People interested in adopting a child either in Spain or abroad will find information on procedures for national and international adoptions in this section of the Department for Social Welfare, Youth and Housing of the Government of the Canary Islands.

General requirements for adoptions

Applications for declarations of suitability can be lodged with the Central Office for the Protection of Minors and the Family where the adopting parents meet the following requirements:

• Are residents of the Autonomous Region of the Canary Islands.
• Are over 25 years of age (for applications lodged by both spouses, it is sufficient if one spouse is over 25).
• Are at least 14 years older than the child being adopted.
• People who wish to apply for an international adoption must also fulfil the requirements in the laws of the child's country of origin.

Residents of the Autonomous Region of the Canary Islands who wish to adopt a child, or a group of siblings, should lodge their application, as well as the questionnaire on the motivation for adoption and other necessary documentation, to the Central Registry in the Central Office for the Protection of Minors and Families.

Procedures, Contact Details and Information

Central Office for the Protection of Minors and the Family
Address: Avenida San Sebastián, 53, 2ª planta, Edificio Príncipe Felipe, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Telehone: 922 474 054
Locate on Google Maps
Government of the Canary Islands Social Welfare Office
Website: www.gobiernodecanarias.org/adopciones

Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Policies and Equality
Website: www.msps.es