Order of Civil Merit

File:Rey Alfonso XIII de España, by Kaulak.jpg, founder and first Grand Master of the Order of Civil Merit, wearing the sash of the Order (intense blue, with a narrow white stripe).]]

The Royal Order of Civil Merit was instituted by His Majesty King Alfonso XIII, by Royal Decree of June 25, 1926, at the proposal of the President of the Council of Ministers, General Miguel Primo de Rivera (1870–1930); its first Regulations were published on May 25 of the following year.[https://web.archive.org/web/20120412185157/http://www.maec.es/es/MenuPpal/Ministerio/HistoriayProtocolo/Protocolo/CondecoracionesLasordenesdependientesdelMinisterio/Documents/7620224270fd4b148b94f3ba24f834f2NormasBasicas5.pdf Publication] by Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pages 117–119{{Cite web |title=Gaceta de Madrid, Numero 137, Paginas 1084–1086 |url=https://www.boe.es/gazeta/dias/1927/05/17/pdfs/GMD-1927-137.pdf |website=Boletin Oficial del Estado}}

This Order was created to reward the civic virtues of civil servants serving the State, Province, or Municipality, as well as the extraordinary services performed by Spanish citizens for the benefit of the Nation. It could also be awarded to foreign citizens out of courtesy or reciprocity.

From its inception, it has been a highly coveted honor, bestowed upon a selective number of recipients in each category:

• Grand Cross, limited to 250 living members
• Commander by Number, limited to 350 living members
• Commander, limited to 500 living members
• Knight, limited to 1,000 living members
• Silver Cross, without limit

Entry into the Order was granted by the King, at the proposal of the Minister of State, requiring the agreement of the Council of Ministers when it came to the awarding of the Grand Cross. In all cases, a file was drawn up demonstrating the justification for the reward, and the appointments and diplomas were issued by the Chancellery and Orders Section of the Ministry of State.

The provisional government of the Republic, by Decree of July 24, 1931, abolished this and the other Orders dependent on the Ministry of State, except for the Order of Isabella the Catholic, and sought to replace them with the creation of the Order of the Republic.

After that interregnum, by Decree of November 7, 1942, the Order of Civil Merit was reinstated, with its previous characteristics, privileges, and seniority, with the following categories: Grand Cross, Band (designation of the Grand Cross when awarded to women), Commander by Number, Commander, Officer, Knight, Ribbon (designation of the Knight's degree when awarded to women), and Silver Cross. Its Regulations were approved by Decree of February 3, 1945.

Subsequently, by Decree of July 26, 1957, the category of Knight of the Collar was established in the Order of Civil Merit as the highest distinction of the Order. This high grade is reserved for decorating Sovereigns and Heads of State and, exceptionally, those of significant standing who already hold the Grand Cross of the Order.

The significant changes experienced since that date, both in the social and political reality of Spain and in the legal-administrative order, have advised updating the governing rules of the Order, respecting the spirit that animated its creation and preserving its seniority and its order of precedence among the other Spanish orders.

Thus, by Royal Decree 2396/1998, of November 6, published in the BOE 279, of November 21, and subsequent correction of errors published in the BOE 40, of February 16, 1999, the new Regulations of the Order have been approved, gathering in a single normative text all the previously scattered provisions.

Among the most notable novelties of the new Regulations, the suppression of the denominations of the degrees of Lady's Band, Knight's Cross, and Lady's Ribbon can be mentioned, integrating the first into the Grand Cross, and creating the grade of Cross, which would include the other two, to avoid possible interpretations that could consider that maintaining these denominations could imply some type of gender discrimination.

Additionally, decorated ladies are allowed, for aesthetic and functional reasons (given the characteristics of their gala attire), to use a reduced version of the insignia and to wear them differently from men, as specified for each grade in the new Regulations.

Furthermore, two new types of insignia are regulated, in the grade of Encomienda, to grant distinctions to legal entities: the Tie, intended for institutions that have recognized the use of flags or similar emblems, and the Honor Plaque for institutions that do not possess such emblems.

