How To Renew Your UK Passports When Living In Spain

If you live in Spain and your British passport is about to expire, don’t worry — you can renew it easily from abroad. In fact, this has been the case for years, and the process is now more streamlined than ever. Whether it’s a renewal or a first-time application, you won’t need to visit the UK. Everything can be done online and by post through His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).

Below, we walk you through how to renew your adult or child passport from Spain, including timeframes, fees, documentation, and what to do if your passport has been lost or stolen.

Applying Online

This is the most efficient and quickest way to renew a UK passport while living overseas.

• Take a digital photo: This can be done using your smartphone, at a photo booth, or by visiting a photo shop. Make sure your photo meets the UK passport photo rules.
• Fill in the online application via the UK Government portal.
• Pay online using a credit or debit card.
• Send your old passport by post to the address provided during the application process.

You can start your application here: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

Applying by Post

If you’d prefer not to apply online, you can opt for a postal application. The steps are similar but take slightly longer — usually around 4 weeks once the documents are received in the UK.

• Complete the online form and choose the “apply by post” option.
• Print the completed form and make payment online.
• Sign the application and send it along with your old passport.

Begin your postal application here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport/apply-by-post

You’ll need access to a printer and a payment card. You’ll be given a username and password to save and return to your application if needed.

First-Time Applications

If you are applying for your first UK passport as an adult or child, the process is similar but may require an in-person interview and additional documentation to verify your identity.

Visit the main application portal: https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports

More info about passport types and processes is here: https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports

Passport Fees (Updated 2025)

Current costs for passport applications made from Spain are:

• Adult (32-page) passport: £94.00 + £19.86 courier fee
• Child (32-page) passport: £61.00 + £19.86 courier fee

The courier fee covers secure delivery to your address in Spain. Prices confirmed as accurate as of January 2025, but always check the official site for the most up-to-date figures.

Supporting Documentation

• Your current or expired adult/child passport (original — no copies)
• If applying by post: two printed passport-size colour photos (45mm x 35mm) meeting official standards

Note: If applying online with a digital photo, you don’t need to send printed photographs.

Complete photo requirements: https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports

Full documentation list here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/applying-for-a-passport

Do I Need My Photos Certified?

For most renewals, photo certification is not required unless your appearance has changed significantly from your last passport photo.

If that’s the case, you will need someone to certify the new photo according to HMPO guidelines.

How Long Does It Take to Receive My Passport?

Processing times vary but generally you should allow:

• 4 to 6 weeks for a standard renewal
• Up to 8 weeks for first-time applicants

Once you receive your new passport, double-check all the details. If you find an error after six months, correcting it may count as a new application and incur full fees.

Passport Advice Line

If you need help during the application process:

• Phone (UK): +44 (0) 300 222 0000
• Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–8pm, Sat/Sun/Public Holidays: 9am–5:30pm (UK time)

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your UK passport is lost or stolen in Spain and you urgently need to travel, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This allows travel through up to five countries.

You will need to report the loss to your nearest Guardia Civil or Policía Nacional station and obtain a police report before applying.

Apply for your ETD online: https://www.gov.uk/travel-urgently-from-abroad-without-uk-passport

You may also be required to attend an appointment at your nearest British consulate or embassy.

Locate the nearest British diplomatic office in Spain: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-madrid

Documents required for an ETD:

• Completed online ETD application form
• Proof of travel (tickets or itinerary)
• Police report (if stolen)
• Payment of the £100 fee

Tip: You can make a provisional police report in English by calling 902 102 112, then collect the final version from the local police station.

Expat Health Insurance in Spain

If you're living in Spain, having the right health cover can give you peace of mind for visa renewals, residency applications, or just day-to-day support in your new home country.

We offer a range of private health insurance plans designed for expats and underwritten by Bupa — all with English-speaking support and paperwork that meets Spanish legal requirements.

Explore our range of cover options and find a plan that works for your situation.