December 22 is a special day for many Spaniards: millions await the results of the famous Christmas lottery. If luck is on your side and your ticket turns out to be a winner, it’s important to know how to claim your prize correctly. The payout amount determines where to go for your winnings and what documents you’ll need. In this article, we’ll explain what steps to take in different situations so you don’t miss your chance to collect your well-deserved prize.
In Spain, there is a clear distinction between small and large prizes. If your winnings do not exceed €2,000, you can claim the money at almost any lottery ticket sales point. There are about 11,000 such locations across the country, with outlets in every region. To receive your prize, you simply need to present your ticket and a personal ID. The process usually takes just a few minutes, and the payout can be made in cash or transferred to your card, depending on your preference.
Large prizes
If your winnings exceed €2,000, the procedure changes. In this case, you must go to a bank that works with the lottery organizers. Currently, these are BBVA and CaixaBank, both of which have branches in almost every city. To collect a large prize, you’ll need to book an appointment, bring a valid ID, and complete the necessary paperwork. Banks are not allowed to charge any additional commission for lottery payouts, even if you don’t have an account with them.
In some cases, the bank may request additional information about the winner’s financial situation. This is due to anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing regulations. You will also need to complete documents related to personal data protection. If the prize is being shared among several people, all participants must either be present to claim it or issue a notarized power of attorney to one representative. It is important not to claim the entire prize for yourself to avoid possible tax consequences related to gift taxation.
Deadlines and taxes
Prize winners have three months from the date of the draw to claim their winnings. For the 2025 Christmas Lottery, the final payout date is March 23, 2026. If you miss this deadline, the right to receive the money is lost. The winnings themselves are exempt from personal income tax, but any interest or other income earned from investing this money is subject to taxation.
Lottery organizers recommend claiming your prize as soon as possible to avoid any issues with documents or deadlines. This is especially important for those sharing the prize with relatives, friends, or colleagues. In such cases, it’s best to agree in advance on how the money will be claimed and divided to avoid misunderstandings.
Lost or stolen ticket
If your ticket is lost or stolen, you must act immediately. The first step is to contact the nearest police station or Guardia Civil and file a report about the incident. In your statement, it is important to describe in detail the circumstances under which the ticket was lost or stolen and attach any evidence you have, such as photos, ticket copies, or purchase receipts. The more information you provide, the higher your chances of recovering your winnings.
After filing the report, you should notify the lottery organizers in writing. Based on your statement and the evidence provided, the payout may be temporarily blocked until all circumstances are clarified. The final decision on who is entitled to the prize is made by the court. That’s why it is essential to keep all documents related to your ticket purchase and not to transfer your ticket to third parties.
Tips for winners
Lottery winners should keep in mind some simple but important rules. Do not share your ticket number or prize amount with outsiders to avoid fraud. Store your ticket in a safe place until you collect your winnings. If the prize is shared among several people, discuss the details and complete all necessary paperwork in advance. Following these guidelines will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and claim your well-deserved prize without unnecessary trouble.
