Books, uniforms and supplies

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. By the end you will know what to buy, what your region's free book scheme covers and where you can save money.

Start with "What school textbooks (libros de texto) cost each year". It shows typical book costs by stage and what the school requires, which gives you the budget the other pages build on.

Key rules

• Shared materials: The shared-materials payment (material colectivo) is typically about 20–60 euros per child per year, and in public schools it must be voluntary.
• Edition changes: Schools generally may not change textbooks for a minimum of four school years, so books can be reused and passed down.
• Not free nationally: Textbooks are not free across Spain; your region decides whether a free book or loan scheme exists.
• Budget by stage: Plan for costs to rise from infantil to primaria, with ESO and bachillerato the highest.
• Region: Each region sets its own scheme, stages, conditions and deadlines, so check yours.
• Stages: Primaria and ESO are usually covered; bachillerato is the stage least often covered.

Books, uniforms and supplies: the whole process, step by step

• Find out whether your region runs a free book or loan scheme and what it covers (see How free textbook schemes and book banks (banco de libros) work): before enrolment, ideally in spring

• Apply to the scheme or for book aid (see How free textbook schemes and book banks (banco de libros) work): usually between spring and early autumn, often around enrolment (roughly April to July) or in June to September for aid; some regions open a second or late window in September or October

• Get the school's book and supply lists (see School supply lists and shared-material payments (material colectivo)): usually in June or early July; some schools publish in late July or only in September

• Check typical costs and decide what to buy new (see What school textbooks (libros de texto) cost each year): once you have the list, over the summer

• Buy second-hand books or join a swap (see Buying second-hand books and joining book swaps): over the summer, before the new course starts

• Ask the school for a late joining place in the book scheme if you enrol mid-year (see Books and book schemes when you move region or join mid-year): as soon as you are enrolled; if no books are left, ask about a later grant or reimbursement

Windows and deadlines differ by region and school; check the dates with the school and your regional education department.

Documents you may need

• The family's ID — How free textbook schemes and book banks (banco de libros) work

• Proof of your child's enrolment in a public or concertada school — How free textbook schemes and book banks (banco de libros) work

• Proof of registered residence — How free textbook schemes and book banks (banco de libros) work

• Income documents — How free textbook schemes and book banks (banco de libros) work

Books, uniforms and supplies: questions that cross several articles

Are school textbooks free everywhere in Spain?

No, textbooks are not free nationwide, because each autonomous community decides whether to run a free or loan scheme. Most regions have some form of scheme, but names, funding and stages differ. Read How free textbook schemes and book banks (banco de libros) work, then What school textbooks (libros de texto) cost each year for what you may still pay.

Does my child's school stage affect whether books are covered?

Yes, coverage depends on the stage, and most schemes cover primaria and ESO. Some add infantil, bachillerato or FP Básica, and others only help low-income families; bachillerato is the stage least often covered.

What if I move region or join the school mid-year?

Most regions let pupils who enrol late join the scheme, usually by applying to the school once enrolled. The school lends books from its pool if any remain, and some regions offer a later grant if none do. Rules differ by region, so read Books and book schemes when you move region or join mid-year.

When should I start sorting out books and supplies for the new course?

Start in spring, because scheme windows often fall around enrolment, roughly April to July. School lists usually come out in June or early July, so you can buy over the summer. Read How free textbook schemes and book banks (banco de libros) work and School supply lists and shared-material payments (material colectivo).

Can I buy second-hand books if I am in a book scheme?

Yes, you can use second-hand books for anything the scheme does not lend you, and some schemes ask you to return your loaned books in good condition. Schools generally may not change textbooks for four school years, so older editions usually stay usable. Read Buying second-hand books and joining book swaps.