Lastly, to enhance the prestige of the distinctions of this Order and ensure that each is duly justified, the current Regulations introduce a detailed exposition of the merits to be considered for its award, the formal requirements that the admission and promotion proposals in the Order must meet, indicating the authorities authorized to make them, and the informational procedures that can be instructed to determine the appropriateness of the award.

File:Solemne apertura de la XIV Legislatura 07.jpg is the current Grand Master of the Order of Civil Merit.]]

By law, His Majesty King Felipe VI is the Grand Master of the Order of Civil Merit and hence, and all the decorations of this Order are conferred in his name.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation is the Grand Chancellor of the Order, and it falls to him/her to propose to the Council of Ministers the award of the levels of the Collar and of the Grand Cross, and to award, on behalf of His Majesty the King, the lower levels of the Order. The Minister is also responsible for the protocol of the Order.

As in the case of the Order of Isabella the Catholic, the Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation is the Chancellor of the Order of Civil Merit, but it corresponds to the Directorate-General for Protocol, Chancellery and Orders to evaluate all the proposed awards of the decorations of this Order, requesting the mandatory reports and evaluating the suitability or not of accepting these proposals.

File:Imposicion_de_la_Cruz_de_Caballero_de_la_Orden_del_Merito_Civil.jpg conferring the Officer's Cross of the Order of Civil Merit.]]

In accordance with the law, the following merits will be taken into account for the awarding of decorations of this Order:

1. The provision of outstanding services of a civil nature to the State.
2. The performance of extraordinary works of undeniable merit.
3. Industriousness or extraordinary ability, demonstrated for the good of the general interest.
4. Great initiatives of national influence and, in general, exemplary acts that, benefiting the country, should be rewarded and encouraged.

To enhance the prestige of the awards of this Order, so that admission and promotion within it truly constitute an extraordinary occasion that rewards the indicated merits, the Chancellery of the Order will ensure that each award is duly justified.

The Chancellery of the Order, located in the Directorate General of Protocol, Chancellery, and Orders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be responsible for processing all proposals for the awarding of decorations of the said Order, for which purpose it will conduct the appropriate procedures, being empowered to request reports from all kinds of courts, authorities, official centers, and entities that it deems convenient, in order to determine the appropriateness or otherwise of the granting.

Furthermore, the Chancellery will report on the appropriate grade, evaluating the importance of the merits acquired, the professional category and seniority of the proposed person, the age, and the decorations they may possess; it will submit a resolution proposal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs through the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Chancellor of the Order, and proceed with the issuance of the titles of the granted decorations.

The King of Spain, as Grand Master of the Order, bestows the medals upon the new knights and dames in an official ceremony held at the Royal Palace on June 19 each year (the anniversary of his proclamation as King).{{Cite web |last=MARTÍN |first=M. CARMEN CRUZ |date=2024-06-19 |title=Felipe VI reconoce con la Orden del Mérito Civil a 19 ciudadanos "ejemplares" en innovación y compromiso social |url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20240619/rey-felipe-vi-reconoce-orden-merito-civil-19-ciudadanos-ejemplares-innovacion-compromiso-social/16153936.shtml |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=RTVE.es |language=es}} However, extraordinary ceremonies may be held at any time throughout the year, particularly for foreign recipients or Spaniards living abroad.

File:Grand Cross and Star of the Order of Civil Merit (Spain).svg

The Cross of the Order is made of gold, with dimensions of 48 x 50 mm. It is formed by four equal arms, in the shape of a cross, enamelled in intense blue, and finally edged in white. Between these arms it carries five polished bursts of the same metal. In its center, it has an oval of intense blue enamel, bordered with white fillet, with the gold-colored inscription "To Civil Merit". Inside the oval, there is a die-cut in high relief, with the characteristic motif of the Order: a matron leaning on a column, with a sword in her right hand, tempered in the fire of sacrifice, as a symbol of civic virtues. Between the upper ends of the blades, it appears the Royal Crown of Spain. The entire set hangs from a green enamelled laurel wreath.

