For many families with Spanish roots, the idea of holding a Spanish passport feels like both a practical opportunity and a personal homecoming. Spain, however, takes a stricter approach to Spanish citizenship by descent than some other European countries. While other countries like Italy and Ireland allow claims through multiple generations with few limits, Spain places tighter conditions on who qualifies, and sometimes opens temporary windows through special legislation and Spanish nationality laws.
This guide explains ways to qualify for Spain citizenship by descent, what Spanish nationality law requires, and how to think about timing if you want to apply.
Why Spanish Citizenship by Descent Matters
Becoming a citizen of Spain offers more than cultural pride. It carries tangible advantages and huge opportunities across the continent:
- European Union rights: Live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.
- Educational opportunities: Pay EU tuition rates at top European universities.
- Healthcare access: Use national health services across Europe.
- Global mobility: Visa-free travel to nearly 190 countries.
- Heritage recognition: A formal connection to Spanish identity, especially for families whose ancestors emigrated during war, dictatorship, or economic hardship.
For many descendants, Spanish citizenship is a way to reconnect with family history while opening new doors for future generations.
Who Qualifies for Spanish Citizenship by Descent
Spain applies jus sanguinis (citizenship through bloodline), but unlike some other EU countries, the rules stop quickly after the first generation unless special laws apply.
Children of Spanish Citizens
If one parent was a Spanish citizen when you were born, you are Spanish automatically, even if you were born abroad.
- Example: Javier moved from Madrid to Mexico in 1995. When his daughter Sofia was born in Mexico in 2000, she was Spanish from birth because her father was still Spanish. She doesn’t need to apply for nationality – she only needs to register her birth certificate with Spanish authorities and then apply for her passport.
This rule applies whether the parent was Spanish by birth in Spanish territories or became Spanish later through naturalization.
Grandchildren of Spanish Citizens
Normally, grandchildren do not qualify automatically unless their parent remained Spanish and passed the nationality on. But Spain has introduced a few extraordinary laws to extend Spanish citizenship opportunities to grandchildren of emigrants.
The Historical Memory Law (2007–2011)
This law gave grandchildren of Spaniards who emigrated during the Civil War and Franco dictatorship a one-time opportunity to claim nationality. Hundreds of thousands applied, but the window closed in 2011.
The Democratic Memory Law (2022–2025)
In October 2022, Spain reopened this path with the Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática). It allowed grandchildren of Spanish citizens who left Spain during exile, dictatorship, or for political/economic reasons to apply for nationality.
Applications and applicant appointment reservations under this law must have been filed by the October 22, 2025, deadline.
Great-Grandchildren and Beyond
Great-grandchildren do not qualify for Spanish citizenship under ordinary law. The only way this works is if each generation in between maintained Spanish nationality and registered it properly.
For example, if Ana’s father had registered as Spanish before Ana’s birth, she would have been automatically Spanish as the child of a Spanish citizen. But because he never registered, she relies on the Democratic Memory Law as a grandchild. If she were to wait until after the 2025 deadline, her children would lose the opportunity entirely.
This makes timing critical. Families often apply together to avoid breaking the chain and simplify the application process.
Legal Framework for Spanish Citizenship
Spanish nationality law is set out in:
- Spanish Civil Code, Articles 17–22: The base rules for nationality at birth and by descent.
- Ley 52/2007 (Historical Memory Law): Extended nationality to grandchildren of emigrants, 2007–2011.
- Ley 20/2022 (Democratic Memory Law): Current law reopening the pathway for grandchildren until October 2025.
Understanding which law applies to your case is the first step in knowing whether you qualify for Spanish citizenship, but it can be a complicated application process. We recommend getting a trusted citizenship expert in Spain to help you with your application.
How the Application Paths Work
There are two main ways that descent-based applicants can apply:
- Children of Spanish citizens
If your parent was Spanish when you were born, you simply need to register your birth with the Spanish Civil Registry (Civil Registry) and then apply for your passport. - Other descendants
If you don’t qualify directly, you may still apply by residence. Descendants of Spanish citizens (and nationals of Latin America, the Philippines, Andorra, or Sephardic Jews) often qualify for reduced residence periods before applying for naturalization – as little as one or two years instead of the standard ten. In these cases, you’ll first need a residency permit before applying for citizenship.
Applications are usually filed at Spanish consulates abroad, with supporting documents proving ancestry and migration.
Note that grandchildren could previously apply under the Democratic Memory Law; if your grandparent was Spanish and you applied before the October 2025 deadline, you could claim nationality directly.
Common Scenarios
- Child of a Spanish parent: Automatically gets Spanish citizenship. Apply for a passport.
- Great-grandchild: Only eligible if the parent had already registered as Spanish before the applicant’s birth.
- Other descendants: May need to establish residence in Spain and apply through naturalization using a valid residency permit.
Important Note
Spanish citizenship by descent is not automatic for most descendants beyond the first generation. Even if you appear eligible, approval depends on documentation, deadlines, and the specific law you apply under.
Applicants must also meet administrative requirements such as paying the application fee, submitting all required documents in the Spanish language, and following local Spanish nationality procedures under Spanish law.
Spain also recognizes Spanish dual citizenship in certain cases – for example, with Latin American countries or Portugal – allowing descendants to retain their original nationality while gaining Spanish citizenship. This can be a powerful advantage for families seeking greater mobility within EU countries.
We recommend starting by checking your eligibility with our $250 full-service guide. We’ll connect you with a trusted citizenship expert who can assess your case and ensure your process complies with current Spanish nationality laws.
FAQs About Spanish Citizenship by Descent
Does Northern Spain vs. other regions matter?
No. Any Spanish Civil Registry record or regional birth registration qualifies, regardless of region.
What happens after October 2025?
If the Democratic Memory Law is not renewed, grandchildren who have not applied will likely lose the opportunity and must rely on residence-based naturalization.
Can I pass citizenship to my children?
Yes, but only if you are recognized as Spanish before their birth. Citizenship is not retroactive.
Your Path to Spain Citizenship
Whether you’re reclaiming family heritage or pursuing new opportunities across Spanish territories and Europe, Spanish dual citizenship offers access to the rights, culture, and opportunities of one of the world’s most influential nations.
Understanding the requirements, preparing your documentation, and completing the process correctly through the Civil Registry will ensure your journey to Spain citizenship is smooth and successful.
Curious about your eligibility status? Sign up today.