Latest revision as of 02:40, 21 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map
Source: cia.gov.

View of Nativity Façade of Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family (Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Barcelona, Catalonia
Source: Wikipedia.org.

The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children watching a street performer in Madrid
Source: flickr.com.

El Escorial, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Biscay
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children in Barcelona
Source: flickr.com.

Casa Batlló - Barcellona Antoni Gaudi.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Schoolgirls in Barcelona
Source: flicker.com.

Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.

About Spain

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. To learn more please read About Spain.

Hague Convention Information

Spain is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore all adoptions between Spain and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about Spain and the Hague Convention.

Who Can Adopt

Adoption between the United States and Spain is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to adopt from Spain, you must first be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Spain.

Who Can Be Adopted

Because Spain is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, children from Spain must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn more please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Spain.

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

Spain's Adoption Authority

Each of the 17 Autonomous Communities in Spain is the Central Authority for its territory. The national-level Central Authority for transmission of communications, the Dirección General del Menor y Familia in Madrid, is the office responsible for transmitting requests from prospective adoptive parents to the Central Authority in the appropriate Autonomous Community.

The Process

Because Spain is party to the Hague Adoption Convention, adopting from Spain must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements. A brief summary of the Convention adoption process is given below. You must complete these steps in the following order so that your adoption meets all necessary legal requirements.

NOTE: If you filed your I-600a with Spain before April 1, 2008, the Hague Adoption Convention may not apply to your adoption. Your adoption could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions Read about Transition Cases for more information.

Choose an Accredited Adoption Service Provider
Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
Be Matched with a Child
Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
Adopt the Child in Spain
Bring your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read about How to Adopt from Spain.

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Spain. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about Traveling Abroad in Spain.

After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.

Here are some good places to start your support group search:

Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons

Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Spain

American Embassy Madrid American Citizen Services C./ Serrano, 75 Madrid Tel: 011 34 91 587 2200 Fax: 011 34 91 587 2243 Email: askacs@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Spain

Spain's Adoption Authority

Spain is divided in to 17 Autonomous Communities, each of which has its own governmental entity in charge of adoptions. A list of these offices may be found at: this website.

Embassy of Spain

Address: 2375 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037 Phone: 202-728-2334; (from Spain): (1 202) 452 01 00; (1 202) 728 23 40 Fax (from Spain): (1 202) 833 56 70 E-mail: emb.washington@maec.es Internet: Embassy of Spain

Spain also has consulates in: Albuquerque, Anchorage, Atlanta, Boise, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Detroit, El Paso, Honolulu, Houston, Kansas City (MO), Los Angeles, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Newark, Pensacola, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan (PR), St. Louis, and Seattle.

Office of Children's Issues

U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Internet: U.S. Department of State