The ribbon of the Order is blue with a narrow white centre stripe, except for the ribbon of "Collar", which is blue with 2 white stripes on the edges.[http://www.maec.es/es/MenuPpal/Ministerio/HistoriayProtocolo/Protocolo/CondecoracionesLasordenesdependientesdelMinisterio/Documents/44fc88ae17074179b06508a5e0caa06bNormasBasicas1.pdf "Condecoraciones: Las órdenes dependientes del Ministerio"], Order rules and brief history from the Foreign Ministry of Spain, p . 58-59 The blue colour symbolizes nobility, truth and justice, while the white colour represents purity, peace and integrity. Blue and white are also colours strongly associated with the House of Bourbon.

The elements in the motif of the Order have the following meaning:

• Matron: Represents honour, dignity, maturity, wisdom, and nurturing qualities
• Leaning on a Column: Symbolizes stability, support, strength, and the pillar upon which society stands
• Sword in Right Hand: Represents justice, protection, and readiness to defend
• Tempered in the Fire of Sacrifice: Signifies purification, strength gained through hardship, tested loyalty, and dedication

Overall, the Order’s motif signifies civic and chivalric virtues such as justice, strength, stability, and dedication to the common good.

The Order of Civil Merit comes in seven classes, with the following insignia:[http://www.maec.es/es/MenuPpal/Ministerio/HistoriayProtocolo/Protocolo/CondecoracionesLasordenesdependientesdelMinisterio/Documents/7620224270fd4b148b94f3ba24f834f2NormasBasicas5.pdf Publication] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107110603/http://www.maec.es/es/MenuPpal/Ministerio/HistoriayProtocolo/Protocolo/CondecoracionesLasordenesdependientesdelMinisterio/Documents/7620224270fd4b148b94f3ba24f834f2NormasBasicas5.pdf|date=2011-11-07}} by Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pages 58–68

• 90px Collar (Collar) – Order's Collar. In practice, this grade is reserved to heads of state.
• 90px Grand Cross (Gran Cruz) – Sash and Plaque (Golden Order's Star).
• 90px Commander by Number (Encomienda de Número) – Plaque (Silver Order's Star).
• 90px Commander (Encomienda) – Golden Order's star on a necklet.
• 90px Officer's Cross (Cruz de Oficial) – Golden Order's cross hanging from a ribbon.
• 90px Cross (Cruz) – Silver Order's cross hanging from a ribbon.
• Silver Cross (Cruz de Plata) – Simpler silver cross hanging from a ribbon.

File:Coat of Arms of Amancio Ortega.svg, founder of Zara, Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit.]]

By Royal Decree 2396/1998, the former rank of Knight’s Cross (Caballero) was renamed as 'Cross' to accommodate female recipients. Accordingly, all ranks above the Silver Cross confer knighthood or damehood. For example, the recipient of a Collar is styled Knight or Dame of the Collar; the recipient of an Officer’s Cross is styled Knight or Dame Officer, etc. (cf. Article 13).{{Cite web |title=BOE-A-1998-26802 Real Decreto 2396/1998, de 6 de noviembre, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento de la Orden del Mérito Civil. |url=https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1998-26802 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=www.boe.es}}

Among the legal rights and privileges granted to Knights and Dames of the Order are the following. First, a style of address, in accordance with their rank (cf. Article 13):

• Knights of the Collar or Grand Cross are addressed as Excelentísimo Señor (Most Excellent Lord), and Dames of the Collar or Grand Cross are addressed as Excelentísima Señora (Most Excellent Lady). This is the same style given to a Duke or a Grandee.
• Knights Commander by Number are addressed as Ilustrísimo Señor (Most Illustrious Lord), and Dames Commander by Number are addressed as Ilustrísima Señora (Most Illustrious Lady). This is the same style given to a Marquess or a Count.
• All other Knights are addressed as Señor (Lord), and all other Dames are addressed as Señora (Lady).
• In addition to the above, members of the Order who are Spanish citizens are addressed with the honorific prefix Don (for Knights) or Doña (for Dames), in the same manner as Sir or Dame for knighted British nationals. Don/Doña is not just a courtesy, but a formal style granted to members of the Order, as part of the distinction.

