🌊 Fishing in the sea (not river)🎣 4 types🗓 Fees 2026
Fishing license · Recreational sea fishing · 2026
Recreational Sea Fishing License
The one you need to fish in the sea for leisure: from the shore, from a boat, spearfishing or with a cast net. Issued by each coastal community. Here you have the types, the price, the spearfishing details, and how to obtain it.
From 12.26 €/yearshore fishing (Valencian Community)
Shore · boat · spearfishing · cast netchoose your type
Calculate your recreational sea fishing license
Choose type and duration, and we will tell you the price (official fees of the Valencian Community 2026).
What is the recreational sea fishing license?
It is the permit to practice recreational fishing in the sea (for leisure or sport, without selling the catch). It is issued by each coastal autonomous community, so the price and process vary depending on where you obtain it; on this page, we use the Valencian Community as an example, with official data.
Sea and river are different. This license is for the sea. To fish in rivers and reservoirs, you need the continental fishing license from your community. These are independent processes.
The 4 types of recreational sea fishing
From shore
On foot from the coast, with rod (maximum 2) or by hand. Duration options: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 years.
From a boat
From a registered vessel; the license (requested by the holder) covers everyone fishing on board. Duration 2, 3, 4, or 5 years (commercial, 1 year).
Spearfishing
Free diving with a spear. Must be over 16 years old and have a medical certificate. Duration 2 years.
With cast net
Circular net thrown by hand from the shore. In the Valencian Community, requires registration and membership in a cast net association. Duration 2 years.
Price of the recreational sea fishing license (Valencian Community 2026)
Official fees 2026 (model 046, concept 9794). In other coastal communities, the amount may vary:
Type
Duration
Fee
From shore
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 years
12.26 / 15.01 / 17.47 / 19.75 / 21.88 €
From a boat
2 / 3 / 4 / 5 years
41.85 / 58.22 / 73.92 / 88.97 €
Commercial vessel
1 year
296.79 €
Spearfishing
2 years
16.97 €
Cast net
2 years
15.01 €
Duplicate (in-person)
—
10.42 € · online download: free
Spearfishing license: special requirements
Spearfishing (free diving, with a spear) has its own conditions:
Must be over 16 years old.
Medical certificate of fitness, issued by a specialist in underwater and hyperbaric medicine.
Validity 2 years (as long as the medical certificate remains valid). Fee: 16.97 €.
Mandatory signaling buoy (do not stray more than 25 m) and prohibited at night.
Requirements
NIF (DNI/NIE) valid — required to pay the fee.
Minors: authorization from the legal guardian (they can be covered by the guardian's license from shore).
From a boat: vessel documentation (registration, navigation certificate…).
Spearfishing: medical certificate of underwater fitness.
How to obtain the recreational sea fishing license in the Valencian Community
Two official ways, both with the model 046 (concept 9794):
Online (with certificate or Cl@ve)
Through the electronic headquarters of the Generalitat, with electronic signature (ACCV certificate, DNIe or Cl@ve). Payment can be made by card or bank charge.
In-person with appointment
At the Territorial Directorates of Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón (or in Agricultural Regional Offices), with prior appointment.
It is not immediate. Unlike the river license, the sea license is issued in about a month from the application. Once issued, you can download it online at no cost.
✅ Good news: recreational sea fishing licenses issued by other autonomous communities or by EU countries are fully valid in the Valencian Community. If you already have a valid one, you can fish here while respecting local regulations. If not, obtain it like any resident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the recreational sea fishing license cost?
In the Valencian Community (2026): from shore from 12.26 € (1 year) to 21.88 € (5 years); from a boat from 41.85 € (2 years) to 88.97 € (5 years); spearfishing 16.97 € (2 years); cast net 15.01 € (2 years). In other coastal communities, the amount may vary.
Do I need a medical certificate for spearfishing?
Yes. For the spearfishing license, you must be over 16 years old and provide a medical certificate of fitness issued by a specialist in underwater and hyperbaric medicine. The license lasts 2 years.
Does the sea license work for fishing in the river?
No. The sea license is only for the sea. For rivers and reservoirs, you need the continental fishing license from your community. These are different processes.
I have a license from another community or the EU, is it valid in the Valencian Community?
Yes. Recreational sea fishing licenses from other autonomous communities or EU countries are fully valid in the Valencian Community, respecting local regulations.
How long does it take to be issued?
The sea license is not instant: it is issued in about a month from the application. Once issued, you can download it online at no cost.
Do I need a license to fish from a boat with friends?
The license from a boat is requested by the vessel's holder and covers all persons fishing on board. The vessel must be registered.