Dual Citizenship Spain: A Step-by-Step Guide

Spain only allows dual citizenship with a specific set of partner countries — primarily Iberian and Spanish-American nations, plus a handful of special categories such as Sephardic descendants. This guide explains who qualifies, what the application looks like in practice, and what the rules say about keeping your original passport.

Quick Answer: Spain allows dual citizenship only with specific countries: Latin American nations, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and descendants of Sephardic Jews. Citizens of other countries (including the US and UK) must typically renounce their original nationality. Processing takes 6 months to 2 years, costs €104-105 in fees, and requires passing language (DELE A2) and culture (CCSE) tests.

Key Takeaways

• Spain offers dual citizenship with specific nations, granting individuals benefits such as free movement within the EU, which come paired with responsibilities like tax obligations in both countries.
• Eligibility for Spanish dual citizenship includes legal residency, a clean criminal record, and passing language and cultural knowledge tests, with specific provisions for those with Spanish ancestry or from countries with dual citizenship agreements.
• With a typical processing time of 6 months to 2 years, the application process entails language proficiency tests, a lengthy list of documents, and payment of fees. After approval, an oath of allegiance is then required.

What Is Dual Citizenship in Spain?

Dual citizenship — also called dual nationality — means you're legally a citizen of two countries at once. You hold the rights of both passports, and you're subject to the laws of whichever country you happen to be in. Each citizenship carries its own obligations.

Spanish citizenship adds the broader EU rights — free movement, the right to work or study anywhere in the EU, and access to the Spanish public healthcare system — to whatever your original passport already provides. The trade-off is that tax residency rules in both countries can become more complex.

The Legal Framework

Spain’s legal framework for dual citizenship allows dual citizenship with the following countries and groups:

• Iberian nations
• Spanish-American countries
• Andorra
• The Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• Portugal
• Sephardic Jews and their descendants

If your country of origin is on this list, you can apply for Spanish citizenship without giving up your original nationality.

Benefits and Challenges

A Spanish passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to roughly 190 destinations, and Spanish citizenship can typically be passed on to your children.

There are real downsides too. Dual nationality can run into the following issues:

• Tax obligations exist in both Spain and their country of origin, which calls for careful tax planning
• Potential for complex allegiances and legal obligations, especially during political unrest or conflict between the two nations
• Renouncing their original nationality, which might be a significant emotional and legal challenge,.

Who Is Eligible for Spanish Dual Citizenship?

Eligibility is the first hurdle. You generally need legal residency in Spain (commonly through a route such as the Non-Lucrative Visa), sufficient economic means to support yourself, and a clean criminal record.

If you're applying through marriage to a Spanish citizen, the residency requirement drops to one year of legal residence in Spain, alongside the standard nationality exams. The rules also depend on whether you qualify under a bilateral dual-citizenship agreement or through Spanish ancestry — both covered below.

Countries with Dual Citizenship Agreements

Spain has bilateral dual-citizenship agreements with a number of Latin American countries, including:

• Argentina
• Uruguay
• Costa Rica
• Peru
• El Salvador
• Andorra
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Bolivia
• Ecuador
• Panama
• Paraguay
• The Dominican Republic
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Venezuela
• Chile
• Colombia

Beyond Latin America, Spanish dual citizenship is also open to nationals from:

• Andorra
• the Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• Portugal
• Sephardic Jews and their descendants

Applicants from any of the above countries can hold Spanish citizenship alongside their original nationality. They also benefit from a shorter residency requirement — typically two years of legal residence in Spain instead of the standard ten.

Spanish Ancestry and Descent

If you have a Spanish-national parent or grandparent — or are covered by the Grandchildren's Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática) — you may qualify for Spanish citizenship by descent. The Grandchildren's Law was designed specifically for descendants of Spaniards who left during the Civil War and Franco era.

However, you must provide evidence of Spanish ancestry to support your claim to Spanish citizenship by descent. This can include documentation like birth certificates showing that parents or grandparents were Spanish nationals or formal recognition through genetic testing. On top of this, you need to fulfill additional criteria, such as legal residence in Spain for at least one year and passing Spanish language and culture tests.

How Do You Apply for Spanish Dual Citizenship?

Once you've confirmed your eligibility, you can submit your application online through the Spanish government's SEDE electrónica portal, or in person at a civil registry.

On top of the application itself, most applicants must pass the DELE A2 Spanish language exam and the CCSE test on Spanish constitutional and cultural knowledge. You'll also need to submit a standard documentation package: current passport, birth certificate, proof of legal residence in Spain, and a criminal background check.

Required Tests and Exams

Beyond paperwork, the DELE A2 and CCSE tests are mandatory for most adult applicants. The DELE A2 covers basic Spanish language proficiency, and the CCSE assesses knowledge of the Spanish constitution and culture.

Limited exemptions exist for applicants over 65 and for those with documented learning disabilities, but the language and civics requirements apply to most adult applicants.

Necessary Documents

Along with your current passport and birth certificate, you'll need to provide:

• Foreigner Identity Number (NIE)
• Proof of legal residence in Spain
• Criminal background check
• Health insurance
• Certificates of marital status, if applicable.

For U.S. citizens, requirements can vary; some applicants will need an additional affidavit of good conduct depending on where they were born or how long they have lived in Spain. Incorrect or improperly prepared documentation is a common cause of rejection or delay, so review your file carefully before submitting.