Second, Knights and Dames are expected to wear the Order's insignia with formal attire, and the Order's rosette or ribbon with daily civilian or military attire, in accordance with their rank (cf. Article 11). Third, Knights and Dames receive an official diploma, issued on behalf of the Sovereign, certifying their appointment to the Order (cf. Article 9). Fourth, all Knights and Dames of the Order have the right to add the insignia of their rank to their coat of arms as a heraldic achievement. Fifth, it is customary for Knights and Dames to use the post-nominal letters "OMC" to indicate their membership in the Order (without distinction of rank).

{{further ill|List of Members of the Order of Civil Merit|es|Anexo:Condecorados_con_la_Orden_del_Mérito_Civil}}

The Collar and Grand Cross of the Order have been awarded to royalty, heads of state and their spouses, and distinguished members of society, including:

File:Coat of Arms of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Spanish Order of the Civil Merit).svg, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi, embellished with the Collar of the Order of Civil Merit.]]

• 2023: {{flag icon|Angola}} João Lourenço and Ana Dias Lourenço, president and first lady of the Angola
• 2021: {{flag icon|South Korea}} Moon Jae-in and Kim Jung-sook, president and first lady of the Republic of Korea
• 2012: {{flag icon|Mexico}} Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, president of Mexico{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2013/06/12/pdfs/BOE-A-2013-6294.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|access-date=12 June 2013|language=es}}
• 2009: {{flag icon|Jamaica}} Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Rheima Hall, governor-general and first lady of Jamaica{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2009/02/14/pdfs/BOE-A-2009-2539.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=14 February 2009|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2010: {{flag icon|Ukraine}} Petro Poroshenko, president of Ukraine (then minister of foreign affairs){{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2010/01/30/pdfs/BOE-A-2010-1436.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=30 January 2015|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2008: {{flag icon|United Arab Emirates}} Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2008/05/27/pdfs/A24763-24763.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=27 May 2008|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2007: {{flag icon|South Korea}} Roh Moo-hyun and Kwon Yang-suk, president and first lady of the Republic of Korea{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2007/02/10/pdfs/A06040-06040.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=10 February 2007|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2003: {{flag icon|Bulgaria}} Georgi Parvanov and Zorka Parvanova, president and first lady of Bulgaria{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2003/06/10/pdfs/A22429-22429.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=10 June 2003|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2003: {{flag icon|Romania}} Ion Iliescu, president of Romania
• 2003: {{flag icon|Uzbekistan}} Islom Karimov, president of Uzbekistan{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2003/01/28/pdfs/A03585-03585.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=28 January 2003|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2002: {{flag icon|Algeria}} Abdelaziz Bouteflika, president of Algeria{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2002/10/05/pdfs/A35388-35388.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=5 October 2002|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1999: {{flag icon|Bulgaria}} Petar Stoyanov and Antonina Stoyanova, president and first lady of Bulgaria{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1999/07/10/pdfs/A26281-26283.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=7 October 1999|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1996: {{flag icon|Ukraine}} Leonid Kuchma and Lyudmila Kuchma, president and first lady of Ukraine{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1996/10/07/pdfs/A29885-29885.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=7 October 1996|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1994: {{flag icon|Philippines}} Fidel V. Ramos and Amelita Ramos, president and first lady of the Philippines{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1994/09/10/pdfs/A28233-28233.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=10 September 1994|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1993: {{flag icon|Bulgaria}} Zhelyu Zhelev and Maria Zheleva, president and first lady of Bulgaria{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1993/05/22/pdfs/A15637-15637.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=10 June 2003|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1994: {{flag icon|Mauritania}} Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya and Aïcha Mint Ahmed Tolba, president and first lady of Mauritania{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1994/05/21/pdfs/A15786-15786.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=21 May 1994|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1988: {{flag icon|Indonesia}} Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, president of Indonesia{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1988/01/22/pdfs/A02298-02298.pdf |title=Otras disposiciones |publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=22 January 1988|access-date=25 December 2021|language=es}}
• 1979: {{flag icon|Côte d'Ivoire}} Félix Houphouët-Boigny, president of Côte d'Ivoire{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1979/06/16/pdfs/A13451-13451.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=16 June 1979|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1978: {{flag icon|Iraq}} Saddam Hussein, then vice president of Iraq{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1978/07/12/pdfs/A16576-16576.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=12 July 1978|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1968: {{flag icon|Tunisia}} Habib Bourguiba and Wassila Ben Ammar, president and first lady of Tunisia{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1968/06/10/pdfs/A08421-08421.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=10 June 1968|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1965: {{flag icon|Republic of China}} Chiang Kai-shek, president of the Republic of China
• 1957: {{flag icon|Lebanon}} Camille Chamoun, president of Lebanon{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1968/06/10/pdfs/A08421-08421.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=10 June 1968|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}

