One of the most common questions from families is what age you need to be to get a tattoo or a piercing in Spain. The short answer is that it depends on the region. We found no law for the whole country that sets a minimum tattoo age, and each autonomous community regulates these studios. This guide explains the rules of Andalucía, which apply in Málaga, and shows how they can change elsewhere. It is general information, not legal advice.

Tattoo age limit in Andalucía: what the rules say

Decreto 71/2017 regulates tattoo, micropigmentation and piercing studios in Andalucía. Its rules apply to piercing too (art. 1 and 3). On minors and people with limited legal capacity it says this (art. 22):

  • People under 16 need their own informed consent and also the express, written permission of their mother, father or legal guardians (art. 22.1). "Informed consent" means agreeing after you have received all the information.
  • For people whose capacity was removed by a court ruling, their legal representative gives the consent, within the limits of that ruling (art. 22.2).
  • The tattooist must refuse to work if informed consent is missing, or if they think the person is not in a physical or mental state to give it (art. 22.3).

Consumo Responde, the consumer service of the Junta de Andalucía, says the same: people under 16 also need written permission from their parents, guardians or legal representatives.

What about 16 and 17 year olds?

The Andalusian decree asks for parental permission for people under 16. From that age it does not set the same requirement. That does not mean every studio will accept you at any age. Ask the studio which papers it wants, because it can ask for more than the rule says. Your own informed consent is compulsory at any age.

What age can you get a tattoo in other regions?

The Comunidad de Madrid says on its consumer page (last updated 6 May 2026) that for minors who are not emancipated, the informed consent must be signed by their legal representative. It also says the studio must check the minor's identity and keep the documents for three years. That is not the same as Andalucía. Check the rule of the region where you plan to get tattooed, and do it before you book.

What the studio must do

  • Inform you beforehand, clearly, in speech and in writing, about the technique, and ask for your signature on the same document (art. 17.1).
  • Give you a copy of the consent form. It must be signed on every page by the person and by the tattooist, with place and date, in two copies and without crossings out (art. 20.1). For people under 16, art. 22 applies as well.
  • Keep the document for at least five years after the service, respecting privacy and data protection (art. 20.2 and 20.3).
  • Put up a sign at reception that can be read from five metres. It gives two notices: you need enough capacity to give consent, and complaint forms are available (art. 21.1).
  • Explain the cases where a tattoo is not advised and the possible problems (art. 19), such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, allergies or some illnesses. The full list is in our first tattoo guide.

If you are a parent or guardian

  • Ask to read the consent form before the day of the appointment. Check that it names the technique, the body area, the materials and the quote (art. 17.2).
  • Make sure you get a signed copy and that your express, written permission is recorded (art. 20.1 and 22.1).
  • Use the checks in our guide on how to choose a tattoo studio in Málaga: material opened in front of you, the sign and the complaint forms.
  • Remember that a permanent tattoo must say "Es para toda la vida" ("it is for life"), and that the real options for removing it must be explained (art. 17.2.g and h).

If something was not done properly

If the studio does not comply, you can ask for the complaint form (art. 21.2). Consumo Responde answers questions and complaints on the free phone number 900 21 50 80 and at consumoresponde@juntadeandalucia.es. If there is a reaction or a problem after the tattoo or piercing, the decree says to see a doctor (art. 18).

Find a studio in Málaga

Our directory lists tattoo and piercing studios in Málaga with their address and phone number. It is an information list: we do not rate or guarantee any studio. Always ask the studio itself what its policy is for minors.