League position and verified status
Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo is Spain's only senior men's national league, run by the Real Federación Española de Deportes de Hielo (RFEDH). The federation's 2025/26 annex lists 9 clubs: Andorra HG, CG Puigcerdà, CH Jaca, Barça Hockey Gel, SH Majadahonda, CH Madrid, CHH Txuri Urdin (San Sebastián), CP Milenio and HC Porto (Portugal). Recheck the 2026/27 annex once published, since the club list has changed every recent season.
Format and the joint Liga Ibérica
The regular season is a double round-robin over 18 matchdays, followed by a best-of-5 playoff among the top 4 and a best-of-5 final. The Liga Ibérica runs inside the same regular season, jointly with Portugal and Andorra: its winner is proclaimed Iberian champion, while the playoff winner among Spain-eligible clubs is the Spanish champion — two separate titles from one schedule. A separate senior second division could not be confirmed; verify this directly with the RFEDH before ruling it out.
What clubs assess
Clubs assess previous league, skating, decision speed, play away from the puck, physical readiness, special-teams role, current video and verifiable statistics — and whether the offer is a senior contract, a Liga Ibérica-only role, a tryout or a youth-category place.
Import limit
The RFEDH's Normativa de Competiciones allows a maximum of 4 "Jugadores No Seleccionables" (players not eligible for Spain) per game, and a non-Seleccionable goaltender occupies 2 of those 4 slots — so a team effectively fields at most 3 outfield imports plus an import goalie, or 4 outfield imports with a Spain-eligible goalie. Under-20 competition allows a maximum of 3; under-18 and below carry no limit.
Contract, pay and residence
No official salary table is published, and the league's small-city footprint points to semi-professional status rather than full-time professional pay. Put pay, housing, equipment, insurance and termination in writing. EU/EEA citizens benefit from free movement and do not need a work permit; a non-EU player needs the standard Spanish work-and-residence route, confirmed with a consulate before signing. See the Spain country guide for the full picture, including licence registration mechanics.
IIHF transfer and registration
The international transfer is requested by the receiving Spanish club when a player moves from another national federation; the player may not play or even train before the transfer is issued and the RFEDH licence is registered. A domestic club change under an unlimited transfer can also trigger a transfer fee between Spanish clubs under RFEDH rules — worth confirming before agreeing a move.
Player application package
Prepare a valid passport, birth year, position, shot, height and weight, current team and verified statistics, Elite Prospects or federation profile, role-based highlights and a recent full game, plus contract status and citizenship.
Official sources and FAQ
- RFEDH: Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo ↗
- RFEDH: competition regulations ↗
- RFEDH: Liga Ibérica launch ↗
- IIHF: International Transfer Regulations 2026 ↗
Editorial review: 8 August 2026. Re-check the current club list, import rule and immigration requirements in the official RFEDH annex before acting.
How many clubs play in Liga Nacional?
The RFEDH's 2025/26 annex lists 9 clubs: Andorra HG, CG Puigcerdà, CH Jaca, Barça Hockey Gel, SH Majadahonda, CH Madrid, CHH Txuri Urdin, CP Milenio and HC Porto (Portugal). Recheck the current annex for 2026/27.
How many imports can a team use?
Up to 4 non-Seleccionable players per game, and a non-Seleccionable goaltender occupies 2 of those 4 slots.
Is an IIHF transfer required?
Yes, when the player moves from a club or federation in another country; the player may not play or train before the transfer is issued and the RFEDH licence is registered.
Get a league assessment
Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether the level is realistic without promising a contract.
Get assessed for Spain