File:Coat of Arms of Joachim of Denmark (Spanish Order of Civil Merit).svg, embellished with the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit.]]

• 2023: {{flag icon|Denmark}} Prince Joachim of Denmark
• 2023: {{flag icon|Denmark}} Princess Marie of Denmark
• 2021: {{flag icon|Sweden}} Prince Daniel, Duke of Västergötland of Sweden[https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2021-18861 Boletín Oficial del Estado]
• 2021: {{flag icon|Sweden}} Princess Sofia, Duchess of Värmland of Sweden
• 2021: {{flag icon|Sweden}} Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland of Sweden
• 2008: {{flag icon|Kuwait}} H.H.E. Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah of Kuwait
• 2008: {{flag icon|Abu Dhabi}} Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi (later President of the UAE)
• 2008: {{flag icon|Dubai}} Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed of Dubai
• 2006: {{flag icon|Norway}} Princess Märtha Louise of Norway{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2006/06/03/pdfs/A21107-21107.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=3 June 2006|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2000: {{flag icon|Morocco}} King Mohammed VI of Morocco{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2000/09/18/pdfs/A31940-31940.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=18 September 2000|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2000: {{flag icon|Belgium}} Princess Astrid of Belgium{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2000/05/13/pdfs/A17722-17722.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=13 May 2000|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 2000: {{flag icon|Belgium}} Prince Lorenz of Belgium
• 2000: {{flag icon|Belgium}} Prince Laurent of Belgium
• 1999: {{flag icon|Jordan}} Princess Alia and husband Mohammad Al-Saleh of Jordan{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1999/10/19/pdfs/A36747-36748.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=19 October 1999|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1995: {{flag icon|Malaysia}} King Ja'afar Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1995/04/01/pdfs/A10040-10040.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=4 January 1995|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1995: {{flag icon|Malaysia}} Queen Najihah Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia
• 1966: {{flag icon|Saudi Arabia}} King Faisal of Saudi Arabia{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1966/07/04/pdfs/A08406-08406.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=4 July 1966|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1962: {{flag icon|Saudi Arabia}} King Saud of Saudi Arabia{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1962/03/02/pdfs/A03004-03004.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=4 July 1966|access-date=2 March 2015|language=es}}
• 1960: {{flag icon|Thailand}} King Rama IX of Thailand{{cite web|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1960/11/14/pdfs/A15729-15730.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=14 November 1960|access-date=21 February 2015|language=es}}
• 1955: {{flag icon|Jordan}} Princess Dina of Jordan (later Queen of Jordan){{cite web |date=5 June 1955 |title=Boletín Oficial del Estado |url=https://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE/1955/156/A03412-03412.pdf |publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado |language=es}}

File:Coat of Arms of Ignacio Echeverría.svg Ignacio Echeverría, embellished with his Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit (Spain), Silver Medal of the Order of Police Merit (Spain) and George Medal (United Kingdom).]]

