This article is from our sister site Moving to Spain and is reproduced here with permission.
There are only two ways to get Spanish citizenship. The first is to claim citizenship by descent from qualifying Spanish parents or heritage. The second is citizenship by naturalization. For naturalization, you’ll qualify by residency, marriage, or investment. We’ll show you how to qualify for Spanish nationality and the fastest way to get a Spanish passport.
How to Obtain Spanish Citizenship
Spanish Citizenship by Descent (Birth/Origin)
There is no qualification period for citizenship by descent. You do not have to live in Spain to qualify or apply.
1) Everyone born to a Spanish parent (mother or father) is a Spanish Citizen.
The vast majority of Spanish citizens qualify by descent. Spanish nationality is based on the ‘Jus Sanguinis’ or right of blood. If you are born to Spanish citizen parents, you are a Spaniard no matter where you are born. This rule applies to children under 18 adopted by Spanish parents.
2) 2019 Spain Grandchildren Law – “Ley de Nietos” / “Democratic Memory Law.”
Important: The citizenship offer closes in October 2024 – if you think you qualify, you should act now.
Three groups can currently claim descent through their grandparents or great-grandparents. You do not have to live in Spain to qualify.
- Descendants of Spanish women who lost their nationality at marriage before the 1978 Constitution.
- Descendants of Spanish Nationals by Origin via historical memory (Law 52/2007).
- Descendents of exiled parents or grandparents who were forced to leave Spain and lost or renounced Spanish nationality. The reason for leaving can include political, ideological, or religious persecution (including for sexual orientation or identity).
3) You and at least one parent were born in Spain
If you and at least one of your parents (regardless of citizenship) are born in Spain, you are Spanish by origin.
Spanish Naturalization
Spain offers citizenship to people who legally move to the country and live in Spain as good community members. If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you’ll need a qualifying Spanish Visa or residence permit. EU /EEA citizens can live in Spain for the ten qualifying years without a visa.
Standard Naturalization Period (10 years)
For most people, you’ll need to live legally in Spain for ten years. You’ll need qualifying immigration permission, for example, Spanish Permanent Residency (PR).
Spain Citizenship by Marriage (1 Year)
Marrying a Spanish national means you only have to live in Spain for one year to qualify for naturalization.
Nationals from Spanish-American countries (2 years)
Spain has a special provision for people with historical ties to the country and from Ibero-America. See Appendix 1 for the entire list, including Andorra, Brazil, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. These nationals qualify after just two years.
Sephardic Jews with connections to Spain (2 years)
If you have Sephardic Jewish heritage, you can qualify for fast-track naturalization in Spain after just two years.
Note: The citizenship offer for Sephardic Jews not living in Spain was only open from 2015 and 2019. Non-resident Spanish Sephardic nationality is no longer available.
Refugees (5 years)
If you have official refugee status, you can apply after five years.
Spanish Citizenship by Investment (10 years)
Spain does not have direct citizenship by investment program. So, you cannot buy a Spanish passport with an investment or donation. However, the Spain Golden Visa is a residency program that can lead to a Spanish passport by naturalization after ten years.
READ ALSO: Moving To Spain From The USA >> Easy 2024 Guide for Americans
Spain Dual Citizenship Rules
In most cases, Spain does not allow dual citizenship, especially for naturalized citizens.
There are two significant exceptions.
1) Spain has agreements with 24 nations. Citizens of these countries can retain their original nationalities when they become naturalized Spaniards. Please see Appendix 2 for the complete list.
2) Some countries do not allow renunciation. Qatar, Tonga, Niger, and the Vatican are some examples. So, although you’ll still formally renounce your status, you remain a dual citizen in practice.
How To Apply for Spanish citizenship
Spain Citizenship Requirements
Citizenship Tests
There are two tests you’ll need to pass to qualify.
- DELE A2 (a Spanish language test)
- CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Aspects of Spain, a cultural exam)
See the easiest ways to get your Spanish Language to the required level.
