Kidney transplants continued to account for the largest share of procedures, with 3,999 operations performed during the year. Photo credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Spain has once again surpassed 6,300 organ transplants in a single year, consolidating its position as the world leader in organ donation and transplantation for 34 for consecutive years. According to official data released by the Organización Nacional de Trasplantes (ONT), a total of 6,335 transplants were carried out nationwide in 2025, marking the second consecutive year above this threshold.

The figures confirm the sustained strength of Spain’s transplant system, which continues to set international benchmarks for efficiency, coordination and donor participation. Health authorities highlighted the consistency of transplant activity across regions and the continued increase in complex procedures.

Record numbers in heart transplants
Cardiac procedures reach historic high

One of the most significant developments in the latest data is the record number of heart transplants performed. Spain carried out 390 heart transplants during 2025, the highest figure ever recorded in the country.

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Health officials attribute the increase to improvements in donor management, advances in surgical techniques and broader use of circulatory-death donors. The rise reflects growing capacity within specialist transplant centres and improved coordination between hospitals.

Breakdown of transplant activity
Kidney and liver procedures remain dominant

Kidney transplants continued to account for the largest share of procedures, with 3,999 operations performed during the year. Liver transplants followed with 1,276 procedures, while lung transplants reached 556 cases.

The data reflects stable demand across all major organ types and a healthcare system capable of responding to complex and time-sensitive clinical needs. Authorities noted that Spain’s transplant rate remains among the highest globally when adjusted for population.

Donor contribution underpins success
High donor rates support transplant volumes

The high level of transplant activity was made possible by 2,547 deceased donors recorded in 2025. This equates to a donor rate of approximately 51.9 donors per million inhabitants, maintaining Spain’s long-standing international lead in organ donation.

Officials emphasised the importance of hospital-based donation coordination teams, early donor detection and family consent processes. Spain’s opt-out legal framework, combined with specialist clinical training, continues to be cited as a key factor behind donor availability.

Spain’s model remains internationally recognised
System praised for coordination and outcomes

Spain’s transplant model is widely regarded as a reference point for other countries seeking to increase donation rates. The ONT highlighted that success is not based on legislation alone, but on sustained investment in training, hospital coordination and public trust.

Health authorities also noted that transplant outcomes in Spain remain strong, with high survival rates and continued improvements in post-transplant care and follow-up.

What the latest transplant data shows

  • Spain carried out 6,335 organ transplants in 2025
  • The country exceeded 6,300 transplants for the second consecutive year
  • Heart transplants reached a record high of 390 procedures
  • Kidney transplants remain the most common, followed by liver and lung
  • High donor rates continue to underpin Spain’s transplant success

Outlook for transplant services
Sustaining capacity amid rising demand

Looking ahead, health authorities warn that maintaining high transplant activity will require continued investment in staffing, infrastructure and donor coordination. Rising life expectancy and the increasing prevalence of chronic disease are expected to place additional demand on transplant services in coming years.

Nevertheless, officials expressed confidence that Spain’s system is well positioned to meet future challenges. The continued growth in complex procedures, including heart and lung transplants, underscores the resilience of the national transplant network and its ability to adapt to evolving medical needs.