Spain Dual Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide

Spain dual citizenship allows individuals to become citizens of Spain without having to give up their original nationality, although this depends on where you’re from. Spain has strict rules about dual citizenship and requires applicants to renounce their previous nationality. However, exceptions exist for people from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and for those with Sephardic Jewish heritage, among others.

Dual citizenship gives you full rights in Spain, including the ability to live, work, and study across the European Union. It also grants access to social benefits like healthcare and education, and the ability to carry a Spanish passport, which is one of the strongest in the world.

This guide will explore everything you need to know about obtaining Spanish dual citizenship, including its advantages, requirements, eligibility criteria, and the detailed application process.

• Spanish Dual Citizenship Laws
• Does Spain allow dual citizenship?
• Spanish Dual Citizenship Eligibility Criteria
• 6 Benefits of Spanish Dual Citizenship
• How to get Spain Dual Citizenship
• List of all Countries with Dual Citizenship Agreements with Spain
• Required Documents for Spanish Dual Citizenship
• Application Process for Spanish Dual Citizenship
• The Cost of Spanish Dual Citizenship
• How Long Does the Spanish Dual Citizenship Process Last?

Spanish Dual Citizenship Laws

Spain has strict dual citizenship laws and generally requires naturalized citizens to renounce their previous nationality. However, exceptions exist for citizens of certain countries with historical and cultural ties to Spain, including most Latin American countries (such as Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin who qualified under a now-closed 2015 law.

These groups can hold Spanish citizenship alongside their original nationality without renouncing either. For these eligible nationals, the residency requirement to apply for Spanish citizenship is just two years, while for others it is typically ten years.

Spain doesn’t officially allow dual citizenship with most EU countries, and the law expects you to give up your other nationality. However, this rule isn’t always strictly enforced. Also, countries like the US and Canada may not accept your renunciation unless it follows their legal steps, so you might still end up having both nationalities.

Does Spain allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Spain allows dual citizenship, but mainly with certain countries. Spanish law permits dual citizenship without requiring renunciation if you are from specific countries like most Latin American nations, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. For people from other countries, Spain generally requires you to give up your previous nationality when becoming Spanish, although there are some exceptions.

Spanish Dual Citizenship Eligibility Criteria

Spain’s rules for dual citizenship vary depending on a person’s country of origin and specific circumstances. Here is an overview of who is eligible to hold dual citizenship with Spain:

• Citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic descendants: These nationals can apply for and retain dual citizenship with Spain. They must request citizenship within two years of gaining it or risk losing their original nationality.
• Descendants of Sephardic Jews: Individuals who can trace their ancestry to Sephardic Jews expelled in 1492 are eligible under a special law.
• Citizens of other countries: Spain requires applicants to renounce their previous nationality. Exceptions exist only within the groups above or for individuals who obtained Spanish nationality by birth in Spain under specific conditions (e.g., children of foreign parents legally residing there), where dual citizenship may be retained.
• Spanish-born children of foreign parents: If born in Spain to Brazilian, Puerto Rican, or Panamanian parents, a child can keep both nationalities without renouncing either.

6 Benefits of Spanish Dual Citizenship

1. Freedom to travel: Spanish citizens can travel freely across 29 EU countries and the Schengen Area without border checks. This is especially helpful for non-EU citizens who gain new freedom to move, work, and live across Europe.

2. Public services: Dual citizens have full access to Spain’s public healthcare, social security, voting rights, and legal protections, just like any other Spanish citizen.

3. Education: You can study at top Spanish and EU universities with lower tuition fees. It also becomes easier to work or train anywhere in the EU.

4. Tax advantages: Spain has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation. You may also qualify for tax benefits like housing, pensions, and personal expenses deductions.

5. Cultural integration: Citizenship makes feeling at home in Spain easier. You can own property, work, join the community, and access full rights as a local. Learning Spanish is encouraged to make the most of your new life.

6. A strong passport: According to the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions, Spain’s passport ranks 20th globally and offers visa-free access to 127 countries. It also ranks 5th on the Enhanced Mobility Index, making it one of the best passports for travel, business, and quality of life.

How to get Spain Dual Citizenship

Spain has strict rules about dual citizenship, but it offers different ways to become a citizen depending on your personal or family history. These options help many people get Spanish dual citizenship, even with the rules.

