Spain citizenship by descent: are you eligible?

What Is Spain Citizenship by Descent?

Spain citizenship by descent (also called citizenship by origin) allows you to claim Spanish nationality if you have a Spanish parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. This is one of the most accessible ways to become a Spanish citizen if you have family roots in Spain. Many people with Spanish heritage qualify without realizing it.

Who Can Apply for Spanish Citizenship by Descent?

You may be eligible if:

• Your parent was a Spanish citizen when you were born
• Your grandparent was Spanish, and your parent didn't lose Spanish nationality before you were born
• Your great-grandparent was Spanish in certain circumstances (this is more complex and varies by case)
• You were born outside Spain to a Spanish parent

The key rule is that the Spanish citizenship must have passed down unbroken through your family line. If a parent or grandparent gave up their Spanish nationality before your relative was born, the chain breaks and you may not qualify.

Important Requirements and Restrictions

Residency is generally not required for descent-based citizenship, but you will need to provide documentation proving your family connection. Some regional variations exist, so check Spain's official immigration website for your specific situation.

Time limits may apply depending on how far back your Spanish ancestor is. The rules can be stricter for great-grandparent claims than for direct parent or grandparent lineage.

Timing matters: If your ancestor naturalized as a citizen of another country, the date they did so affects whether you qualify. This is why gathering accurate family records is crucial.

What Documents You'll Need

Prepare to gather:

• Your full birth certificate
• Your parent's or grandparent's birth and marriage certificates
• Your ancestor's naturalization records (or proof they never naturalized elsewhere)
• Your own marriage certificates (if applicable)
• Divorce decrees (if applicable)
• Document translations and apostilles (official certifications)

Many documents need to be officially translated into Spanish and certified with an apostille stamp. This can take time and cost money, so plan ahead.

How to Apply

Contact the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country. They can confirm whether you qualify based on your specific family history. You'll submit your documents and application, then wait for processing. Different consulates may have slightly different procedures and timelines.

Some people hire lawyers or genealogists to help trace their ancestry or prepare applications, which can be helpful if your family records are incomplete or complicated.

Next Steps

Visit the official website of Spain's Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration or your nearest Spanish consulate to:

• Confirm current eligibility requirements for your situation
• Get exact document lists and translation rules
• Learn the current application process and timeline
• Find fees and payment methods

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.