Documentation
Your documentation requirements will depend on your pathway and situation. However, you will need at least some of these.
- Completed application (there is an online option).
- Proof of your Spanish language capability to DELE A2 level.
- Your CCSE certification.
- Your Padrón (empadronamiento) as proof of residence in Spain.
- Copies of your passport.
- A criminal background check that shows no criminal record.
- Proof of payment of the application fee (usually €60 – €100).
Pledge of allegiance and renouncing other nationalities
Once your application is approved, there are two additional steps.
- Swearing an oath or promise of allegiance to the King and obedience to the Spanish Constitution and laws.
- You must also renounce all previous nationalities. The renunciation is not required of nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin.
How to apply
The application process and requirements are complex. We strongly recommend working with an excellent Spanish Immigration Lawyer for the best chance of success. The assessment of your application can take over a year, and if it is rejected, you need to start all over again.
If you do want to do it yourself, there is no restriction. You can submit your application to the Ministry of Justice in Spain physically or online.
How long does it take?
The government will take up to one to two years to respond to your application. After that, you’ll need to book the ceremony for the oath of allegiance, which can take up to six months.
At this point, you’ll be registered as a Spanish Citizen in the Spanish Civil Registry. You also automatically become a European Union (EU) citizen with all rights and responsibilities.
So, it could be a three-year wait for your Spanish passport.
READ ALSO: Relocating to Spain Budget – What Will Your Move Cost?
How to get a Spanish Passport
You’ll need your new citizenship certificate to apply for your Spanish passport. You’ll need an appointment with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y de Cooperación). They oversee Spanish passport applications.
You must visit your local Spanish embassy or consulate to apply outside Spain.
There is a €30 fee to issue your passport.
Spanish Nationality Law?
Spanish nationality law comes from several sources. The Spanish Civil Code and the Constitution both outline some areas.
The law is regularly updated, such as in 2019 for the Grandchildren Law.
FAQ – Spanish Citizenship
How can I obtain Spanish citizenship?
To get Spanish Citizenship, you must live in Spain and qualify through naturalization. The standard time is ten years, but there are fast-track options, including through marriage (one year) and for some nationals (two years).
Is it easy to get citizenship in Spain?
No, getting citizenship in Spain is not considered easy to get. There is a long naturalization period (10 years), Spain does not allow dual citizenship, and you must pass language and civic tests.
What is a citizen of Spain called?
A citizen of Spain is called a Spaniard, or in Spanish, españoles. The singular forms are el español (male) and la española (female).
Who qualifies for Spanish citizenship?
Anyone born to a Spanish parent is Spanish. You can also qualify by living in Spain and becoming a naturalized citizen.
Does Spain give citizenship by investment?
No, Spain does not have a citizenship by investment program (CBI). However, the Spanish Golden visa is a residence by investment (RBI) program, and you can qualify for Spanish permanent residency (PR) and citizenship.
Can I get citizenship in Spain if I buy a house?
Yes, if the house is worth more than €500,000, you can live in Spain and apply for citizenship after ten years.
Can I qualify for a Spanish passport?
Yes, all citizens of Spain are eligible for a Spanish passport.
Can US citizens get Spanish citizenship?
Yes, but Spain does not allow dual citizenship. This restriction means US citizens must renounce their American citizenship.
How do I get Spanish citizenship by descent?
If your parents are Spanish, you are Spanish by descent. The Grandchild Law passed in 2019 also has provision for some people to inherit from their grandparents.
Can I claim Spanish citizenship through DNA?
No, the Spanish government does not accept DNA as a basis for citizenship applications.
Does Spain allow dual citizenship?
Spain only allows dual citizenship in some circumstances. Most UK and US citizens who become Spanish by naturalization will not be allowed to have dual citizenship.
Can I have American and Spanish citizenship?
In most cases, no. Spain does not allow dual citizenship for US citizens.
Can I have British and Spanish citizenship?
In most cases, no. Spain does not allow dual citizenship for British (UK) citizens.
How can I get Spanish citizenship in 2 years?
