Disabled Parking Badges In Spain

Expat Tips Published: 14 February 2019 22:51 CET Updated: 23 May 2025 10:03 CET

2025 update: Processing times have improved in several regions, enforcement against badge misuse has increased, and foreign EU, EEA and UK badges continue to be recognised across Spain in 2025. Always check your local Ayuntamiento for area-specific rules.

Who can get a disabled parking badge in Spain?

If you're living in Spain or planning to move here and have a disability that affects your mobility, you may be entitled to a disabled parking badge — known locally as a Tarjeta de aparcamiento para personas con discapacidad. These badges allow you to park in specially designated bays and often provide other parking benefits to make day-to-day life more accessible.

Unlike standard parking permits, these badges are issued to the individual, not the vehicle. This means you can use it whether you're driving your own car or riding with someone else, as long as you're present during the journey. It’s a valuable support tool for those with reduced mobility, but it’s important to understand how it works — and how to apply.

The legal framework for disabled parking badges in Spain

Disabled parking badges in Spain are regulated nationally under Real Decreto Legislativo 6/2015 (the Spanish Traffic and Road Safety Law) and the EU-wide rules of the European Parking Card for People with Disabilities. The format and basic rights are further clarified in Orden VIV/561/2010, which sets out how the badge should be recognised across the EU.

Each autonomous community applies these laws in practice, which is why some rules — such as time limits or additional documents — may vary depending on where you live.

What the badge allows you to do

Typical parking benefits

With a valid Spanish disabled parking badge, you can typically park:

In clearly marked disabled bays
Closer to building entrances in public and private parking areas
Free of charge in many pay-and-display or restricted zones (although some areas may still charge)

Keep in mind: if you park in a disabled space without displaying a valid badge, fines can reach up to €200. And in some cases, the car may be towed.

Using badges from abroad

EU and EEA blue badges

If you're visiting Spain from another EU or EEA country and already hold a blue disabled badge, good news — it's valid here. Spain recognises these under the EU mutual recognition scheme. You can park in designated disabled bays, though local rules may vary.

Tourists are advised to visit the nearest tourist office to confirm local parking norms, especially in cities where signage may not be in English and enforcement is strict.

UK Blue Badges after Brexit

Despite Brexit, the UK’s Blue Badge is still recognised in Spain as of 2025. You may wish to download and print a Spanish-language notice from the UK government to accompany your badge — this isn’t mandatory, but it can help avoid confusion with traffic wardens unfamiliar with foreign documents.

Print your UK Blue Badge notice in Spanish

Applying for a disabled badge as a Spanish resident

Basic eligibility criteria

If you live in Spain full-time and meet the criteria, you’ll need to apply for a Spanish badge via your local Ayuntamiento (town hall). Requirements can vary slightly by region, but the general conditions include:

Being officially resident in Spain
Being registered on the local padrón municipal
Having an officially recognised disability of at least 33%
Having a mobility issue that prevents or significantly hinders the use of public transport

Applicants will need an NIE number and, in most cases, an EU passport or valid Spanish residency. Although a residency certificate is not always required, it is legally mandatory if you live in Spain more than 90 days per year.

Quick application checklist

NIE or passport
Updated padrón certificate
Medical disability report (33% or higher)
Mobility assessment from your regional authority
Passport-style photograph
Completed application form from your Ayuntamiento

How the process works

Start by requesting the application form from your town hall. It's often called a Solicitud de Reconocimiento de la Condición de la Minusvalía. You’ll then be referred to an accredited medical evaluation centre — usually a Centro de Diagnóstico y Orientación — where your disability level and mobility limitations will be assessed.

If approved, you can submit your completed application along with your documentation to the town hall. Expect a wait — some regions process applications in 6 months, others may take over a year. Renewals are typically required every few years, depending on the severity and permanence of your condition.

Finding local rules by region

Checking your autonomous community’s criteria

Each autonomous community in Spain has some discretion on how it implements disabled parking regulations. You can check requirements for your area using this Spanish-language resource:

Regional requirements for disabled parking badges (in Spanish)

If the page isn’t in English, use Google Translate to view it in your preferred language.

Examples of regional differences in 2025

Andalucía: Renewal typically required every 5 years unless the disability is formally classified as permanent.
Madrid: Some regulated parking zones allow free parking for badge holders with no time limit, but rules can vary between districts.
Catalonia: Enforcement is strict in cities like Barcelona; foreign badges must be clearly visible and time limits are closely monitored.
Valencian Community: Mobility assessments are usually handled through the regional social services offices before the badge is approved.
Canary Islands: Rules and enforcement can vary by island, so it’s important to check guidance from your local cabildo or ayuntamiento.

Fines and penalties for misuse

Misusing a disabled parking badge in Spain is treated as a serious offence. Local police can issue fines of between €200 and €500, depending on the municipality. Vehicles may also be towed on the spot if the badge is not displayed correctly or the authorised holder is not present.

Using someone else’s badge, forging a badge, or continuing to use an expired one can lead to the badge being withdrawn and, in repeated cases, criminal investigation for fraud.

FAQs: legality and practical use

Is it legal to use a foreign disabled badge in Spain?

Yes. EU and EEA blue badges are recognised across Spain under EU mutual recognition rules, and UK Blue Badges are still accepted as of 2025. You must use the badge only when the disabled person it is issued to is travelling in the vehicle, and you must follow local signage and time limits.

Can I lend my badge to a friend or family member?

No. The badge is personal and linked to the disabled person, not the car. Letting someone else use it when you are not present can lead to fines, withdrawal of the badge, and in serious cases, accusations of fraud.

Is parking always free with a disabled badge?

Not always. Many municipalities offer free or extended parking in pay-and-display zones for badge holders, but some still charge or limit stay times. Always read local signs or check with the town hall to avoid fines.

Can I get fined even if I have a badge?

Yes. You can be fined if the badge is not clearly displayed, if you park outside authorised areas, stay longer than the allowed time, or misuse the badge (for example, if the holder is not in the vehicle).

Does having a badge affect my right to drive?

No. The badge is about parking and access, not your driving licence. In some cases, drivers with disabilities may have licence conditions (e.g. adapted controls), but that is handled separately through the traffic authority’s medical checks.

How long does a Spanish disabled badge last?

Validity depends on the region and whether your disability is considered permanent or subject to review. Some badges are issued for a fixed term (for example, 2–5 years) and must be renewed with updated medical reports; in cases of permanent disability, longer validity may be granted.

Can tourists apply for a disabled parking badge in Spain?

No. Tourists cannot apply for a Spanish disabled parking badge. However, visitors can use an existing EU, EEA or UK badge while in Spain, provided it is clearly displayed and local parking rules are followed.

What should I do if my disabled badge is lost or stolen?

You must report the loss or theft to the Policía Local and request a replacement from your Ayuntamiento. A police report is usually required before a duplicate badge can be issued.

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