The large family certificate (título de familia numerosa) is requested and renewed through the Department of Social Services, Family and Children, online or in person. It is free, the Generalitat has three months to decide and, if it does not reply in time, silence counts as approval. The most common problem is not getting it, but letting it expire unnoticed and losing discounts on school fees, transport or taxes while you wait for the renewal. This guide helps you avoid that.
Who qualifies as a large family
Spanish law (Law 40/2003) treats the following, among others, as large families:
- One or two parents with three or more children, whether or not they are shared.
- One or two parents with two children, if one of them has a disability or is unable to work.
- Other equivalent cases: two children when both parents have a disability or one has a high rating, separated parents with dependent children under certain conditions, or orphaned siblings, among others.
Children count while they are under 21, or older if they are studying, provided they live with and depend financially on the family. Large family associations report that, following an amendment published in the regional gazette (DOGV) at the end of 2025, Valencian certificates renewed from January 2026 can remain valid until the eldest child turns 26 if still studying. Check how it applies to your case when you renew.
General or special category
The special category covers families with five or more children, families with four children where at least three come from a multiple birth, adoption or foster placement, and families with four children whose annual income per person does not exceed 75% of the IPREM index. All others are general. The category matters because many discounts are larger for special.
How to apply for the first time
- Gather your documents: DNI or NIE for everyone over 14, family book or equivalent, padrón registration certificate and, where applicable, disability decisions, separation rulings or guardianship and foster documents.
- Submit them online through the Generalitat’s e-office, using a digital certificate or Cl@ve. If you have neither, see our guide to Cl@ve and digital certificates.
- Or in person at the regional offices or a PROP office, booking on 012 (or 963 866 000).
- Wait for the decision: the deadline is three months. An individual card is issued automatically for each family member along with the certificate.
Renewal: when and why
You must renew or amend the certificate when something affecting eligibility changes: a child is born, a child reaches the age limit, you move house, a disability rating expires, the category changes or a family member’s NIE expires. You have three months to report changes; otherwise the certificate may be amended or revoked and you may have to repay benefits.
Do not leave it until the last day. Large family associations recommend applying for renewal about three months before expiry.
The temporary certificate: cover while you wait
If the renewal is due to a child continuing to study, the end of a foster placement or guardianship, the expiry of a disability rating or the special category based on income, you can obtain a temporary certificate. It lets you keep proving your status while the renewal is processed, is valid for three months from the expiry of the previous certificate or from the application date, and can be requested as many times as necessary.
If the department takes more than three months
- The procedure has positive silence: once the deadline passes without a decision, the application is deemed approved. You can request a certificate confirming this.
- Always keep your submission receipt: many bodies accept it together with the expired certificate while the renewal is processed.
- If the delay causes you harm, file a complaint and, if there is no answer, go to the Síndic de Greuges. We explain how in our guide on how to complain when the Generalitat does not respond.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the large family certificate cost?
Nothing. There are no fees for processing or issuing it.
How long does it take?
The maximum deadline is three months. If it passes without a reply, positive silence applies.
Can unmarried registered couples apply jointly?
Yes. Valencian rules allow registered couples (parejas de hecho) to benefit from the certificate jointly.
Our eldest is turning 21. Do we lose the certificate?
Not necessarily. If they are studying, you can apply for renewal on the grounds of studies and, meanwhile, for a temporary certificate.