Yes, cousin marriage is legal in Spain under strict conditions. The Civil Code permits unions between first cousins if both parties are over 18, non-consanguineous, and provide genetic counseling certificates. Regional civil registries enforce these rules, with the Dirección General de Seguridad Jurídica y Fe Pública overseeing compliance. Recent 2026 amendments require genetic testing for high-risk consanguinity cases.
Key Regulations for Cousin Marriage in Spain
- Age and Consent: Both parties must be 18+ and provide valid identification. Minors emancipated via judicial decree may also qualify under Artículo 48 del Código Civil.
- Genetic Screening: Since 2023, couples must submit a certificado de consejo genético from authorized centers (e.g., Instituto de Salud Carlos III) if either party has a family history of hereditary disorders.
- Regional Variations: Autonomous communities like Catalonia and the Basque Country impose additional prerequisites, such as mandatory pre-marital counseling through local health services.
Marriages violating these provisions face annulment under Artículo 73 del Código Civil. The Registro Civil Central cross-references genetic reports with civil records to prevent fraudulent unions. Non-EU citizens must comply with Spanish law, though dual citizenship cases may trigger EU freedom-of-movement exemptions. Failure to disclose consanguinity risks legal penalties, including fines up to €3,000.