Spain has a two-year fast-track naturalization option for citizens of some Ibero-American countries and Sephardic Jews.
How long does it take to get a Spanish passport after marriage?
You can apply for Spanish citizenship by naturalization after one year. The application can take up to one year to process, after which you can apply for a Spanish passport.
Appendix 1
Countries that can qualify for naturalization in two years.
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- The Philippines
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Appendix 2
These countries are allowed Dual citizenship with Spain.
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Hi,l am rasha, clinical pharmacist, my husband is supervisor in safety and environmental field,we have 3 children, we rely plan to live abroad especially in Spain,to upgrade our live style,from which we can start?. Thanks
Hi Rash. YOu;ll need to find the right immigration option first. PLease start with our guides to Spainsih visas and Spain work Permits. Regards, Alastair
Hello! I wondered whether as a Bolivian citizen who became a naturalized US citizen, would I still be eligible for the 2 year path to Spanish citizenship? Thanks for your help!
Hi Cynthia. As long as you did not renounce your Bolivian citizenship you will still qualify for the two-year Ibero-American naturalization pathway to Spanish citizenship. If you have renounced your Bolivian nationality then you will no longer qualify, unless you returned to Bolivia and reclaimed your citizenship. The Spanish naturalization period for US citizens is ten years. Regards, Alastair
Interesting question- My wife is a dual American-Philippine citizen, and my kids are American, but they are eligible for Philippine citizenship. If they got their Philippine citizenship, and then applied for Spanish citizenship (under the 2 year residency requirement- and using their Philippine passport), would they then still have to renounce the US citizenship? (since Spain allows dual citizenship from the Philippines)
I haven’t found an answer to this one yet. Thanks!
Hi Roger. Spanish nationality law dictates that your kids should declare and give up their US citizenship when they take on Spanish citizenship (even if it is using their Philippines nationality to qualify for the two year naturalization pathway). However, the declaration of additional or dual citizenships is something you would be responsible for. All the best, Alastair.
Hello, I was born in Mexico and have not renounced my citizenship and am also a naturalized American citizen. My American husband and I are considering moving to Spain and I would like to become a Spanish citizen. What is the first thing I need to do to start the this process once we arrive in Spain and would my husband have to wait 10 years to become a Spanish citizen?
Hi Monica. You will qualify to apply for Spanish citizenship after two years of legal residence in Spain. Once your citizenship application is approved and granted, you husband can apply for Spanish citizenship as the spouse of a Spanish citizen having lived legally in Spain for one year (1 year as a spouse of a Spanish citizen vs 10 years normally). You first step will be to find an appropriate visa or residency permit to allow you to legally live in Spain. Once in Spain you’ll need to register as a resident to start the naturalization process. You should discuss your case with a qualified Spanish immigration lawyer to ensure you choose the best options for your long-term goals. You can book an no-obligation consultation with the Where Can I Live Spain partner here.
Hello, I was born in New York. My mother was born in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a US territory, however, Puerto Rico is part of the Ibero-American countries. Can I use my Puerto Rican heritage for Spain citizenship after having Spain residency for 2 years?
Puerto Rico offers a Citizenship Certificate. Can I use that to prove my citizenship from a Ibero-American country? Thank you!
Hi Liana. Yes, you can use the Puerto Rican citizenship certificate to qualify for the reduced Spanish naturalization qualification as an Ibero-American national. Our Spain immigration partner will be happy to assist with your application. All the best, Alastair
Hello, I was born in New York. My mother was born in Puerto Rico. My father was born in the Dominican Republic. I am a US citizen. Can I use my heritage to get Spain citizenship after 2 years of having Spain residency? Since PR is a US territory, would I need provide my mother’s birth certificate or get Puerto Rico’s citizenship of certificate? Thank you!
