The Spanish citizenship by descent allows individuals to apply for citizenship if they have a parent or grandparent who was a Spanish national. This eligibility extends even if the ancestor lost their Spanish nationality before the applicant’s birth, as long as they were a national prior to the 1978 Constitution.
Book A ConsultationHow To Acquire Spain Citizenship By Descent
Acquiring Spanish citizenship by descent is a pathway available to those with Spanish ancestry. However, some specific generational limits and criteria must be met to successfully apply for citizenship.1. One parent is a Spanish National
If one of your parents holds Spanish nationality, you are eligible to apply for citizenship by descent, regardless of where you were born.2. Both parents born in Spain
Having both parents born in Spain provides a strong basis for claiming citizenship, as it directly links you to Spanish heritage.3. Spanish grandparents
You may qualify if you have grandparents who were Spanish nationals.4. Spanish Great Grand-Parents
If you have Spanish ancestors who had citizenship in Spain, you may be eligible, especially if your lineage includes those who were exiled or lost citizenship due to marriage laws prior to 1978.
Not sure how this fits your strategy?
A focused consultation to assess your objectives and shortlist the right options.
5. Adoption by a Spanish National:
If you were adopted by a Spanish national before reaching the age of 18, you can apply for citizenship.6. Latin American descendants
Because of historical ties, individuals from Latin America with a grandparent born in Spain can also apply for citizenship.7. Sephardic Jews
Just like Portugal, the Spanish government enacted a law on June 11, 2015, allowing Sephardic Jews who are descendants of those expelled from Spain in the 15th century to acquire Spanish citizenship without the need to renounce their current nationality or reside in Spain. To apply, candidates must prove their Sephardic status and a special connection to Spain. This proof can include certificates from Jewish community leaders, rabbinical authorities, or records of family names and cultural traditions such as Ladino.
Spain Citizenship By Descent Benefits
Visa - free travel
Holders of a Spanish passport can visit more than 170 countries without a visa or with simplified visa procedures.
Freedom of movement in the EU
Spanish citizens can live, work, and study freely in the Schengen Area.
Employment opportunities
Spanish nationals benefits from employment opportunities across EU member states without needing a work permit.
Access to high quality education
Spanish nationals have access to affordable and high-quality education, both in Spain and across the EU.
Social services
Spanish nationals can enjoy rights to social services and healthcare within Spain and other EU nations.
Citizenship for family members
Spanish nationals can pass their citizenship to their descents.
Enhanced business opportunities
Spanish nationals can freely conduct business within the EU.
Political participation
Having a Spanish citizenship allows you to vote and stand for elections within the country and the EU Parliament elections.
Stable residency rights
Spanish nationality provides permanent residency rights in Spain and across the EU, even if you choose to live outside the country.
Spain Citizenship By Descent Documentation
Documents needed:
The documents to be presented when applying for the Spanish Citizenship vary according to your conditions. These are the main documents needed for all the different applications:
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Birth and/or marriage certificates of Spanish ancestors
- Proof of the ancestor’s Spanish nationality (e.g. nationality certificate)
- Documentation showing the family relationship to the Spanish ancestor
- Valid identification (passport or national ID)
- The application form filled out completely
Spanish Citizenship By Descent: Application Process
The process of the Spain Citizenship By Descent application is very clear and smooth. Below we will outline the whole process in detail. Those interested in applying for the program can reach out to our team for a complimentary consultation via the button below.
Book A ConsultationStep 1: Verify your ancestry
Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria by confirming your Spanish ancestry, typically through your parents or grandparents.Step 2: Gather required documentation
Collect essential documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates and death certificates of your ancestors.Step 3: Complete the application form
Obtain the citizenship application form from the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence and fill it out.Step 4: Demonstrate connections to Spain
Prepare to provide evidence of your cultural and linguistic ties to Spain. This may include showcasing your knowledge of the Spanish language and cultural links.Step 5: Submit your application
Once the application form and supporting documents are ready, submit them to the appropriate Spanish authority for review.
Lincoln Global Partners: Spanish Citizenship By Descent consultants! Apply with us today!
Lincoln Global Partners is a global immigration consultancy that focuses on residency and citizenship programs. Our specialists in Spanish citizenship by descent will guide you through every step of the process.You can initiate your journey with a free consultation. Our team operates internationally, providing localized support in various countries to help you achieve dual citizenship.
We serve clients from the US, UK, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Africa interested in investment migration and second citizenship opportunities.
With our assistance, you can expect a smooth experience in applying for your second citizenship from your home country.