1. Spain Citizenship By Descent (Ancestry)

You may be eligible for Spanish citizenship by descent if you have Spanish parents or grandparents. This route allows you to claim citizenship by proving your family connection to Spain, even if you were born outside the country. To apply, you must provide official documents like birth and marriage certificates showing your lineage. This process recognizes the right to nationality through blood ties and does not require you to live in Spain. It is often the most straightforward way for those with Spanish heritage to obtain Spanish citizenship.

2. Spanish Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization is a common path to Spanish citizenship for those who have lived legally in Spain for a specific period. The general requirement is ten years of continuous legal residence. However, this period is shortened to two years for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal, reflecting Spain’s historical and cultural ties with these nations. Refugees qualify after five years. Applicants must also demonstrate integration into Spanish society by passing language and culture exams and prove good conduct. This route offers a pathway to citizenship for those who have made Spain their home.

3. Spain Citizenship By Marriage

Marriage to a Spanish citizen provides a faster way to apply for citizenship, but it requires at least one year of legal residence in Spain after marriage. The process demands proof that the marriage is genuine and ongoing, including documents like marriage certificates and evidence of living together or shared life. The citizenship by marriage route is designed to recognize family unity and provide spouses of Spanish nationals an opportunity to become citizens more quickly than through naturalization alone.

4. Spanish Citizenship By Democratic Memory Law (Grandchildren Law)

The Spain Democratic Memory Law, or the “Grandchildren Law,” is a special program to repair historical injustices from the Spanish Civil War. It allows children and grandchildren of Spaniards who lost citizenship due to exile, discriminatory laws, or political repression to apply for Spanish citizenship. Applicants do not need to reside in Spain and can retain their current citizenship. This law is time-limited, with applications accepted until 21 October 2025, and requires proof of Spanish ancestry and documentation showing the family’s historical circumstances.

List of all Countries with Dual Citizenship Agreements with Spain

Here’s the list of all countries from which you can apply for Spanish citizenship:

• Argentina
• France
• Uruguay
• Costa Rica
• Peru
• El Salvador
• Andorra
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Bolivia
• Ecuador
• Panama
• Paraguay
• The Dominican Republic
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Venezuela
• Chile
• Colombia
• Andorra
• the Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• Portugal

Required Documents for Spanish Dual Citizenship

To apply for Spanish dual citizenship, you must provide a range of documents to support your application.

Here’s a detailed list of commonly required documentation to get Spanish nationality:

• Completed application form: Usually provided by the Spanish Ministry of Justice or your local Spanish consulate.
• Valid passport or identity document: From your current country of citizenship and, if applicable, your Spanish passport or ID.
• Birth certificate: A long-form, official birth certificate that has been legalized/apostilled and translated into Spanish if issued abroad.
• Proof of Spanish ancestry or connection (if applying by descent or the Grandchildren’s Law): This can include: Spanish birth certificates of parents or grandparents, marriage certificates, evidence of exile or loss of nationality (for Democratic Memory Law cases).
• Proof of legal residence in Spain (for naturalization cases based on residency): This can include residence permits, certificates of registration, or proof of living in Spain for the required time period (usually 10 years, or shorter for some cases).
• Certificate of criminal record (from Spain and your home country): Showing no serious criminal offenses.
• Certificate of good conduct or police clearance from your country of origin and Spain: Sometimes required to prove your good standing.
• Language proficiency certificate: Demonstrating knowledge of the Spanish language (DELE A2 or higher) for most naturalization applicants.
• Cultural knowledge certificate: Passing the CCSE test (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España) that proves knowledge of Spanish society, required for naturalization applicants.
• Proof of renunciation of previous citizenship (only if required by Spain): Spain generally requires renunciation of previous citizenship, except for certain countries.
• Payment of application fees: Proof of payment of the processing fee.

Application Process for Spanish Dual Citizenship

The application process for Spanish dual citizenship involves several steps, from gathering documentation to submitting forms and attending interviews. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship:

1. Determine Your Eligibility: First, identify which route to Spanish citizenship applies to your case:

• Descent: You have Spanish parents or grandparents.
• Democratic Memory Law: Your family was affected by exile or historical injustices.
• Sephardic Heritage: You can trace ancestry to Sephardic Jews expelled in 1492.
• Naturalization: You’ve legally lived in Spain for the required number of years (2–10, depending on your nationality and circumstances).

2. Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary paperwork, including birth certificates (yours and your ancestor’s), proof of Spanish ancestry or exile, a valid passport and/or ID, and more.

3. Submit Your Application: Depending on your situation, if you applied abroad, you can submit your application in person at the nearest Spanish consulate. When used in Spain, the application can be submitted to the Civil Registry of your local municipality. Applications under the Democratic Memory Law must be submitted by 21 October 2025.

4. Wait for a Decision: Processing times can vary. According to the law of descent or memory, it takes around 6 months to 2 years. By naturalization, it often takes 1 to 3 years. You may be asked for more documents or to clarify certain points during this time.

5. Oath of Allegiance: If approved, you must appear at a Spanish Civil Registry office to take the oath of allegiance to the King and the Constitution. You must also renounce your previous citizenship unless you’re exempt (e.g., Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Portugal, etc.).

6. Obtain Your Spanish Passport and DNI: Once you’ve taken the oath and your Spanish citizenship is registered, apply for a Spanish national identity card (DNI). Apply for your Spanish passport, granting you full rights as a Spanish and EU citizen.

The Cost of Spanish Dual Citizenship

The costs of obtaining Spanish dual citizenship include the official application fee, the CCSE exam, and the DELE A2 Spanish language test (if required). Additional expenses may include apostilles or document legalization, certified translations, and optional legal assistance from a Spanish immigration lawyer or agency to help with document preparation and submission.

Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses associated with the dual nationality process:

How Long Does the Spanish Dual Citizenship Process Last?

The duration of obtaining Spanish citizenship process can vary based on several factors, including the type of citizenship you are applying for and the current workload of the Spanish authorities.

Here’s a general timeline to expect when you attempt to obtain Spanish dual citizenship:

1. Application Processing: The processing time for Spanish citizenship applications ranges from 6 to 12 months. This timeframe can be affected by the complexity of your application, the completeness of your documentation, and the efficiency of the processing office. If additional information or documents are required, this may extend the processing time for obtaining Spanish nationality.
2. Naturalization: For those applying for citizenship in Spain through naturalization, the process can take between one to two years. This includes the time required for meeting the residency requirement, submitting documentation, and undergoing the application review process. The timeline may vary based on individual circumstances and the workload of the relevant authorities.
3. Ancestry-based applications: Applications based on Spanish descent or ancestry may be processed more quickly, often within six to 12 months. This is due to the straightforward nature of proving lineage and the streamlined process for applicants with Spanish ancestry. The processing time of citizenship in Spain may still vary depending on the completeness of your documentation and the efficiency of the Civil Registry office.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Citizenship in Spain

Is Spain going to allow dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship in Spain is already available, and if you meet the requirements for dual nationality, you can obtain it. So, as long as you are coming from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal you can get dual citizenship in Spain.

Does the US allow dual citizenship with Spain?

Yes, the United States does allow dual citizenship, and this includes holding U.S. and Spanish citizenship simultaneously. U.S. law does not require a citizen to renounce their U.S. nationality when acquiring another. Spain, however, generally requires applicants to renounce their previous nationality unless they come from specific countries with bilateral agreements. Spain does not have such an agreement with the U.S., which can complicate the process for Americans looking for Spanish citizenship.

Can I get Spanish citizenship in two years?

Yes, you can get Spanish citizenship in two years if you’re a citizen of a Latin American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or are of Sephardic Jewish descent. These groups benefit from a reduced naturalization period. All others typically need ten years of legal residence before applying.

Who qualifies for dual citizenship in Spain?

People from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and those of Sephardic Jewish descent qualify for dual citizenship in Spain. They don’t need to renounce their original nationality. Others must usually give up their prior citizenship unless exceptions apply.

What are the rules for dual citizenship in Spain?

Spain generally requires naturalized citizens to renounce their previous citizenship, with few exception. However, nationality may be retained automatically for citizens of Ibero‑American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, France (from 2022), and for those of Sephardic Jewish descent. Spanish-born citizens acquiring another nationality must declare their intent to retain Spanish nationality within three years.

How can you get dual citizenship in Spain?

You can get dual citizenship in Spain through descent (Spanish parents or grandparents), naturalization (after 2–10 years of legal residence), or special laws like the Democratic Memory Law and the Sephardic heritage route. Each path has different rules depending on your background.