Spanish citizenship by descent allows people to apply for citizenship if they have Spanish parents. You may be eligible for citizenship if you were born outside of Spain but can prove your Spanish ancestry.
This differs from the Spanish Citizenship by Democratic Memory Law, which granted citizenship to grandchildren of Spanish citizens born in Spain to a Spanish family.
Getting Spanish citizenship by ancestry brings many benefits. You can travel freely within the European Union (EU) and live in any EU country. This gives you access to great healthcare, education, and a high standard of living. Additionally, you can enjoy all the rights of Spanish citizens, such as voting and working in Spain or any other EU country.
In this article, you’ll learn all about Spanish citizenship by ancestory, including:
- What is Spanish citizenship by descent?
- What is the Spanish Citizenship by Democratic Law?
- Benefits of Spanish Citizenship by Descent
- Who can apply for Spanish Citizenship by Descent?
- Options for Spanish Citizenship After the Democratic Memory Law Ended
- The Required Documents for Spanish Citizenship by Descent
- How to Apply for Spanish Citizenship by Descent
- Spanish Citizenship by Descent Application Processing Time
- Spanish Citizenship by Descent Application Fees
What does this mean for applicants moving forward?
– After October 22, the online appointment system closed.
– Applicants who received a confirmation with an electronic signature (CSV) can submit documents in person after October 22 and will get credentials to schedule an in-person appointment.
– Those who applied by email or letter but did not secure an appointment also needed to use the online system before October 22 to obtain a confirmation with CSV.
– The electronic signature confirmation is required to submit documents in person.
– Keep access to your email and check regularly, including spam, for notifications from the Consulate.
What is Spanish Citizenship by Descent?
Spanish citizenship by descent, or “jus sanguinis,” allows individuals to apply for citizenship through a direct line of Spanish ancestry, providing a way for descendants of Spanish citizens to reclaim their heritage. Under Spanish immigration law, this applies to those with a Spanish parent and requires proving family ties through official documents like birth and marriage certificates. Applicants must submit their case to the Spanish authorities, who verify the documentation and eligibility.
What is the Spain Citizenship by Democratic Law?
The Spain Citizenship by Democratic Memory Law, also known as the “Grandchildren Law,” was introduced in 2022 to allow children and grandchildren of citizens who are/were originally Spanish. This law offers a path to citizenship for people of Spanish descent, even if they were born abroad. Applicants do not need to live in Spain or give up their current citizenship. The law was open for a limited time, with applications accepted until 22 October 2025. The application system is now closed and no longer accepting applications.
What are the Benefits of Spanish Citizenship?
When you obtain Spanish nationality through ancestry, you’ll enjoy the following perks:
- Visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries: With Spanish citizenship, you can travel visa-free to 125 countries and get a visa on arrival in 30 more.
- Right to live and work anywhere in the European Union: You can easily move, work, and settle in any EU or Schengen country without extra paperwork.
- Healthcare and social security: Spanish citizens, including those who gained citizenship through Spanish citizenship by descent, have access to Spain’s public healthcare system and social security benefits, which can also support them during retirement.
- Spanish education: Citizenship grants access to Spain’s education system, with free primary and secondary schooling and affordable university tuition.
- Consular benefits: Spanish citizens can seek help from Spanish embassies and consulates worldwide, a service non-citizens don’t have.
- Access to the EU job market: Work anywhere in the EU under the same conditions as local citizens.
- Run a business across the EU: Start and operate businesses in other EU countries without extra taxes or trade barriers.
- Family benefits: It’s easier for family members to join you, and non-EU family members may qualify for simplified residence permits.
- Strong passport: A strong benefit of obtaining a Spanish passport is the high level of global mobility it offers. According to the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index, Spain ranks 20th globally and provides visa-free access to 127 countries. This makes the Spanish passport valuable for international travel, business opportunities, and personal freedom.
Who can apply for Spanish Citizenship by Descent?
You can obtain for Spanish citizenship by descent if:
- Born to a Spanish mother or father– The child automatically acquires Spanish nationality regardless of the year.
