Won a prize in Spain’s Christmas Lottery? Here is how to claim it, what identification to bring, and what you actually take home after tax.

1. Check and safeguard your ticket

Check the official results and keep your original ticket safe. A photograph can help document ownership but does not replace the original.

2. Where to claim your prize

Smaller prizes can be collected from authorised lottery retailers. Larger prizes are handled by partner banks, currently BBVA and CaixaBank. SELAE currently has inconsistent published thresholds: some pages state €2,000 and others €2,500. Confirm the current requirement with SELAE before visiting a bank.

3. Deadlines and documents

The claim period is generally three months starting the day after the draw. For a large prize, have the original ticket, valid identification and any paperwork required by the paying bank.

4. Tax and net winnings

The first €40,000 of each Christmas Lottery ticket prize is exempt. A 20% withholding applies only to the amount above that limit. Net payouts for first, second and third prizes are €328,000, €108,000 and €48,000.

5. Shared tickets

Identify every beneficial owner and their respective share before collecting. The €40,000 exemption applies to the ticket and is allocated proportionately among winners.

6. Tickets bought online

The claim process depends on where you bought the ticket. SELAE online account and wallet arrangements apply to its official platform, not necessarily other retailers.

7. Lost, stolen or damaged tickets

Report theft or loss promptly and retain evidence of purchase. Seek official guidance for damaged tickets rather than trying to repair them.

8. Stay safe

Do not hand the original ticket to strangers or pay anyone to release a supposed prize. Document ownership carefully for shared tickets.

Preguntas frecuentes / FAQ

Can the bank charge a collection fee?

SELAE partner banks may not charge a fee for paying the prize.

Is a €20,000 prize taxable?

Not under the special lottery prize levy, provided the prize per ticket does not exceed €40,000.

Does each co-owner get a €40,000 allowance?

No. The exemption is per ticket and must be shared proportionately.

Fuentes oficiales: Cobro de premios — SELAE · Tributación — Agencia Tributaria

Información revisada en octubre de 2026. Confirma siempre las condiciones de cobro vigentes en SELAE.