Spain one of the most liberal nations in the world grants nationality based on residence. Spain attracts significant immigration from Latin America and Eastern Europe. There are many benefits to acquire a citizenship in Spain
- Geographically located with close proximity to Americas.
- Excellent healthcare and High Quality life in Europe
- Spain has more sunshine days compared other EU nations.
- Spanish very convenient for native spanish speakers
- Spain has powerful EU passport in the world giving you the maximum visa free travel freedom
The acquisition of spanish nationality by residence requires continued legal residence in Spain for ten years immediately prior to the application. There is also a shortcut for some country nationals with reduced 2 years.
Residence period
Ten years: All other countries
Five years: for the granting of Spanish nationality to those persons who have obtained refugee status
Two years: for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or persons of Sephardic origin.
One year:
-
- Persons born in Spanish territory.
- Persons who have not exercised their right to Spanish nationality by option.
- Persons who have been legally subject to the guardianship (in the care of a guardian) or foster care (foster care allowing for the reduction of the legal residency period to one year is that in which there is a resolution issued by the public body responsible for the protection of minors in the relevant territory or judicially recognized foster care) of a Spanish citizen or institution for two consecutive years, including where they remain in this situation at the time of application.
- Persons who, at the time of the application, have been married for one year to a Spanish national and are not legally separated and have not had a common-law separation.
- The widower or widow of a Spanish national, if, at the time of the death of the spouse, they were not separated in fact or legally.
- Those born outside Spain to a Spanish father or mother (also born outside Spain), grandfather or grandmother, provided that all were originally Spanish.
Dual Citizenship
Spain also has some restrictions with dual citizenship. Spanish citizenship can be lost if they are emancipated, reside abroad or voluntarily acquire another nationality. They can prevent such loss if, within a term of three years, they declare their wish to preserve their nationality. The acquisition of the nationality of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal is not sufficient grounds for the loss of Spanish nationality.
Spanish nationals who have acquired Spanish nationality by residence, shall lose their Spanish nationality if:
- After acquiring Spanish nationality, they use the nationality they had renounced in order to acquire Spanish nationality for a period of three years.
- When they voluntarily enter the armed services of, or hold political office in, a foreign State against the express prohibition of the government.
- Where a sentence declares that the interested party engaged in falsification, concealment or fraud in the acquisition of Spanish nationality.
