Age of majority in Spain (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: Spain: the age of majority is 18 and Spaniards of full age have the right to vote. Unemancipated minors cannot marry, and emancipation by parental grant needs a minor of at least 16. The juvenile criminal-responsibility law covers ages 14 to 17.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Age of majorityLegal adulthood | The age of majority starts at 18 completed years. [1] |
| Voting age (national elections)Legal adulthood | The right to vote belongs to Spaniards of full age (mayores de edad). The Constitution sets the age of majority at 18. [2] |
| Minimum age to marryLegal adulthood | Minors who are not emancipated cannot marry. Emancipation by parental grant requires that the minor is at least 16 and consents. [1] |
| Age of criminal responsibilityLegal adulthood | The juvenile criminal-responsibility law applies to persons over 14 and under 18 who commit acts defined as offences. [3] |
Sources
- Ministerio de la Presidencia / BOE: Código Civil (texto consolidado) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Ministerio de la Presidencia / BOE: Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Ministerio de la Presidencia / BOE: Ley Orgánica 5/2000, de 12 de enero, reguladora de la responsabilidad penal de los menores (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.