaREC and understand how to record your catches.

  11. Check the local rules for the precise area where you intend to fish.

  12. Carry your licence and the corresponding identity document while fishing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Fishing before the actual licence has been issued.
  • Assuming a payment receipt is the licence.
  • Choosing a shore licence when intending to troll from a moving boat.
  • Assuming that a sea licence also covers rivers and lakes.
  • Believing that being over 65 makes every Spanish fishing licence free.
  • Confusing an official government fee with the charge made by a commercial helper.
  • Entering an incorrect passport, NIE or identity document number.
  • Forgetting to print or save the emailed licence.
  • Fishing in a harbour, marine reserve or bathing area without checking local restrictions.
  • Ignoring PescaREC registration and catch-reporting requirements.
  • Assuming a licence allows the capture of protected species.
  • Not carrying the identity document connected to the licence.

Your Action Checklist

  • Confirm where I intend to fish.
  • Confirm whether I will fish from shore, boat, kayak or underwater.
  • Choose the correct licence class.
  • Check the current official fee.
  • Check whether I qualify for an exemption or discount.
  • Decide whether to apply directly or use a representative.
  • Prepare my identity document details.
  • Check all personal information before submitting the application.
  • Receive the actual licence rather than relying on the receipt.
  • Check the licence issue and expiry dates.
  • Save a digital copy.
  • Print a paper copy.
  • Register with PescaREC.
  • Check local fishing areas and restrictions.
  • Check catch limits and minimum sizes.
  • Carry my fishing licence and identity document.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to fish from the shore in Spain?

Normally, yes. Recreational sea fishing is licensed by the relevant autonomous community, and the class of licence depends on how and where you fish. Check the authority responsible for your intended location before fishing.

Which Canary Islands fishing licence is normally used for shore fishing?

The third-class licence is normally used for recreational fishing from the shore or from a stationary boat without trolling. Boat trolling and underwater fishing use different licence classes.

How long does a recreational fishing licence last?

An ordinary Canary Islands recreational sea fishing licence is normally valid for three years. Some licences issued by other autonomous communities may have different validity periods, so check the issue and expiry dates on your own document.

Is a fishing licence free for people aged 65 or over?

It depends on the authority issuing the licence. Cantabria provides an official fee exemption for applicants aged 65 or over, but a representative or commercial application service may still charge for its help. Do not assume that the same exemption applies to a Canary Islands licence.

Can I use a licence issued by another Spanish region in the Canary Islands?

The Canary Islands Government states that a recreational sea fishing licence issued by another Spanish autonomous community can be recognised in the Canary Islands. You must still follow Canary Islands rules on permitted areas, methods, protected species, minimum sizes, closures and catch limits.

Does a licence let me fish anywhere?

No. Marine reserves, ports, bathing areas, protected coastal zones and seasonal closure areas can have additional restrictions. Check the exact place and current local rules before you begin.

Sue’s final thoughts & experiences

A personal note from Sue Berry

My husband’s own experience has been very straightforward.

He is over 65, so there is no official fee for his Cantabria-issued fishing licence. He pays €10 to someone in Spain who completes the application for him.

The licence arrives by email as a PDF. We print it, keep a digital copy and note the expiry date. His licence lasts five years.

For us, paying a small amount for someone to handle the paperwork is worthwhile. It avoids struggling with Spanish forms and gives us the reassurance that the application has been completed correctly.

The important thing is to check exactly what type of fishing the licence covers. A convenient five-year shore licence does not automatically cover trolling, freshwater fishing or underwater fishing.

As with so many aspects of life in Spain, a little preparation makes the whole experience much easier.

Checked sources and useful services

Sources for this Secret

Relevant official starting points

Only countries and areas with guidance relevant to this subject are shown. Always check the latest information with the authority responsible for your circumstances.

No subject-specific official source is currently listed for: United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Ireland, Italy.