15 Jan 2025
Are you thinking about making Spain your home or obtaining Spanish citizenship? Whether you want to join the thriving Spanish community or learn about the benefits of a Spanish passport, including the ease of online money transfer within the Eurozone and beyond, becoming a Spanish citizen can seem complicated. But do not worry! This guide will break down everything you need to know about Spanish citizenship requirements, the different paths available to get Spanish nationality, and the essential steps you need to take to make it happen.
There are several ways to obtain Spanish nationality, each catering to different circumstances. Below are the most common methods.
If you've lived in Spain for a set number of years, you may be able to petition for Spanish citizenship. Generally, expats who have legally stayed in Spain for ten years can apply, while this period is shorter for the people of several countries.
If you are married to a Spanish citizen, you can apply for Spanish nationality after just one year of marriage if you meet other legal criteria. This method is frequently speedier and less complex than other paths to citizenship.
You may be able to claim Spanish nationality if you have Spanish parents or grandparents, even if you were born outside of Spain. This option can apply to individuals who can trace their Spanish ancestry.
Children born in Spain to foreign parents may be eligible for Spanish nationality under certain conditions, such as if their parents were born in Spain or had lived legally in the country for a long time. This law applies to children born in Spain but does not guarantee citizenship in all cases.
Obtaining Spanish nationality can be straightforward if you follow the necessary steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process.
One of the most prevalent ways to gain Spanish citizenship is through residency. If you've been living in Spain for a particular amount of years, you might be qualified to apply. To apply for Spanish nationality by residency, you’ll need to meet the following requirements for Spanish nationality:
Legal residency requires living in Spain for a specific number of years. The time is typically 10 years; however, it can be lowered to two years for citizens of countries with historical ties to Spain, such as former colonies like Ecuador or Argentina.
You cannot have left Spain for long periods during your residency.
You need to demonstrate that you have adhered to Spanish laws, including not having any serious criminal record.
You may need to prove that you can support yourself and are financially stable.
Here’s how the process typically works:
Gather all the necessary paperwork, including residency permits, proof of income, and a clean criminal record.
Once you’ve met the requirements for Spanish citizenship, submit your application to the Civil Registry.
The approval process can take months or even years. Throughout this time, you must demonstrate your absorption into Spanish society.
Some applicants may be required to complete an exam on Spanish culture, history, and language.
If married to a Spanish national, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship by marriage. This process is shorter than obtaining Spanish citizenship through residency, although there are still conditions to complete.
The Spanish nationality law allows foreigners married to Spanish nationals to apply for citizenship after just one year of marriage if they meet specific criteria:
Marriage Duration: You must have been married for at least one year.
Residence in Spain: Generally, you must have lived in Spain for at least one year.
Legal Status: You must have legal residency status and comply with Spanish citizenship requirements.
You must provide a legitimate marriage certificate to verify your marriage to a Spanish national. This may include the original marriage certificate or a certified copy. If you have lived in Spain for some time, you must provide proof of residence, such as utility bills, rental agreements, or tax returns, to verify your continuous residency. Once you've obtained all of the relevant papers, such as evidence of marriage and residency, you must apply to the Spanish Civil Registry.
Many people seeking Spanish nationality wonder if dual citizenship is permitted in Spain. The short answer is yes, but only under specific conditions.
Under Spanish nationality law, Spain typically doesn’t recognize dual nationality. However, exceptions exist for individuals from Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. These countries share historical ties with Spain, and their citizens can retain their original nationality while becoming Spanish nationals.
Citizens of other countries are usually required to renounce their previous nationality. However, exceptions might apply, such as those with Spanish nationality by marriage or Spanish citizenship by residency, if they can prove the significance of retaining their original nationality.
Several exceptional cases might allow individuals to obtain Spanish citizenship under different conditions.
You may be eligible for Spanish nationality via descent if you have Spanish roots. You can petition for Spanish nationality if your parents or grandparents were born in Spain, even if you were born somewhere else.
To gain Spanish nationality by descent, you must prove your Spanish ancestry. This usually entails producing documentation such as birth certificates or Civil Registry records proving your genealogy to a Spanish citizen. While some circumstances may need to meet strict residency criteria, they are not usually required to obtain Spanish nationality by descent.
A child born in Spain to foreign parents may be eligible for Spanish nationality. However, this does not immediately bestow Spanish citizenship. The parents must complete specific nationality requirements to gain Spanish citizenship for their kids.
Specific requirements must be met before a child born in Spain can be granted Spanish nationality. First, one or both parents must have lived lawfully in Spain for a set period. Second, the parents must express their intention to apply for Spanish nationality on behalf of their child.
Once you acquire Spanish nationality, you can apply for a Spanish passport. The passport is one of the primary benefits of Spanish citizenship, offering unrestricted access to the European Union.
Before applying for a Spanish passport, ensure your Spanish citizenship is recognized in the right manner. This includes following all legal regulations and filing all appropriate papers. Once your citizenship is approved, you can apply for a passport.
To apply for your Spanish passport, you must submit your application to the Spanish Civil Registry if you’re in Spain or to the nearest Spanish consulate if you live abroad. You can schedule an appointment and follow the instructions provided for the application process.
When applying for a Spanish passport, you must provide the necessary documentation. These typically include a valid ID, your official citizenship document, and payment of the passport fee. Double-check the specific requirements, which may differ significantly based on your region.
Whether you’re applying for Spanish nationality by marriage, Spanish citizenship by residency, or through descent, obtaining Spanish nationality can be rewarding. Spanish citizenship has numerous advantages, such as the right to live and work in Spain and access to the European Union. Review the Spanish nationality requirements and follow all stages to ensure a seamless process.
Anyone wishing to obtain Spanish citizenship must keep organized and gather all necessary paperwork. Patience is essential because the process might be time-consuming. If you plan to send money to Spain or have financial dealings in the country, ACE Money Transfer is your trusted partner that will help make your transactions secure and seamless.
Depending on your circumstances, the process can take one to ten years. Those applying by marriage or descent typically have a shorter schedule, whereas Spanish citizenship through residency takes longer.
It depends on the laws of your local country. Some countries allow dual nationality. However, Spain typically requires you to give up your former nationality unless you come from a country with an agreement with Spain.
Sometimes, you can apply for Spanish citizenship through descent if your parents or grandparents were Spanish nationals. You don’t have to live in Spain for this.
Yes, but only in certain conditions. Parents must complete specific residency criteria to qualify their child for Spanish nationality.
You must demonstrate your Spanish proficiency by taking a language exam or providing proof of integration into Spanish society, particularly if applying for Spanish nationality through residency.
