Spanish Citizenship Through Ancestry
Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. It’s also a country that’s reconnecting with thousands of families that once called it home. In 2023 alone, over 110,000 people became Spanish citizens, many through family history
Countries like Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Cuba are among the top places new Spanish citizens came from. Whether you’re reclaiming your roots or looking toward the future.
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Travel Required?
1 year of residency in Spain
Ways to Apply
3 ways
Language requirement?
No
Connect with opportunity. Reconnect with history.
If your ancestors fled Spain due to civil war, dictatorship, or exile, Spanish citizenship offers restoration. Honor your family’s origin story and secure the freedom to live, work, and thrive across 27 European countries.
Why Does Spain Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Spain’s nationality law honors the millions of people forced to leave the country during the Spanish Civil War, the Franco dictatorship, or for economic reasons. Many of these people lost their citizenship or couldn’t pass it on to their children and grandchildren. Today, Spain is making it possible to restore that lost connection.
This includes families of political exiles, descendants of women who lost citizenship through marriage, and even Sephardic Jewish communities expelled in 1492. Spain is offering a way to reconnect, both legally and historically.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You might qualify if you can answer yes to one of the following:
- Was your parent or grandparent a Spanish citizen before they left the country?
- Did your parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent lose Spanish citizenship because of war, dictatorship, or old unfair laws (like women losing it through marriage)?
Not sure if this applies? Take the assessment to find out:
Want to find if you are eligible for Spanish Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Spanish Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
"The idea of applying for Hungarian citizenship always felt overwhelming—until I found Citizenship.EU. They helped me figure out if I could qualify through my great-grandfather and put me in touch with professionals who handled everything".
James Nagy
Chicago, USA
"My grandfather was born in Sicily, and I always dreamed of reclaiming that part of my identity. I had no idea where to start or whether I even qualified. Citizenship.EU made the process so much less intimidating".
Elena G
New York, USA
“I knew my grandmother was born in County Mayo, but I wasn’t sure if I could actually get Irish citizenship. Citizenship.EU walked me through the whole eligibility check. I received my Irish citizenship certificate last month and my passport is on the way”!
Maeve O’Sullivan
New Hampshire, USA
Get the Spanish citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Spanish citizenship by descent?
Individuals with a Spanish parent are automatically eligible. Those with a Spanish grandparent may also be eligible under specific laws.
Can I apply through my Spanish grandparents?
Generally, applying through great-grandparents is not allowed unless citizenship was passed down through your grandparent and parent uninterrupted.
What documents are required for the application?
Typical documents include your birth certificate, your ancestor‚ birth and marriage certificates, proof of their Spanish citizenship, and official translations where necessary.
Is there a Spanish language requirement?
If applying by descent, there's no language test. Language requirements only apply for naturalization through residency.
Does Spain allow dual citizenship?
Spain generally does not allow dual citizenship except with Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, and certain exceptions under historical laws.
Can I apply from abroad for Spanish dual citizenship?
Yes, applications can be filed through Spanish consulates abroad.
How can Citizenship.EU assist me?
Citizenship.EU helps you determine if you're eligible and connects you with vetted professionals to assist with gathering documents and submitting your application.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
Your family immigrated from Europe for more opportunities. Now, their story might help you do exactly the same thing. Browse by country to learn whether your family history might qualify you for dual citizenship.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
