Spain

One of the most well-known European countries, Spain is located along the Iberian Peninsula in southern Europe. With vibrant sporting atmospheres, a remarkable 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rich history in fine art, vibrant fiestas, and elaborate architecture, it is not surprising that it is one of the most frequently visited countries in the world.

Keep reading to learn more about how you can reclaim your Spanish citizenship through your family lineage.

Member of the European Union

Number of Ways to Apply

4

Generations Removed

3

Travel Required?

Learn More

The Spanish government has just recently created a new law which allows prospective citizens to claim citizenship by descent up to 3 generations back. This means that if you meet the requirements to receive a Spanish passport, you would be able to live, work, and study in any of the 28 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.

There is currently only one way to apply for Spanish citizenship using your family lineage.

If you know that you have an ancestor from Spain, we would be happy to discuss whether you can apply for citizenship. Below you will find a brief summary of what is required in order to apply.

Requirements

Now that Spain’s laws surrounding citizenship by descent have changed, many people whose parents, grandparents or great-grandparents were born in Spain qualify for Spanish citizenship through descent. Below are the personal requirements you must meet, as well as the documentation you must be able to present.

Lineage Requirements

To meet the requirements for Spanish citizenship, you must:

Be the grandchild of a Spanish ancestor who was born in Spain and married to a foreigner before the implementation of the 1978 Constitution.

OR

Be the child of a parent who received nationality by origin in 2017, but were at the time too young to apply (under 18 in 2017).

OR

Be the grandchild of a Spanish ancestor who obtained citizenship in another country.

OR

Have been eligible and of age to reclaim citizenship in 2017, but originally decided against it.

Paperwork Requirements

To apply for Spanish citizenship, you must have the appropriate documents in order, and of which must be translated into Spanish. You must be able to provide translated copies of:

Your own birth certificate
The birth certificate(s) and other relevant documents of your direct Spanish ancestor

Are you required to travel?

While Spain does not technically require you to “travel” to reclaim your Spanish citizenship, it is required that you have been living in Spain for at least a year from the date your application was filed.

Find out if you are eligible to regain your family’s Spanish citizenship.

Fill out our contact form to the best of your ability to speak with one of our experienced associates about how we can help to guide you through the citizenship process!

Complete the Eligibility Form