Spanish Spearfishing Licence

So you have arrived and realized you need a Spanish spearfishing licence to practice this sport? There is nothing to worry about. Getting one is easy.

The first thing you have to do is to visit the local fishing office nearest to you. They will give you an application form and print the fishing fees.

A Spanish doctor’s certificate is mandatory for all parts of Spain to prove that you are fit enough to practice this sport. Although it is a straightforward process, it discourages many people. They think they must visit a hospital or doctor’s office full of sick people waiting to be attended to. This is rarely true since this doctor’s facility specialises in issuing certificates daily. Most people you will meet are healthy drivers who have come to renew their licences.

Some fishing offices in many parts of Spain require that you make an appointment before you show up. Others allow people to come without them, but that can change any time if too many people show up, e.g. in the summer.

Once you have everything (application, bank receipt for paid fees, and doctor’s certificate saying you’re fit), you can return to the fishing office to present it and collect your licence.

Spanish Spearfishing Licence issued by the Canary Islands Government

If you prefer to order online, we can help. Our Spanish spearfishing licence will have you covered for the full shoreline EXCEPT for Andalucia. For this region, you will need to contact their nearest fishing office, since they don’t allow licences from other regions.

This is what is needed:

• Payment
• Copy of your passport or national ID card (it can be sent by email or WhatsApp)
• A Spanish doctor’s certificate printed on the correct form (it can be sent by email or WhatsApp)

Please read this and ensure your doctor’s recent certificate contains “apto para la pesca submarina a pulmón libre.”

Once we receive your doctor’s certificate and passport/ID card, we will process the application and email you your Spanish spearfishing licence. All you have to do is print it out, and you’re ready to go!

Delay in Processing Spearfishing Licences and What to Do If You’re in a Hurry

The typical processing time at the fishing offices is one month after receiving everything. That’s why we’ve set this product as “out of stock.” If you don’t mind waiting, please get in touch with us.

If you’re in a hurry and want it faster, you can go to the post office and mail us the doctor’s certificate. After we receive it, processing takes only one or two days. The other option is to visit the nearest fishing office with your doctor’s certificate.

If you’re in Gran Canaria, click here for a list of recommended doctor’s centres.

Do I Need to Buy Insurance?

If you want to use, buy, or carry a speargun, you must purchase insurance for most parts of Spain (some places aren’t enforcing it, but this may change at any time). This will cover you in case there is an accident. It lasts for one year and covers all of Spain. If you go outside Spain, it will cover you for a month. Spearfishing federations of various Spanish areas issue it.

Basic Spearfishing Rules to Follow

The most important rule to follow is common sense to stay safe. We recommend that you always go with someone. Not only does it double the fun, but it is safer. If you don’t know anyone and would like someone to accompany you, you can contact the spearfishing federation from the area nearest to you. They will put you in touch with registered club members who organize weekly activities. Here are the rules:

• Practice the sport from sunrise to sunset.
• Permanently mark your position with a bright flota or buoy so that people riding boats know you are there.
• Never load the speargun outside the water. Fishing inspectors generally take a photo with their smartphone before approaching you to check whether it is loaded.
• Stay at least 250 meters away from harbours, shore fishermen, swimmers, etc.
• Don’t use any electrofishing equipment. Using explosives will also get you in trouble fast.
• Don’t use underwater scooters or similar vehicles.