Find out if you qualify for Spanish Citizenship
Spain Citizenship Programs – Requirements and How to Apply
Embark on your journey towards becoming a Spanish citizen with our specialized guidance. Spain offers several pathways to citizenship, catering to diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
At Consult Immigration, we’re committed to navigating you through the complexities of acquiring Spanish citizenship, ensuring a smooth and successful application process.
Who can Apply for Spanish Citizenship?
Spanish citizenship can be obtained through various means, each with its unique requirements and processes.
The most common routes include:
1) Original Spaniards
- Citizenship by descent for those born to a Spanish parent or those born in Spain to foreign parents with at least one parent born in Spain (excluding children of diplomats).
2) Citizenship through Residence
- General requirement is ten years of continuous and legal residence.
- Reduced residency requirements for refugees (five years) and nationals from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic Jews (two years).
- One year of residency suffices for individuals born in Spain, wards of Spanish citizens, married to a Spanish citizen, or widows/widowers of Spaniards, among others.
3) Citizenship by Option
- A benefit for foreigners under certain conditions, such as being subject to the parental authority of a Spaniard or having a Spanish parent who was born in Spain.
4) Citizenship in Accordance with the Law on Democratic Memory
- For those born outside Spain to Spanish parents or grandparents who lost or renounced their Spanish nationality due to exile for various reasons.
5) Citizenship by Use
- Applicable to those who have used Spanish nationality for ten years continuously and in good faith.
In all cases, residency must be legal, continuous, and immediately prior to the application.
The Spanish Citizenship Application Process
Navigating the complexities of applying for Spanish citizenship can be daunting, but with Consult Immigration, you’re in expert hands. Here’s an overview of the application process for the most common pathways to Spanish citizenship:
Citizenship through Residence
- Ensure you meet the specific residency duration based on your category (general, refugee, Ibero-American countries, etc.).
- Collect necessary documents, including proof of legal residence, identification, and evidence of socio-economic integration in Spain.
- Apply through the designated government channels, either in person or online, depending on the applicant’s situation.
Citizenship by Option
- Confirm eligibility under the citizenship by option criteria, such as being subject to a Spanish parent’s authority.
- Assemble required documents, including proof of parental authority, birth certificates, and other relevant legal papers.
- Make a formal declaration of opting for Spanish nationality, adhering to the stipulated legal procedures and timelines.
Citizenship in Accordance with the Law on Democratic Memory
- Verify eligibility based on Spanish descent and the historical context outlined in the Law on Democratic Memory.
- Gather evidence of Spanish lineage, such as birth or marriage certificates of Spanish ancestors, and proof of their exile circumstances.
- Formalize the declaration of opting for Spanish nationality under this specific law, within the prescribed time frame.
Citizenship by Use
- Demonstrate a decade of continuous use of Spanish nationality in good faith, through various legal and social documents.
- Submit an application with supporting evidence to the Civil Registry, proving the continuous and good-faith use of Spanish nationality.
How We Can Help
Our team of experts at Consult Immigration offers comprehensive support throughout your citizenship application process. Our services include:
- Personalized Consultation: We provide tailored advice based on your specific pathway to Spanish citizenship.
- Document Management: Assistance in gathering, preparing, and verifying all necessary documentation.
- Application Assistance: Guidance through the application submission process, ensuring adherence to all legal requirements and deadlines.
- Legal Representation: If required, we can offer legal representation to handle complex cases or appeals.
Spain Citizenship – Frequently Asked Questions
To further assist you in your journey to obtaining Spanish citizenship, here are some frequently asked questions that provide clarity on common queries:
How long does the Spanish citizenship application process take?
The duration varies depending on the pathway, but it generally takes several months to a year after submitting all required documents.
Is a Spanish language proficiency test required for citizenship?
Yes, applicants need to pass a Spanish language proficiency test, except in cases of citizenship by origin or for those from Spanish-speaking countries.
Can I hold dual citizenship with Spain?
Spain allows dual citizenship with certain countries, especially Ibero-American nations. For others, it may require renouncing your original nationality.
Are there any specific integration requirements for Spanish citizenship?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate integration into Spanish society, which can include knowledge of the Spanish culture, history, and participation in social activities.
What happens if my Spanish citizenship application is denied?
You can appeal the decision or reapply by addressing the reasons for denial, with legal assistance, if necessary.
Do children born in Spain automatically receive citizenship?
Children born in Spain to foreign parents may acquire citizenship if at least one parent was born in Spain or under certain residency conditions.
Is it mandatory to reside in Spain during the citizenship process?
Continuous legal residence is usually required, especially for citizenship through residence.
How does marriage to a Spanish citizen affect the application?
Marriage to a Spanish citizen can reduce the residency requirement to one year for citizenship through residence.
What are the costs associated with the Spanish citizenship application?
Costs vary depending on the application pathway and may include fees for document processing, legal services, government fees and language tests.
Can Spanish citizenship be passed on to my descendants?
Yes, Spanish citizenship acquired by naturalization can be passed to future generations.
