Overview
Spanish citizenship offers numerous benefits, including the right to live, work, and travel freely within the European Union (EU). There are several pathways to acquiring Spanish nationality, each with specific requirements and processes. Whether you have Spanish ancestry, reside in Spain, or come from a former Spanish colony, this guide will provide a detailed explanation of how to obtain Spanish citizenship.
Why Choose Spanish Citizenship?
- EU Access: Live, work, and travel within the European Union without restrictions.
- Dual Citizenship: Spain allows dual nationality for citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews.
- Cultural and Economic Opportunities: Access to Spain’s rich culture, strong economy, and public healthcare and education systems.
- Generational Benefits: Pass Spanish citizenship to future generations.
Ways to Obtain Spanish Citizenship
1. Spanish Citizenship by Descent ("CiudadanÃa por Descendencia")
If you have Spanish ancestors, you may qualify for Spanish nationality by descent. Requirements include:
- Direct Spanish Ancestry: You must prove that at least one of your parents is or was a Spanish citizen.
- Generational Limits: Generally limited to children of Spanish citizens, but special laws allow grandchildren of exiled Spaniards to apply.
- Required Documentation: Birth, marriage, and death certificates of your Spanish ancestor and subsequent generations.
2. Spanish Citizenship by Birth ("CiudadanÃa por Nacimiento")
- Born in Spain to Spanish Parents: Automatically granted Spanish citizenship.
- Born in Spain to Foreign Parents: If at least one parent was also born in Spain, or if the child would otherwise be stateless, citizenship may be granted.
3. Spanish Citizenship by Naturalization ("CiudadanÃa por Residencia")
Foreigners who legally reside in Spain for a certain period can apply for naturalization:
- General Rule: 10 years of continuous legal residence.
- Reduced Periods:
- 5 years: For refugees.
- 2 years: For nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews.
- 1 year: For individuals born in Spain, married to a Spanish citizen, widowed from a Spanish citizen, or with Spanish-born parents or grandparents.
4. Spanish Citizenship by Marriage ("CiudadanÃa por Matrimonio")
- A foreigner married to a Spanish citizen can apply for citizenship after one year of residence in Spain, provided they live together and maintain legal residence.
- Proof of a valid marriage and cohabitation is required.
5. Spanish Citizenship for Nationals of Former Spanish Colonies
Spain has historical ties with its former colonies and offers an accelerated path to citizenship:
- Citizens of Ibero-American countries (e.g., Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, etc.), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal can apply for citizenship after only two years of legal residence in Spain.
6. Spanish Citizenship for Sephardic Jews
Under a special law passed in 2015 (which expired in 2019 but had extensions), Sephardic Jews could apply for Spanish nationality without residing in Spain. Though the law has expired, some cases are still being processed.
Application Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- Birth certificate: Apostilled and translated into Spanish.
- Proof of residence: Residency permits, padrón (local registration), and tax documents.
- Criminal record certificate: From Spain and home country.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Language and cultural exams: DELE A2 (basic Spanish proficiency) and CCSE (constitutional and sociocultural knowledge exam), unless exempt.
Step 2: Submit Application
- Where to Apply: Applications are submitted online via the Spanish Ministry of Justice's website or at the Civil Registry if applying by descent or birth.
- Processing Time: Varies; usually 1-3 years for naturalization applications.
Step 3: Swearing Allegiance
- If approved, you must swear allegiance to Spain and renounce previous nationality (unless from an Ibero-American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal).
Step 4: Register as a Spanish Citizen
- After the oath, register at the Civil Registry and apply for a Spanish passport and national ID (DNI).
Costs and Fees
- Application Fee: Around €100.
- Document Procurement: Varies by country.
- Language and Cultural Exams: Approx. €150 in total.
- Legal Assistance (Optional): Fees vary.
Pros and Cons of Spanish Citizenship
Pros
- EU citizenship benefits.
- Accelerated path for nationals of former colonies.
- No need to renounce previous nationality for certain applicants.
- Access to Spain’s healthcare, education, and social benefits.
Cons
- Bureaucratic delays.
- Dual nationality restrictions for most non-Ibero-American countries.
- Residency requirements for most applicants.
Conclusion
Spanish citizenship provides numerous opportunities, from EU access to cultural integration. Whether applying through ancestry, residence, or special provisions for former Spanish colonies, understanding the process and preparing documentation in advance can make the application smoother.
Need help? Consider consulting legal experts specializing in Spanish nationality applications.
FAQs
Does Spain allow dual citizenship with the US? No, Spain generally does not allow dual citizenship for Americans. If a U.S. citizen applies for Spanish citizenship through residency or naturalization, they are required to renounce their previous nationality. However, in practice, Spain does not always enforce this renunciation.
Is it easier for Latin Americans to get Spanish citizenship? Yes, nationals from Ibero-American countries (including Latin American nations, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews) can apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residency, compared to the standard 10-year requirement for most other nationalities.
What level of Spanish do you need for citizenship? Applicants must pass the DELE A2 (or higher) Spanish language exam unless they are from a Spanish-speaking country. They also need to pass the CCSE (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España) test, which evaluates knowledge of Spanish history, culture, and government.
How do I claim Spanish citizenship by descent? Spanish citizenship by descent (nacionalidad por origen) is available if:
- You were born to a Spanish parent.
- Your grandparent was Spanish and lost their nationality due to exile (Ley de Memoria Democrática).
- You are a Sephardic Jew who can prove a special historical connection to Spain. You must provide birth certificates and legal documentation proving your family link.
Can I get Spanish citizenship through my grandparents? In most cases, no. Spain does not grant automatic citizenship to grandchildren of Spaniards unless their parents first obtain it. However, under the Ley de Memoria Democrática (Law of Democratic Memory), grandchildren of Spanish exiles may qualify directly.
How long after permanent residency can you apply for citizenship?
- Most nationalities: 10 years
- Latin Americans, Sephardic Jews, Andorrans, Filipinos, and Equatorial Guineans: 2 years
- Refugees: 5 years
- Spouses of Spanish citizens: 1 year of residency (with marriage intact)
Does marrying a Spanish citizen give you citizenship? Marrying a Spaniard does not automatically grant citizenship, but it reduces the residency requirement to just 1 year if you live in Spain with your spouse.
What are the benefits of being a Spanish citizen?
- EU citizenship: Freedom to live, work, and study in any EU country.
- No visa requirements: Access to 190+ countries visa-free.
- Public healthcare and education: Full access to Spain’s social services.
- Ability to pass citizenship to children automatically.
Can an American become a citizen of Spain? Yes, but they must first obtain residency (via work, study, family reunification, or investment) and live in Spain for the required period (typically 10 years). They must also pass the Spanish language and culture tests.
How much does it cost to get dual citizenship in Spain? The government application fee is €104. However, additional costs for language exams (€85 for DELE A2, €85 for CCSE), translations, legal assistance, and document processing can raise total expenses to €500-€2,000.
