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🌊 Bay of Biscay Cantabrian Sea 💶 €18.31 🏛 Basque Government
Recreational Sea Fishing · Basque Country · 2026

Recreational Sea Fishing License in the Basque Country

The one you need to fish in the sea in the Basque Country: from the shore, from a boat, or underwater. Issued by the Basque Government. Here you will find the price, how to obtain it online, and the sizes, quotas, and areas you must respect.

€18.31surface (5 years) · underwater (1 year)
OnlineBasque Government · from 16 years old
🌊You are hereSea Fishing (sea)Shore, boat, or underwater — this page
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Calculate Your Sea License for the Basque Country

Choose the type and we will tell you the price and validity.

Price of the Recreational Sea Fishing License in the Basque Country 2026

The fee is the same for both types; only the validity changes:

TypeValidityFee
Surface (shore and boat)5 years€18.31
Underwater1 year€18.31

Want to fish in the river? That's a different license: the river fishing license for the Basque Country (€8.79).

Types of Recreational Sea Fishing

Surface

Fishing from the shore or from a boat, with rod, line, or trolling. One license, valid for 5 years.

Underwater

Free diving with a spear. From 16 years old and with a medical certificate. Valid for 1 year.
Remember: this license is for the sea. For rivers and reservoirs, you need the river license, which is a different process.

How to Obtain the Sea License for the Basque Country Online

It is processed online on the Basque Government portal. You only need your ID and to pay the fee.

  1. Have your ID card, residence permit, or valid passport ready (and the medical certificate if it’s for underwater).
  2. Fill out the form on the Basque Government fishing portal.
  3. Pay the fee of €18.31 (online or at a collaborating entity).
  4. Receive your license (delivery takes a few days).
Official process: recreational sea fishing license — Basque Government · portal nasdap.net.

Underwater Fishing in the Basque Country: Requirements

From 16 years old.
Medical certificate of fitness for underwater activities.
Validity 1 year (renewed with a valid certificate). Fee: €18.31.
Only manual or mechanical spear; signal your position with a buoy.

Minimum Sizes, Quotas, and Areas (What You Must Respect)

In the Cantabrian Sea, there are minimum sizes, quotas, and closed seasons to avoid fines. The essentials:

General quota: maximum 5 kg per fisherman per day (or one fish if a single one exceeds that weight).
Sea bass: minimum size 42 cm, with a limited quota of specimens.
Hake: up to 5 pieces per license and day.
Protected areas: fishing is prohibited in the biotopes of Gaztelugatxe and Deba-Zumaia.

Consult the complete official regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the recreational sea fishing license for the Basque Country cost?
€18.31, for both the surface (valid for 5 years) and the underwater (valid for 1 year). Issued by the Basque Government.
Do I need a medical certificate for underwater fishing?
Yes. For the underwater type, you must be over 16 years old and provide a medical certificate of fitness for underwater activities. The license lasts for 1 year.
How many kilos can I fish per day?
The general quota is 5 kg per fisherman per day (or one fish if a single one exceeds that weight). Additionally, each species has its minimum size and quota; consult the official table.
Does the sea license allow fishing in the river?
No. For rivers and reservoirs, you need the river fishing license for the Basque Country (€8.79), which is a different process from the regional governments.
Is it valid in other coastal areas?
The recreational sea fishing license from one region usually applies to the coasts of others; always respect the local regulations of each area.