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=spain

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sp-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Spain.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/sp-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sp-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Spain.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/sp-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/sp_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Spain.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
+{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/eur/sp_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/View_of_Nativity_Fa%C3%A7ade_of_Basilica_and_Expiatory_Church_of_the_Holy_Family_%28Bas%C3%ADlica_i_Temple_Expiatori_de_la_Sagrada_Fam%C3%ADlia%29_%28_UNESCO_World_Heritage_Site%29._Barcelona%2C_Catalonia%2C_Spain.jpg/401px-thumbnail.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of Nativity Façade of Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family (Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain..'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/View_of_Nativity_Fa%C3%A7ade_of_Basilica_and_Expiatory_Church_of_the_Holy_Family_%28Bas%C3%ADlica_i_Temple_Expiatori_de_la_Sagrada_Fam%C3%ADlia%29_%28_UNESCO_World_Heritage_Site%29._Barcelona%2C_Catalonia%2C_Spain.jpg/401px-thumbnail.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of Nativity Façade of Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family (Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Barcelona, Catalonia'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Sanfermines_Vaquillas_Pamplona_08.jpg/800px-Sanfermines_Vaquillas_Pamplona_08.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Sanfermines_Vaquillas_Pamplona_08.jpg/800px-Sanfermines_Vaquillas_Pamplona_08.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''' The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4025/4436405185_12556f013b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children watching a street performer in Madrid, Spain.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+{{#eimage:https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4025/4436405185_12556f013b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children watching a street performer in Madrid'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Escorial-sur.jpg/800px-Escorial-sur.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''El Escorial, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Spain.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Escorial-sur.jpg/800px-Escorial-sur.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''El Escorial, UNESCO World Heritage Site'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Guggenheim_Museum%2C_Bilbao%2C_July_2010_%2806%29.JPG/800px-Guggenheim_Museum%2C_Bilbao%2C_July_2010_%2806%29.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Biscay, Spain.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
+{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Guggenheim_Museum%2C_Bilbao%2C_July_2010_%2806%29.JPG/800px-Guggenheim_Museum%2C_Bilbao%2C_July_2010_%2806%29.JPG|410x579px|thumb|''' Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Biscay'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5248/5379298950_f9f7b8833c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Barcelona, Spain.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
+{{#eimage:https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5248/5379298950_f9f7b8833c.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Children in Barcelona'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 {{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6b/CasaBatllo_0170.JPG/398px-CasaBatllo_0170.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Casa Batlló - Barcellona
 Antoni Gaudi.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
-{{#eimage:https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1034/1263377652_5434d33a17.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Schoolgirls in Barcelona, Spain.'''<BR/>Source: flicker.com.}}
+{{#eimage:https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1034/1263377652_5434d33a17.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Schoolgirls in Barcelona'''<BR/>Source: flicker.com.}}
+'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
-=Hague Convention Information=
+The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
-Spain is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention).  Therefore all adoptions between Spain and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention.
+=About Spain=
-Spain is not considered a country of origin in intercountry adoption.  There are few children eligible for adoption, with a long waiting list of Spanish prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]].   Most intercountry adoptions in Spain are by legal residents of Spain who [[adopt]] in third countries.
+[[Spain]]'s powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, [[France]], and [[Germany]] in economic and political power. To learn more please read [[About Spain]].
-While legally possible, intercountry adoption of a Spanish orphan by foreigners is unlikely.  No Spanish orphans have received U.S. immigrant visas in the past five fiscal years.  The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Spain, including adoptions of Spanish children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Spain.
+=Hague Convention Information=
+[[Spain]] is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (Hague [[Adoption]] Convention).  Therefore all adoptions between [[Spain]] and the United States must meet the requirements of the Convention and U.S. law implementing the Convention. To learn more please read about [[Spain and the Hague Convention]].
-'''NOTE:'''  Special transition provisions apply to adoptions initiated before April 1, 2008.  Learn more.
 =Who Can Adopt=
-Adoption between the United States and Spain is governed by the Hague Adoption Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from Spain, you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Read more on Who Can [[Adopt]]. Learn more.
+[[Adoption]] between the United States and [[Spain]] is governed by the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention. Therefore to [[adopt]] from [[Spain]], you must first be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Spain]].
-In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Spain also has the following requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
+=Who Can Be Adopted=
-==Residency==
+Because [[Spain]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, children from [[Spain]] must meet the requirements of the Convention in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Spain]].