- Born in Spain to foreign parents, with at least one parent born in Spain — Under the 1978 Constitution, the child acquires Spanish nationality by birth if one parent was born in Spain (except children of diplomats).
- Born in Spain to stateless foreign parents or those whose nationality laws don’t grant nationality – The child can be declared Spanish at the Civil Registry under the presumption of Spanish nationality, in effect since 1982.
- Children born in Spain whose parents’ identities are unknown—Under the 1982 Nationality Law, a child is presumed to be Spanish by birth if their first known residence is Spanish territory.
- Children under 18 adopted by a Spanish national are considered Spanish by origin; if over 18, they may opt for nationality within two years of adoption under the 2007 reform of the Nationality Law.
Important note: These rules apply to children whose parents are currently Spanish citizens. In comparison, nationality by option is for individuals whose parent was born in Spain, held Spanish nationality in the past, and later lost it through naturalization, marriage, or another reason. This category covers almost all applicants, around 99 percent.
If you’re applying for Spanish citizenship by descent, you are not required to take the DELE A2 (Spanish language test) or the CCSE (constitutional and cultural knowledge test).
Options for Spanish Citizenship After the Democratic Memory Law Ended
Citizenship by Option
This route applies to children born abroad with at least one Spanish parent. It is available to individuals who are children of Spanish citizens by origin, including those whose parents were born in Spain or acquired Spanish nationality under the Democratic Memory Law or through citizenship by residency. The application must be submitted before the applicant turns 20 years old.
These individuals are allowed to hold dual nationality.
For applicants aged 20 or older, Spanish citizenship can only be obtained through the residence route, as there is currently no direct option for citizenship by descent.
Citizenship by Residence:
- One year of residence is required in the following cases:
- Marriage to a Spanish citizen (for example, a person who became Spanish under the Democratic Memory Law and whose spouse later joins them through family reunification).
- Applicants aged 20 or older who are the children or grandchildren of a Spanish citizen.
Note: Applicants in these categories may be required to renounce their original nationality if Spain so stipulates, except for citizens of Latin American countries (including Puerto Rico), the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Brazil, who are permitted to retain dual citizenship.
What are the required documents for Spanish Citizenship by Descent?
Applying for Spanish citizenship by descent requires applicants to submit several official documents. Below is a list of some official documents you generally need to apply for Spanish ancestry citizenship. However, the Consular Office may request additional data or documents when necessary to evaluate the application.
1. Declaration form: Completed and signed Spanish citizenship by descent application form by the Spanish parent if the applicant is a minor or by the applicant themselves if they’re of legal age.
2. Birth certificate of the applicant: Must be original, literal, or a certified copy (no extracts), issued within the last 12 months, and apostilled. If not in Spanish, an official translation is required.
3. Family Book or marriage certificate: Provide the parents’ Family Book. If unavailable, submit the original and a copy of the civil marriage certificate less than a year old if from Spain, or recent (within 12 months), original, literal, or certified, and apostilled if foreign.
4. Spanish parent’s birth certificate: Original and copy, issued within the last year. If issued by the same Consulate, older certificates are accepted.
5. Foreign parent’s birth certificate: Original and copy. It must be original, literal, or certified (no extracts), recent (within 12 months), and apostilled. If it is not in Spanish, an official translation is needed.
6. Parent identification:
- Spanish parent: Valid Spanish passport.
- Foreign parent: Valid foreign passport.
- If a parent has passed away: Original and copy of the death certificate (apostilled if foreign).
7. Applicant’s passport: Original and copy of the applicant’s passport.
Please note that any foreign document must be legalized beforehand, either with the Apostille of the Hague Convention or by the Spanish Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country where the document was issued. If the document is not in Spanish, a translation by a certified translator recognized by the Spanish Consulate is mandatory.
How to Apply for Spanish Citizenship by Descent
You can submit applications for Spanish ancestry citizenship in person to the Civil Registry, Consulate, or Embassy. Here is the general application process for how to get Spanish citizenship by descent:
Step 01/ Determine eligibility
Through Parents: You qualify if one or both of your parents were Spanish citizens at the time of your birth.
