Nationality
Acquiring Spanish nationality opens the door to full rights as a Spanish and EU citizen, including freedom of movement, voting rights, and access to social services across the European Union. There are several legal pathways to Spanish nationality depending on your background, ancestry, or years of residence.
We specialize in guiding clients through the complex legal and administrative process, ensuring your application is complete, compliant, and submitted with the highest chance of approval.
Nationality
Acquiring Spanish nationality opens the door to full rights as a Spanish and EU citizen, including freedom of movement, voting rights, and access to social services across the European Union. There are several legal pathways to Spanish nationality depending on your background, ancestry, or years of residence.
We specialize in guiding clients through the complex legal and administrative process, ensuring your application is complete, compliant, and submitted with the highest chance of approval.
Nationality by Residence
Nationality by Residence is the most common path for foreigners living in Spain long-term. Generally, it requires 10 years of legal and continuous residence, although this period is reduced for certain groups:
- 5 years for refugees
- 2 years for citizens of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, or of Sephardic origin
- 1 year for those born in Spain, married to a Spanish citizen, or born to Spanish parents (among others)
We assist with:
- Verifying eligibility and required residency periods
- Gathering and preparing supporting documents
- Scheduling the required citizenship exam (CCSE and, if applicable, DELE)
- Submitting and tracking your application until resolution
Our legal team ensures you meet all criteria and deadlines, minimizing delays and maximizing success.
Nationality by Descent
If you are the child or grandchild of a Spanish citizen, you may be entitled to Spanish nationality by descent (ius sanguinis). This process allows individuals born abroad to claim citizenship through their Spanish ancestry, even if they’ve never resided in Spain.
We help you:
- Determine your eligibility based on your family tree and historical records
- Obtain and legalize birth, marriage, and citizenship certificates.
- Navigate the Spanish Civil Registry requirements.
- Finalize your nationality registration in Spain or at a consulate abroad.
This pathway is especially popular among Latin American nationals and descendants of Spaniards who emigrated in the 20th century.
Nationality by the Law of Democratic Memory (Ley de Memoria Democrática)
The Law of Democratic Memory, enacted in 2022, offers a unique opportunity for descendants of Spanish exiles who left during the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime to reclaim Spanish nationality. It allows children and grandchildren of exiled Spaniards, as well as children born abroad to women who lost their nationality by marrying foreigners, to apply without the standard residency or integration requirements.
We provide full legal support to:
- Verify your family’s eligibility under the new law
- Locate and authenticate Spanish exile documentation.
- Prepare and submit your application through consulates or Spanish civil registries.
- Handle all sworn translations and legalizations of foreign documents.
This is a time-sensitive and historically significant opportunity to restore lost citizenship and reconnect with your Spanish heritage.