Get Your Spain Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
Let us make the application process easier. With our network of experts, easy-to-use tools and helpful progress trackers, we're your complete resource for acquiring dual citizenship.
Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Individuals born in Spain to at least one Spanish parent, or to stateless or unknown parents, receive citizenship automatically.
- By Descent : Citizenship may be granted to children and grandchildren of Spanish citizens born abroad, including under the 2022 Law of Democratic Memory (“Grandchildren Law”).
- By Marriage : A foreign spouse of a Spanish citizen can apply after just 1 year of legal residence in Spain.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals can apply after 10 years of residence (or 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal).
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Allowed: Spain allows dual citizenship with Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. Citizens of other countries must renounce their original nationality unless exempted.
- Note: Spain may not strictly enforce renunciation in practice, but it is legally required for most non-Ibero-American applicants unless naturalized under exceptional circumstances.
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify your path: descent, marriage, or naturalization.
- Gather required documents including birth certificates, Spanish family records, or residency permits.
- Submit your application to the Civil Registry or Spanish consulate.
- Attend interviews, take language and civic integration tests (if required), and await approval.
Frequently asked questions.
Does Spain allow dual citizenship?
Yes, but only with certain countries. Spain permits dual citizenship with most Latin American nations, Portugal, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, and the Philippines. Others may be required to renounce their previous nationality.
Can I apply through my Spanish grandparent?
Yes. Under the 2022 Democratic Memory Law, descendants of Spanish citizens (including grandchildren) may be eligible for citizenship by descent.
Can I apply for citizenship through marriage?
Yes. After 1 year of legal residence in Spain, a foreign spouse of a Spanish citizen may apply for naturalization.
How long do I need to live in Spain to apply?
10 years for most foreigners, but only 2 years for citizens of Ibero-American countries and certain others. Spouses of Spanish citizens may apply after 1 year.
Do I have to pay taxes in Spain as a citizen?
Spain taxes residents on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Spanish-source income. Dual citizens living abroad may not be subject to Spanish taxes unless they meet residency thresholds.
Does Spain recognize same-sex marriage for citizenship?
Yes. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005. Foreign spouses in same-sex marriages are equally eligible for citizenship after 1 year of residence.