Through Grandparents: You may apply if a grandparent was born in Spain or held Spanish citizenship. This includes cases where Spanish women lost their nationality by marrying non-Spanish citizens before 1978.
Step 02/ Book an appointment
Schedule an appointment with your local Spanish Embassy, Consulate, or Civil Registry Office. Provide your name, phone number, and the reason for your visit (citizenship by descent application).
Step 03/ Prepare your documents
Gather documents proving your relationship to your Spanish ancestor, including birth, marriage, death certificates, proof of identity, and proof of your ancestor’s Spanish nationality. Ensure all foreign documents are apostilled and translated into Spanish by an official translator. If applying under Spain’s Democratic Memory Law, you may need documents proving your ancestor’s exile or political persecution.
Step 04/ Submit your application
Attend your scheduled appointment and submit your completed application form along with the required documents. If you’re a minor, your parents must apply on your behalf. In cases of divorced or separated parents, written consent from the non-applying parent may be necessary. The authorities may ask for further documentation or clarification, so keep extra copies and backups of all your papers.
Step 05/ Await a decision
The processing time varies depending on the consulate or registry office. If your application is successful, you’ll be registered as a Spanish citizen.
Final Step/ Obtain your Spanish citizenship and passport
Once your citizenship is officially granted, you can apply for a Spanish passport and national ID card (DNI). This marks the completion of your journey to becoming a recognized Spanish citizen.
If your parents’ marriage or divorce occurred outside Spain, ensure it is registered with the Spanish Civil Registry. This keeps your citizenship status clear and undisputed for future generations.
Spanish Citizenship by Decent Application Processing Time
Applications for Spanish citizenship by descent can take a few months for the children of Spanish nationals and up to a couple of years for those applying through a grandparent born in Spain. Due diligence and processes for verifying and confirming all the information provided determine the total duration.
How much does it cost to apply for Spanish Citizenship by Descent?
When applying for Spanish Citizenship by Descent, there is no application fee. However, it’s important to note that you might be asked to submit additional documentation, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates. All documents issued outside Spain may need to be authenticated or “apostilled” and translated by a certified translator. The cost of translation is usually from €60 to €80 per document, depending on the complexity and length of the documents.
Can you hold dual citizenship in Spain?
Spanish dual citizenship was a complex matter in Spain as the Spanish government didn’t provide the universal right to dual citizenship for new citizens. Today, under the Democratic Memory Law, all applicants, no matter where they are from, can hold dual citizenship.
According to the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions, the Spanish passport ranks 20th overall and 4th for Quality of Life Index. It offers visa-free access to 127 countries, making it a strong option for global mobility. Spanish citizenship offers many benefits as part of an EU member state, including the freedom to travel freely across Europe and beyond.
Other Spanish Citizenship Routes
| Type of Citizenship | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Citizenship by Naturalization (Residency) | Foreigners can apply for Spanish citizenship after legally residing in Spain. The standard requirement is 10 years of residence. This is reduced to 5 years for refugees, 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or for persons of Sephardic origin, and 1 year in certain special cases (such as being born in Spain, married to a Spaniard, or being a child or grandchild of Spaniards). Applicants must demonstrate good civic conduct, integration into Spanish society and sufficient command of the Spanish language. |
| Citizenship by Marriage | A foreigner married to a Spanish citizen may apply for Spanish citizenship after one year of legal residence in Spain and one year of marriage. The marriage must be valid and registered in Spain (or recognised in Spain). The applicant must show integration and language competence (DELE A2) unless exempted |
| Citizenship by Birth | Children born to at least one Spanish parent are Spanish citizens by birth. In other cases, children born in Spain to foreign parents may acquire citizenship if they would otherwise be stateless or if other specific conditions apply. Note that Spain does not grant automatic citizenship simply by being born in Spain (jus soli) in most cases. |
| 1 Year of residence | Children born in Spain to foreign parents can apply for Spanish citizenship by residence after living legally and continuously in Spain for at least one year. Please note that for all citizenship by residence applications, the residence must be legal, continuous, and immediately before the application is submitted. |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
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