• 2025: {{Flagicon|Israel}} Daniel Barenboim, musician{{cite web |date=14 January 2025 |title=Boletín Oficial del Estado |url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2025/01/15/pdfs/BOE-A-2025-635.pdf |access-date=22 January 2025 |publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado |language=es}}
• 2024: {{Flagicon|Netherlands}} Hanke Bruins Slot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands{{Cite web |title=BOE-A-2024-7090 Real Decreto 377/2024, de 9 de abril, por el que se concede la Gran Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil a las personalidades neerlandesas que se citan. |url=https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2024-7090 |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=www.boe.es}}
• 2022: {{Flagicon|Germany}} Wolfgang Schmidt, Federal Minister for Special Affairs of Germany{{Cite web |title=BOE-A-2022-16657 Real Decreto 876/2022, de 11 de octubre, por el que se concede la Gran Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil al señor Wolfgang Schmidt, Ministro Federal, Jefe de la Cancillería Federal; al señor Andreas Michaelis, Secretario de Estado del Ministerio Federal de Relaciones Exteriores; y a la señora Dörte Dinger, Secretaria de Estado, Jefa de la Presidencia Federal, de la República Federal de Alemania. |url=https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2022-16657 |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=www.boe.es}}
• 2018: {{Flagicon|Bangladesh}} Monirul Islam, musician{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/arts-entertainment/news/monirul-islam-receive-royal-spanish-order-merit-tomorrow-1673770|title=Monirul Islam to receive Royal Spanish Order of Merit tomorrow|date=2018-12-15|work=The Daily Star|language=en|access-date=2019-01-27}}
• 2017: {{flag icon|Bangladesh}} Nasrul Hamid, State Minister of Bangladesh{{Cite news|url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/nasrul-hamid-receives-spains-highest-civil-honour-1518956880|title=Nasrul Hamid receives Spain's highest civil honour|work=The Financial Express|location=Dhaka|language=en|access-date=2018-02-27}}
• 2017: {{flag icon|Spain}} Don Ignacio Echeverría, hero{{cite web |date=9 June 2017 |title=Real Decreto 593/2017, de 9 de junio, por el que se concede la Gran Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil, a título póstumo, a don Ignacio Echeverría Miralles de Imperial. |trans-title=Royal Decree 593/2017, of 9 June, which granted the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil merit, posthumously, to Mr Ignacio Echeverría Millares de Imperial |url=http://boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2017-6597 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719203440/http://boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2017-6597 |archive-date=2018-07-19 |access-date=1 September 2018 |publisher=Spanish Official Journal |language=es}}
• 2015: {{flagicon|India}} Sushma Swaraj, minister of External Affairs of India{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/swaraj-accepts-spain-s-top-civic-award-during-visit-119021900938_1.html|title=Swaraj accepts Spain's top civic award during visit|work=Business Standard}}
• 2015: {{flag icon|Mauritania}} Mohamed Salem Ould Béchir, interior minister of Mauritania{{cite web |date=14 February 2015 |title=Boletín Oficial del Estado |url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2015/02/14/pdfs/BOE-A-2015-1468.pdf |access-date=21 February 2015 |publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado |language=es}}
• 2013: {{flag icon|Lebanon}} Fadi Al-Atrash Joumblatt, musician{{Cite web|url=https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/803603/Les_insignes_de_la_croix_d%2527officier_de_l%2527ordre_du_Merite_civil_espagnol_a_Fadi_Joumblatt.html|title = Les insignes de la croix d'officier de l'ordre du Mérite civil espagnol à Fadi Joumblatt|date = 5 March 2013}}
• 2009: {{flag icon|Spain}} Don Amancio Ortega, founder of multinational fashion company Zara{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2009-20436|title=Real Decreto 1976/2009, de 18 de diciembre, por el que se concede la Gran Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil a don Amancio Ortega Gaona.|date=19 December 2007|publisher=Spanish Official Journal|language=es|trans-title=Royal Decree 1976/2009, of 18 December, which granted the Grand Cross of the order of Civil merit, to Mr Amancio Ortega Gaona|access-date=23 May 2020}}
• 2007: {{flag icon|Philippines}} Miriam Defensor Santiago, Filipino stateswoman{{cite web|title=Real Decreto 1591/2007, de 30 de noviembre, por el que se concede la Gran Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil a los señores que se citan|url=http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2007/12/01/pdfs/A49782-49782.pdf|publisher=Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE)|access-date=27 November 2015}}
• 2005: {{flag icon|Morocco}} Abderrahim Harouchi, Moroccan minister of public health{{cite web|date=15 January 2005|title=Real Decreto 37/2005, de 14 de enero, por el que se concede la Gran Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil al señor Abderrahim Harouchi, Ministro del Desarrollo Social, de la Familia y la Solidaridad del Reino de Marruecos.|trans-title=Royal Decree 37/2005, of January 14, granting the Grand Cross of the Order of Civil Merit to Mr. Abderrahim Harouchi, Minister of Development|url=https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2005-799|access-date=3 August 2020|publisher=Boletín Oficial del Estado|language=es}}
• 1995: {{flag icon|Malaysia}} Mahathir Mohamad, prime minister of Malaysia
• 1982: {{flag icon|Colombia}} Germán Arciniegas, Colombian essaist and historian{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1982/01/06/pdfs/A00276-00276.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=5 January 1982|access-date=7 February 2024|language=es}}
• 1973: {{flag icon|El Salvador}} Ricardo Armando Novoa Arciniegas, Salvadorian politician{{cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1972/10/02/pdfs/A17588-17589.pdf|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|publisher=Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado|date=2 October 1972|access-date=7 February 2024|language=es}}
• 1968: {{flag icon|Tunisia}} Habib Bourguiba Jr., minister of foreign affairs of Tunisia
• 1948: {{Flagicon|United States}} J. Hunter Guthrie, American philosopher{{Cite ANB|title=Guthrie, Joseph Hunter|doi=10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.0802342|last=Burch|first=Francis F.}}

