Spain launches €400 Bono Cultural Joven 2026 for all 18‑year‑olds

The Spanish Ministry of Culture has opened the fifth edition of the Bono Cultural Joven 2026, a €400 prepaid card for every young person who turns 18 in 2026. Eligibility includes Spanish nationals, legal residents, asylum seekers, temporary‑protected persons and tutored foreigners. The programme is funded with €160 million and aims to reach up to 400 000 beneficiaries nationwide.

For the first time the voucher can be used under two exclusive modalities: (1) the traditional split of €200 for live arts, heritage and audiovisuals, €100 for physical cultural products and €100 for digital subscriptions; or (2) a single‑purpose option that directs the full €400 to cultural creation, such as courses, workshops, musical instruments, scores or artistic materials. Applications are submitted online through the official portal until 31 October, requiring a digital ID (Cl@ve, electronic certificate or similar). Over 10 000 requests have already been received. Regional roll‑outs report more than 64 000 potential claimants in Valencia and 24 500 in the Canary Islands, while the national registry lists 561 459 eligible youths born in 2008. A partnership with third‑sector organisations seeks to ensure vulnerable groups can access the benefit.