-[[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] must be legal residents of Spain and must remain in Spain throughout the adoption proceeding if it takes place in Spain
-==Age of Adopting Parents==
+=How to Adopt=
-To be eligible to [[adopt]] any child, a prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be at least twenty-five years old and be at least fourteen years older than the adoptee. If a married couple wishes to [[adopt]], at least one of the two must meet the twenty-five-year age requirement.
+==Adoption Authority==
-==Marriage==
+'''[[Spain]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
-To jointly [[adopt]], a couple must be married or otherwise legally treated as a married couple under Spanish law However, a prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] does not need to be married to [[adopt]]. If only one spouse in a married couple applies to [[adopt]], the consent of the other spouse is necessary.  '''NOTE:''' Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005.
+Each of the 17 Autonomous Communities in [[Spain]] is the Central Authority for its territory.  The national-level Central Authority for transmission of communications, the Dirección General del Menor y Familia in Madrid, is the office responsible for transmitting requests from prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to the Central Authority in the appropriate Autonomous Community.
-==Income==
-There are no specific income requirements related to adoption. The judge assesses all factors related to the welfare of the child before issuing an adoption order.
+==The Process==
-==Other==
+Because [[Spain]] is party to the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention, adopting from [[Spain]] must follow a specific process designed to meet the Convention’s requirements.   A brief summary of the Convention [[adoption]] process is given below.  You must complete these steps in the following order so that your [[adoption]] meets all necessary legal requirements.
-None.
-=Who Can Be Adopted=
+'''NOTE:'''  If you filed your [[I-600A|I-600a]] with [[Spain]] before April 1, 2008, the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention may not apply to your [[adoption]].  Your [[adoption]] could continue to be processed in accordance with the immigration regulations for non-Convention adoptions Read about Transition Cases for more information.
-=How to Adopt=
+# Choose an Accredited [[Adoption Service Provider]]
+# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
+# Be Matched with a Child
+# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Immigration to the United States
+# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Spain]]
+# Bring your Child Home
+To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Spain]].
-==    Adoption Authority==
-==The Process==
 =Traveling Abroad=
@@ Line 78: / Line 79: @@
 '''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
-A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave Spain. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The [https://pptform.state.gov/ Passport Application Wizard] will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.
+A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave [[Spain]]. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.  Getting or renewing a passport is easy. To learn more please read about [[Traveling Abroad in Spain]].
-'''Obtaining Your Visa'''
+=After Adoption=
-In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Spain, see the Department of State's [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information].
+'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
+Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
-'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
-Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start.  The Department of State provides [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Country Specific Information] for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
+Here are some good places to start your support group search:
-'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
+[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
-When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in Spain, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.
+[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
-=After Adoption=
+[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
-'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
-Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]]. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
+=Contact Information=
+'''U.S. Embassy in [[Spain]]'''
-Here are some good places to start your support group search:
+American Embassy Madrid
+American Citizen Services
+C./ Serrano, 75
+Madrid
+Tel: 011 34 91 587 2200
+Fax: 011 34 91 587 2243
+Email:  askacs@state.gov
+Internet: [http://madrid.usembassy.gov/ U.S. Embassy Spain]
+'''[[Spain]]'s [[Adoption]] Authority'''
+[[Spain]] is divided in to 17 Autonomous Communities, each of which has its own governmental entity in charge of adoptions.  A list of these offices may be found at:  [http://madrid.usembassy.gov/cons/acsentities.html this website].
-[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]
-[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
+'''Embassy of [[Spain]]'''
+Address: 2375 [[Pennsylvania]] Ave. N.W.
+[[Washington]], D.C. 20037
+Phone: 202-728-2334; (from [[Spain]]): (1 202) 452 01 00; (1 202) 728 23 40
+Fax (from [[Spain]]): (1 202) 833 56 70
+E-mail: emb.washington@maec.es
+Internet: [http://www.maec.es/en/Home/Paginas/HomeEn.aspx Embassy of Spain]
-[http://www.adoptionservices.org/adoption_support_groups_family/index.htm Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons]
+[[Spain]] also has consulates in: Albuquerque, Anchorage, Atlanta, Boise, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Detroit, El Paso, Honolulu, Houston, [[Kansas]] City (MO), Los Angeles, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, [[New York]], Newark, Pensacola, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan (PR), St. Louis, and Seattle.
+'''Office of Children's Issues'''
+U.S. Department of State
+CA/OCS/CI
+SA-17, 9th Floor
+[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
+Tel:  1-888-407-4747
+E-mail:  AskCI@state.gov
+Internet: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
+'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
+For questions about immigration procedures, call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
 ==SOURCE==
-'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
+'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=spain
 [[Category: International Adoption]]

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Spain"