Article 12 of the Royal Decree 2396/1998 establishes that upon the death of those awarded the rank of Collar, their heirs are obliged to promptly return the insignia to the Chancellery of the Order. This return will be made through the Spanish Diplomatic Representations or Consular Offices abroad, if the relatives reside outside Spain. The Chancellery of the Order will issue the corresponding document, which accredits said return. The death of those awarded the other ranks does not oblige their heirs to return the insignia, although the death must be communicated to the Chancellery of the Order by the same procedure indicated above, for due record.

Article 14 of the Royal Decree 2396/1998 establishes that the person decorated with any grade of the Order of Civil Merit who is convicted of a criminal act, by virtue of a final sentence, may be deprived of the title and the privileges and honors inherent to their status. To this end, the Chancellery of the Order may initiate the corresponding informative procedure, in which the interested party will be given a hearing. The removal will be agreed upon by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the grades of Commander by Number, Commander, Officer's Cross, Cross, and Silver Cross, and by the Council of Ministers for the grades of Collar and Grand Cross.

File:Spain - Order of Civil Merit Grand Cross set.png|Grand Cross set with bestowal document

File:Spain - Order of Civil Merit Grand Cross Star.png|Breast Star of the Grand Cross grade

File:Spain - Order of Civil Merit Grand Cross Badge.png|Grand Cross badge of the Order

File:Spain - Order of Civil Merit Grand Cross with awarding document.png|Grand Cross set of insignia

File:Spain - Order of Civil Merit Commander.png|Commander grade of the Order

File:Spain - Order of Civil Merit Commander grade set.png|Set of the Commander grade

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{{Commons category}}

• [https://wawards.org/en/spain/awards-since-1900/order-of-civil-merit.html World Awards]

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Category:Orders of chivalry of Spain

Civil Merit, Order of

Civil Merit, Order of

Category:Awards established in 1926

Category:1926 establishments in Spain