Spain has consolidated itself in recent years as one of the world’s leading destinations for transgender surgery, including both genital surgery and facial or body feminization/masculinization procedures. The country offers an advanced legal framework, top-level hospitals, internationally renowned surgeons, and long-standing experience. This makes more and more trans people travel from all over the world—America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Europe—to access expert, high-quality medical care.
IM GENDER stands as the leading international gender surgery clinic, with a highly specialized team and more than 25 years of experience in gender-affirming surgery. To support trans people wishing to travel to Spain for surgery, we have prepared this complete guide to transgender surgery for international patients.
Why choose Spain for your trans surgery in 2025?
Spain is one of the pioneering countries in recognizing the rights of trans people. The Spanish Trans Law positions the country as a benchmark in Europe, guaranteeing a framework of respect and safety for those who choose to travel here for gender surgery. But it is not only a law on paper—the Spanish society, for the most part, is aware and sensitive to the reality of trans people.
Beyond this social and legal context, Spain offers excellence on both the medical and technological levels, with well-equipped hospitals, highly qualified healthcare specialists, and doctors and surgeons with internationally recognized expertise.
Adding to this the beauty of its landscapes and cities, its culture, its gastronomy, and the welcoming, respectful, and joyful character of its people, Spain becomes a safe environment—both medically and socially—to undergo trans surgery in 2025.
IM GENDER: A Leading international team
IM GENDER is undoubtedly the most internationally renowned clinic specializing in genital gender-affirming surgery. What’s its secret? Over 25 years of experience in trans healthcare and treatments, a multidisciplinary approach for comprehensive care, and above all, an expert, sensitive team committed to the best results, constant research in gender surgery, and strong dedication to its patients.
Led by Dr. Ivan Mañero, a global pioneer and reference in gender-affirming surgery, and Dr. Trinidad Labanca, a gynecologist specializing in transgender health, sexual affirmation surgery, and hormone therapy for trans people, the IM GENDER team actively participates in congresses, prestigious scientific publications, medical training programs, studies on trans surgery, and awareness events. The clinic is accredited by relevant international organizations such as WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and SECPRE (Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), among others.
Certifications and Medical Guarantees
One of the key factors in choosing a center abroad is trust. IM GENDER provides safety and confidence with:
-
- Surgeons who are members of WPATH and international surgical societies.
- More than 25 years of experience in trans health and surgery.
- Rigorous operating room and postoperative protocols.
- Comprehensive pre- and post-surgical follow-up by a large medical and healthcare team.
- International academic and scientific recognition of its medical-surgical team.
- A healthcare and patient care team highly trained in trans health, with sensitivity and experience.
Practical aspects for international patients
Travel and Stay in Spain
Depending on the surgery, a minimum stay of 2 to 3 weeks in Barcelona is recommended to ensure proper medical follow-up before returning to the country of origin. IM GENDER advises on nearby accommodations and provides contact with hotels familiar with the specific needs of international patients traveling to Spain for trans surgery.
Language and Communication
Language is not a barrier when undergoing gender surgery in Spain. The medical and support staff at IM GENDER provide care in Spanish, English, French, Italian, Russian, and Arabic, among other languages, ensuring smooth communication with patients from all continents.
Legal Gender Recognition in Spain
Spain legally recognizes gender identity, providing a respectful and safe environment. At IM GENDER, respect and normalization are core values. You will be asked which name and pronoun you identify with so that you are always addressed accordingly, regardless of what appears in your “official” documents. What matters most is that you always feel like yourself.
Although foreign patients cannot access the public healthcare system reserved for residents, in the private sector it is not necessary to have Spanish residency to access trans surgery.
Legal Documentation for Gender Surgery in Spain
Before any gender surgery in Spain, it is mandatory to sign an informed consent form regarding the procedure to be performed. This document must be written in language the patient can easily understand, and the medical team must address any questions that may arise.
However, a “transsexuality” diagnosis or psychiatric evaluation certifying your gender identity is not a requirement for surgery.
Comprehensive Care at IM GENDER
Gender-affirming surgery is not just a medical procedure—it is a life process. IM GENDER understands this and provides comprehensive support so that patients feel cared for at all times, not only by the medical team but by everyone involved at IM GENDER.
In addition to personalized medical assessments before surgery and psychological support if needed, IM GENDER offers one year of postoperative follow-up both in person and remotely, as well as close, respectful, and attentive care based on active listening.
Frequently asked questions from international patients
Can I undergo gender surgery in Spain if I’m not a resident?
Yes. Gender surgeries are performed in the private sector without requiring legal residency in the country.
What medical requirements do I need?
Each patient must undergo a preliminary evaluation, lab tests, and in some cases, medical reports. The IM GENDER team guides patients through every step.
How is follow-up handled once I return to my country?
In addition to initial in-person checkups, IM GENDER provides online follow-up and direct contact availability in case of questions or complications.
We offer the most advanced and safest techniques in gender-affirming surgeries in Spain, always carried out by expert surgeons with long-standing international recognition. Moreover, our team provides comprehensive, human, and highly specialized care to patients from all over the world. If you are considering taking this step in 2025, our team will accompany you through every stage of the process.
Need more information about gender transition in Spain?
Contact IM GENDER and resolve all your doubts.
