Sea fishing licence on the Costa Blanca: what tourists need
How tourists can fish legally from the shore on the Costa Blanca without an NIE: which licence works, what it costs and how to get it.
To fish from the shore anywhere on the Costa Blanca (Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Pilar de la Horadada, Santa Pola, Benidorm, Calpe or Dénia) you need a recreational sea fishing licence.
The Valencia region issues its own licence, but it cannot be applied for online with only a passport: you have to go in person to a regional government office. If you only have a passport or an EU ID card, you can still fish legally with an online licence.
1. The option for visitors without an NIE
A Mediterranean licence issued by another region is valid here too, for fishing from the shore. This is set out in article 44.3 of Law 5/2023.
The two that work without an NIE are:
- Balearic Islands individual licence: 3 years, €16.21 official fee online. Shore fishing.
- Catalan licence: from 1 day (€3.25) up to 4 years; 1 year costs €27.65. Ideal for a short holiday.
2. If you have an NIE
If you live here and have an NIE (TIE or green EU registration certificate), you can also get the Valencia region licence, available for 1 to 5 years, and we can arrange it for you. With only a passport, it has to be done in person at a regional government office.
3. Remember
- These licences are for fishing from the shore. For boat fishing or spearfishing, ask us first.
- Marine reserves need their own permit.
- Respect minimum sizes and bag limits.
- At sea, catches of certain protected species must be reported in the PescaREC app.
- Carry the licence and your ID.
Read the full guide: Fishing licence in Spain for tourists.