Hi Liana. As you mother was born in Puerto Rico you can apply for the citizenship certificate immediately. Once you have the certificate you’ll be eligible for the reduced two-year naturalization qualification for Spanish citizenship as an Ibero-American citizen. All the best, Alastair
Hello my mother was born in Spain to Spanish parents. All my Spanish family live in Spain. My mother moved to the UK in her 20’s and married my British father. She is a British citizen. My mother and father retired back to Spain 25 years ago. My father recently died and I would like to relocate to Spain from the UK with my husband to care for my mum who us now 80.
I speak very little Spanish, could I apply for a Spanish passport and would I still need to sit the Spanish language and culture exam?
Could we relocate using a different option?
Hi Gail. As your mother was a Spanish citizen by birth you are a Spanish citizen as long as she didn’t renounce her citizenship. And, as your citizenship is by descent you may be exempt from the cultural and language test requirements. IF you opt not to take up your citizenship them there are several Spain visa and resident permit options open to you, depending on your circumstances.
Given you situation I’d strongly suggest talking to a Spanish Immigration lawyer to find the easiest and fastest way to get over to Spain for you and your husband. If you’d like to use our fabulous Spain lawyer you can book a consultation here. All the best, Alastair
Hi! Thanks for sharing this information! I read several blog posts and gov websites, buy I get confused to whether Im eligible to apply to citizenship through descent. One of my grandparents is spanish but also has a swedish passport since the mid 1970s (he emigrated in the late 50s and returned to spain after 30 years and is now living there. my grandmother is a permanent resident but never applied for citizenship). My dad is born in sweden in the early 1960s and never attempted to apply for citizenship when he turned 18.
I have been living in spain for about a year now and would like to stay here for the foreseeable future and wonder if I could apply as a grandchild? I don’t understand if it is acceptable if there is only one grandparent, its always written in plural and a man.
Would be very grateful for some clarity!
All best!
Hi Denise. If you are living in Spain you are eligible for Spanish citizenship by naturalization after just one year (instead of the normal ten) as a result of your Spanish grandparent. Depending on your father’s citizenship eligibility you may also be eligible for immediate citizenship. Our Spain immigration partner will be able to advise you on the best pathway to citizenship. All the best, Alastair
My grandmother (now deceased) was born in Barcelona in 1911 of an English mother (both certificate was signed by King Alphonso). She was taken back to England in 1922. She married my English grandfather, had 2 daughters and they immigrated to the USA in 1952 and became a US citizens. My mother (her daughter) immigrated to the US from England in 1954 and because a US citizen.
Can I become a citizen of Spain via the “Grandchildren’s Law”?
I am 65, born in the US and currently live in Florida. I would like to move to Spain next year to retire. I would come back to the US to visit for 2 months a year.
Please advise. Thank you in advance!
Hi Valeria. The Grandchild’s law may be a pathway to you for Spanish citizenship. Alternatively, Spain has excellent retirement visa options depending on your financial circumstances. Check out our Retire to Spain guide for all the details. Either way, our expert Spanish Immigration law partners will be happy to help you find the best way to make your Spanish retirement possible – you can book a consultation here. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair, thank you for the helpful information! I am a US citizen hoping to acquire effective dual citizenship with Spain. My question is, what does the renunciation process involve when applying for Spanish citizenship? Does the Spanish government require applicants to formally renounce citizenship with their home country’s embassy (which for USCs is an irrevocable act) or do applicants just declare renunciation to the Spanish government (which I believe has no legal effect on US citizenship)? Thank you! Diana
Hi Diana. The process can vary. In some cases you’ll need to submit a formal certificate of renunciation, in others you swear a solemn oath that you have renounced. In either case, retaining US citizenship is grounds to annul your Spanish citizenship if the Spanish government finds out that you did not follow through. All the best, Alastair
Hello?
