Fishing Licence on Mallorca: How to Apply and What It Costs
Sandor Farkas
Mallorca expert and author
If you want to fish legally on Mallorca, there is one thing you cannot skip: you need a valid fishing licence. Unlike many places where you have to pass an exam or take a course, the Balearic Islands require no test - but they do require an official permit from the island government, which you have to apply for before your first cast. In this article we explain which fishing licence is the right one for you, what it costs, how to apply online, and which rules apply at the water. That way you fish on the safe side from day one.
At a glance
To fish recreationally on Mallorca you need a Licencia de Pesca Recreativa from the Balearic government. There are four types (shore, boat, freediving, competition). The individual licence costs EUR 16.21 and is valid for three years. You apply for it online through the Sede Electronica of the Govern, or in person.
Do you even need a fishing licence?
Yes. As soon as you fish in the sea on Mallorca, whether from the rocks, a jetty, or a boat, you need a valid licence. Checks by the Guardia Civil or the port authority are not uncommon, and fishing without a permit can lead to fines.
What is the Licencia de Pesca Recreativa? The Licencia de Pesca Recreativa is the official recreational fishing permit of the Balearic government. It allows you to fish legally on Mallorca and the rest of the Balearics from the shore, from a boat, or while freediving, and it is issued by the Direccio General de Pesca of the Govern.
Important to know: the licence covers private recreational fishing for your own consumption only. You may not sell your catch; that would require a commercial permit.
The four licence types at a glance
The Balearics offer four types of recreational fishing licence. You choose the one that matches how you fish:
- Individual licence (from the shore): For fishing from land, rocks, a jetty, or non-motorised craft such as a kayak. This is the most common option for beginners.
- Boat licence (Embarcacion): For fishing from a motorised boat under a Spanish or EU flag. It is tied to the boat, not to the person.
- Freediving or spearfishing licence (Submarina): For underwater fishing while freediving without compressed-air equipment. This type has stricter requirements (see below).
- Sport licence (Deportiva): Only needed if you take part in official fishing competitions.
For most residents the individual licence is enough. Anyone who heads out regularly on their own boat combines it with the boat licence.
Costs and validity
The fees are modest and are charged through an administrative tax (Tasa). The individual fishing licence costs EUR 16.21 and is valid for three years, after which you simply renew it.
| Posten | Kosten | Dauer |
|---|---|---|
| Individual licence (shore/kayak) | EUR 16.21 | 3 years |
| Boat licence (Embarcacion) | from approx. EUR 33 | 3 years |
| Freediving/spearfishing licence (Submarina) | from approx. EUR 16 | 1 year |
| People aged 65 and over | free | depends on type |
Tip: Licence for seniors
People aged 65 and over get the recreational fishing licence in the Balearics for free. You will find the exact proof required and the right form on the Govern website. You still have to apply for the permit; free does not mean automatic.
Applying for the licence online
The fastest way is to apply digitally through the Sede Electronica of the Govern de les Illes Balears. You need a digital means of identification such as Cl@ve, the Spanish DNI electronico, or a digital certificate. You can read more about digital identity and public offices in our guide to fishing on Mallorca.
Open the tramite
On sede.caib.es search for Licencia de pesca recreativa and choose the type that fits you.
Identify yourself
Log in with Cl@ve, DNI electronico, or a digital certificate. Without a digital ID you apply in person at the environment office.
Pay the Tasa
Pay the administrative tax (Modelo 046) online by card. Keep the receipt safe.
Receive the licence
Download the permit as a PDF. Always carry it while fishing; a digital copy on your phone is usually fine.
If you prefer to do it in person, the official points of contact are the offices of the Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca i Medi Natural. The official sources for forms and fees:
Govern Balear - Licencia de pesca maritima recreativa individual
Official application page for the individual recreational fishing licence, including fee and form.
Govern Balear - overview of fishing licences
Central information page of the Govern on all types of recreational fishing licence.
Rules, requirements, and prohibitions
The basic requirement is simple: you must be at least 14 years old. Stricter rules apply to the freediving and spearfishing licence. Here you must be at least 16 and provide either a valid federation licence or a medical fitness certificate plus liability insurance. The Submarina licence is also only valid for one year.
Caution: closed seasons and protected zones
In the marine reserves (Reservas Marinas) around Mallorca, separate rules apply, often with an additional permit requirement or complete fishing bans. You also have to respect minimum fish sizes, daily catch limits, and closed seasons. Spearfishing is only allowed during daylight and at a safe distance from swimmers. Check the current rules for your zone before you fish.
Can I fish without Spanish residency? Yes. The recreational fishing licence is open to non-residents and holidaymakers too. You do not need an Empadronamiento, only an identity document and the paid Tasa. Anyone living on the island permanently should still renew the permit regularly.
Is a foreign fishing licence valid on Mallorca? No. A fishing certificate from your home country is not recognised in the Balearics. You need the Spanish Licencia de Pesca Recreativa, even if you have already passed an exam elsewhere.
If you want to combine fishing with a day out on the water, our article on renting a boat on Mallorca covers the charter options and their prices.
Conclusion
A fishing licence on Mallorca is cheap, quick to obtain, and protects you from unnecessary fines. For most people the individual licence at EUR 16.21, valid for three years, is enough. Choose the type that matches how you fish, apply online through the Govern or in person, and stick to the closed seasons and protected zones. Then nothing stands in the way of relaxed hours at the water. For more practical tips on island life, see our guide to leisure and sport on Mallorca.