Religion and belief

It is for anyone thinking about moving to Spain, planning a move or already settling in. You will learn your religious rights and how to handle worship, holidays, burial and community. Pages cover finding or opening a place of worship, taking time off and fasting at work, and religious funerals. There are also pages on life as a Muslim, Jewish life, and being non-religious or a minority Christian.

Start with "Religious freedom in Spain and what state agreements mean". It explains how the state relates to the Catholic Church and to some other faiths, which helps with every other page here.

Religion classes in schools, death registration and estate matters, and hate crimes against religious people are covered elsewhere.

Key rules

• Burial timing: Burial or cremation generally cannot take place before 24 hours and must happen within 48 hours of death, though regions differ.
• National holidays: Spain has 10 national public holidays, several of Catholic origin, and regions and towns add or change others each year.
• No state religion: Spain has no official religion, and you cannot be forced to declare your beliefs.
• Agreements: The Catholic Church and the evangelical, Jewish and Islamic communities have formal state agreements with extra rights.
• No national licence: No single national licence exists for worship places; your town hall sets the licensing route.
• Registration: Registering a religious entity is voluntary but gives legal recognition and access to tax benefits and agreements.

Documents you may need

• DNI or passport photo with your face uncovered and visible from chin to forehead — Life as a Muslim in Spain with prayer, halal food and headscarves

• Building or change-of-use licence from the town hall — Finding or opening a place of worship in Spain

• Founding act or statutes of the religious entity — Finding or opening a place of worship in Spain

• Registration application to the Registro de Entidades Religiosas — Finding or opening a place of worship in Spain

• Declaración responsable — Finding or opening a place of worship in Spain

• Technical project showing the site is suitable under planning — Finding or opening a place of worship in Spain

Religion and belief: questions that cross several articles

Does my religious community need to register before it opens a place of worship?

No, registering is voluntary, but it is separate from the town hall licence you need for the premises. Registration with the Ministry of Justice gives your community legal recognition and is required to benefit from the state agreements. The town hall handles the planning and activity side. Read "Religious freedom in Spain and what state agreements mean" and then "Finding or opening a place of worship in Spain".

Does belonging to a registered faith give me a right to time off for worship?

Only if your church belongs to one of the Evangelical, Jewish or Islamic agreements, and even then you must agree the time with your employer and make up the hours. Other faiths have no automatic right, but you can ask for flexible hours, a shift swap, unpaid leave or holiday time. Read "Religious freedom in Spain and what state agreements mean" and "Religious holidays, fasting and time off at work in Spain".

Can I be buried in Spain without a coffin for religious reasons?

Yes, in some regions, such as Catalonia, Andalusia and Madrid, which allow burial in a shroud, though a coffin is usually still needed for transport. Many municipal cemeteries also offer only niches or time-limited concessions, not permanent graves. Read "Religious funerals and burial in Spain", and "Finding or opening a place of worship in Spain" for community options.

Can I wear a headscarf or other religious symbol at work in Spain?

Yes, no Spanish law bans religious symbols at work, and an employer can only set dress rules that are proportionate and justified. Uniformed staff in the public sector may face limits set by their corps. Read "Life as a Muslim in Spain with prayer, halal food and headscarves" and "Religious holidays, fasting and time off at work in Spain".