My great grandmother is originally Spanish. Am I eligible for citizenship if i live a year in spain? Or is there any other law that is currently discussed in parliament and not yet approved concerning great grand children? Please advise. Thank you
Hi Abbas. There is a law currently awaiting debate in parliament that will impact the citizenship rights of descendants of Spanish citizens. However, it is not yet passed and we are awaiting a date for the debate. You can see details here: Proposición de Ley. At present you only qualify for the reduced naturalization period is you have a Spanish grandparent by origin, great-grandparent is one generation too far back. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair. I am the U.S. born daughter of a Mexican born father and Mexican born maternal grandparents. My DNA shows that I am 80% Spanish and also a (very) small percentage Ashkenazi. Am I eligible for Spanish citizenship based on any of these factors? If I do qualify, what are the rules regarding my husband? We would plan on purchasing a home in Spain but we would, of course, need time to decide where. Also, I know that in the U.S. the recipients of certain awards can apply for citizenship. I have an Oscar and a BAFTA. Does that help me qualify in Spain. Sorry for so many questions and thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Beatrice. Lets take these one at a time.
1) Mexican citizens qualify for a short naturalization qualification of two years, but I don’t think you have Mexican citizenship (you didn’t mention this.). Unfortunately Mexican heritage doesn’t qualify.
2) Spain’s law for the descendents of Jewish exiles applied only to Sephardic Jews (those from the Iberian peninsula), not Ashkenazi. Also, unlike Portugal’s Sephardic citizenship program, Spain’s program in currently suspended.
3) No citizenship program in the world is yet offering nationality based on DNA results (seems crazy accepting paternal documented heritage but not DNA, but that is where we are currently at!)
4) Buying a home can be an excellent way of qualifying for Spanish Citizenship by naturalization. Check out our guide to Spain’s Golden Visa program.
5) Spain doesn’t have a Special Achievement process like some other countries.
6) We’ve got a guide to Spanish visa and residency programs if you want to live in Spain for a while before buying a house.
I’m sorry we couldn’t help our first Emmy and Oscar winning visitor more. However, our brilliant Spanish Immigration law partners will be happy to discuss all you options with you – the discussion may open up options that we haven’t covered here. All the best, Alastair
I am a US citizen, and I am in the process of obtaining Mexican citizenship via naturalization(residency). Once completed, can I later apply for Spanish citizenship with the 2 year residency requirement? My brother and his wife(native of spain) are living there currently and I would like to join them at some point in the future.
Hi Brian. As soon as you have Mexican citizenship you can move to Spain and start the two-year Spanish citizenship by naturalization process. All the best, Alastair
Greetings and thank you for such helpful information. I’m an American with Peruvian citizenship also by virtue of my Peruvian mother. So, I’m a Peruvian born abroad.
I believe I understand all the options for becoming a Spanish citizen through residency. There are several routes. I’ve even spoken with a Spanish lawyer to inquire about the process.
However, a couple questions remain.
First, I believe I understand that I can retain dual citizenship (Peruvian and Spanish) and that I wouldn’t have to renounce my US citizenship since I’d be applying for Spanish citizenship as a Peruvian. I’d therefore have two citizenships but three passports in the Spanish view, correct?
Second, I believe Spain and Peru have a special immigration or labor agreement, but I can’t find much, if anything on it except for the dual nationality exchange. I was under the impression that a similar special agreement also exists with Chile and a different one with Guatemala. Is there any special advantage for Peruvians?
Thanks so much!
Hello Alastair,
First, thanks so much for creating this great resource for those of us who want to follow our dream of living in Spain. My question is simple. As a dual Colombian/American citizen and a resident of the US, can your partner immigration lawyers assist my wife and myself in the visa process, or is this site more geared towards UK citizens?
Best regards!
Hi Kevin
Our Spanish Immigration lawyer partner has lots of experience with South American and USA citizens moving to Spain, they’ll be delighted to assist you. All the best, Alastair
Is it easy for Filipinos to get into Spain, or the only way is with a EU passport?
Hi Dandan – Spain has many immigration options for Filipinos – check out our guide to Spanish Visas and Residency Permit options. Regards, Alastair
Does the NLV count towards Spanish
Citizenship for Ecuadorian citizens?
Hi Anthony. Yes, the NLV does count towards Spansih citizenship. All the best, Alastair