Application Submission

Having compiled all the necessary documents and prepared for the exams, you are now ready to submit your application. This can be done online using the Spanish government’s SEDE electrónica or in person at a civil registry. If you’re in Spain, you can submit your application for Spanish citizenship by descent at the Central Civil Registry.

If you're outside Spain, the Spanish consulate in your country of residence can process your application. Include proof of payment for the required application tax with your submission to avoid follow-up requests and processing delays.

How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?

Spanish citizenship has direct costs. The base application fee is €104-105, on top of which you'll pay for document certifications, official translations and apostille services.

Processing typically runs up to twelve months, though administrative inaction (known in Spanish law as silencio administrativo) can push some cases beyond that.

Application Fees

The application fee for Spanish dual citizenship is a non-negotiable part of the process. Depending on your route to citizenship, it typically ranges from €104-105. You must pay the application fee upfront and provide proof of this payment when submitting your application documents.

Spanish dual citizenship application fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome, so check your paperwork carefully before filing.

Processing Timeframes

Spanish citizenship applications generally take 6 months to 2 years from filing to decision.

Administrative inaction (silencio administrativo) can stretch some applications beyond twelve months. If your case stalls, you have the right to file an administrative appeal.

What Happens After Your Application Is Approved?

Once your application is approved, there are still a few formalities to complete before you are officially Spanish. The most important is taking a formal oath of allegiance.

This oath includes a commitment to respect the Spanish constitution, the king, and the legal system, which are all integral parts of the Spanish government. And remember, you must fulfill this oath of allegiance within 180 days from receiving notification of your nationality approval. Failure to do so could result in your file being archived and the loss of the opportunity to become a Spanish citizen.

Oath of Allegiance

The oath of allegiance is more than just a formality. It’s your commitment to Spain and its values. Once your application for Spanish dual citizenship is accepted, you have a six-month window to swear this oath of allegiance to the King of Spain and officially register your new status in the Spanish Civil Register.

Whether you choose a religiously-affirmed sworn oath or a secular promise, both hold the same legal standing. The oath of allegiance is conducted at the Civil Registry of your registration, but it can also be administered before a notary or at a Spanish consulate if you’re outside Spain.

Dual Citizenship Maintenance

Becoming a Spanish citizen is not just a one-time achievement; it’s a lifelong commitment. To acquire Spanish nationality and maintain dual citizenship, one must make use of their Spanish citizenship within three years. Obtaining Spanish citizenship is a process that requires dedication and persistence.

Continuous use of Spanish nationality can be demonstrated by holding a Spanish passport and using it for international travel. If you’re a Spanish citizen living abroad, remember to register with the nearest Spanish consulate to keep your connection with the Spanish state active.

What If You Face Issues with Your Application?

Spanish dual citizenship comes with practical complications: legal fees, thorough due diligence requirements, and unpredictable processing times.

Most of these issues are manageable with preparation: get specialist legal advice if your case is unusual, double-check your documentation, and make sure you understand the process before you file.

Application Rejections

Even well-prepared applications can be rejected. Common reasons include criminal records, failure to respond to requests for additional information, and administrative inaction by the reviewing authority.

If your application is rejected, you can file an administrative appeal within one month of the rejection decision. Appeals go directly to the Ministry of Justice or to the Spanish consulate closest to you.

And always remember, it’s advisable to work with a qualified immigration lawyer when dealing with the Spanish nationality appeal process, as it may involve understanding specific aspects of the Spanish Civil Code.

Renouncing Previous Nationality

Securing Spanish dual citizenship might necessitate difficult decisions, such as forgoing your previous nationality. This is typically required for countries outside of Iberian and Spanish-American agreements, and it can pose both emotional and legal challenges.

Renouncing citizenship can lead to the loss of certain rights, such as the right to live and work in your country of origin, and it may affect your eligibility for government programs. Some countries may even mandate the renunciation of other citizenships, complicating the maintenance of your dual or multiple citizenship status. While this can indeed be a significant hurdle, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and challenges before making a decision.

Summary

Spanish dual citizenship is most realistic for applicants from Spain's bilateral-agreement countries, those with documented Spanish ancestry, or those willing to commit to roughly ten years of legal residence under the standard naturalisation route. Match your situation to the right pathway, gather the required documents, and confirm whether your country of origin allows you to keep its citizenship as well.

Sources

• Spanish Ministry of Justice - Nationality
• Spanish Civil Code (Código Civil)
• SEDE Electrónica - Citizenship Application Portal
• Spanish Consulates Directory

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a U.S. citizen get dual citizenship in Spain?

Yes, a U.S. citizen can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residence (or 1 year if married to a Spanish citizen). Note that U.S. citizens are generally required to renounce their U.S. citizenship to become Spanish, as the U.S. is not among Spain's dual citizenship agreement countries.

Which EU countries allow dual citizenship?

Several EU countries allow dual citizenship, including Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Latvia, and Lithuania, only in exceptional cases. If you are considering obtaining dual citizenship, you may explore the options available in these countries.

What is the new law in Spain for citizenship?

The new law in Spain, known as the Grandchildren's Law, allows the children or grandchildren of emigrants with Spanish nationality to apply for Spanish citizenship. This law has been in effect since October 2022, with applications accepted until October 21, 2025.

How do I get Spanish citizenship?

The easiest way to obtain Spanish citizenship is through naturalization, which requires at least 10 years of legal residence in Spain (see our Spanish citizenship guide), while marriage or civil union provides a faster alternative.

What tests and exams are required for the application process?

To apply for citizenship, you will need to pass the DELE A2 Spanish language exam and the CCSE test on Spanish social and cultural knowledge.

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