Nationality and citizenship
With lawyers specializing in mobility and strategic immigration
Obtaining Spanish nationality is an important step in your integration and stability in the country. At RRYP, we support you throughout the entire process, ensuring that your application meets all legal requirements.
What is Spanish nationality and why is it important?
Spanish nationality is the legal bond that unites a person to the Spanish State. It not only grants access to citizen rights—such as obtaining a national identity card (DNI), a passport, voting, or working in any country of the European Union—but also entails compliance with certain legal obligations.
Unlike a residence permit, nationality implies a full legal and social integration In Spain, it is also an internationally recognized right: according to Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to a nationality and not to be arbitrarily deprived of it.
Application methods for Spanish residency
- Nationality by residence
This is the most common way. It requires having resided in Spain for a period of legal, continuous and immediately preceding for at least 10 yearsIn some cases, this period is reduced (for example, to 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries or to 1 year for spouses of Spaniards).
- Nationality by naturalization card
It is a form exceptional and discretionary to acquire nationality, granted directly by the Government through Royal DecreeIt is only granted in special cases, such as for people with significant merit or humanitarian situations.
- Nationality for Spaniards of origin
Is considered Spanish by origin Those who have a direct link by birth or affiliation to the Spanish State. This category includes the following cases:
Children of a Spanish father or mother, even if they were born outside of Spain.
Born in Spain of foreign parents, yes At least one of them was also born in Spain, except children of accredited diplomats.
Born in Spain to stateless parents, or when no national legislation assign a nationality to the minor. In these cases, a file in the Civil Registry to declare Spanish nationality with the value of simple presumption.
Children born in Spain to parents whose identity is unknownThey are presumed to be Spanish if their first known place of residence is in Spanish territory.
Minors under 18 years of age adopted by SpaniardsIf the adopted child is over 18 years of age, he or she may opt for Spanish nationality of origin within the period of two years since the constitution of adoption
- Nationality by possession of state
It can be obtained if the person has used and held Spanish nationality for at least 10 years, continuously and in good faith, believing that he was a Spanish citizen, based on a title registered in the Civil Registry.
- Nationality by option
Nationality by opción It is a mechanism that allows certain foreigners acquire Spanish nationality If they find themselves in specific situations, related to family ties or legal decisions made after reaching the age of majority.
Those who may opt for Spanish nationality are:
Have been or are currently under the parental authority of a Spanish citizen.
They are children of a father or mother who was Spanish and born in Spain.
Have had their parentage or birth recognized in Spain after the age of 18.
In this case, they have a two year term from the recognition to exercise the right of option.They have been adopted by Spaniards after reaching the age of majority.
They may opt for nationality during the two years later to the legal constitution of adoption.
Requirements for Spanish nationality by residence
Each method of obtaining Spanish nationality has different characteristics. In this section, we'll review the characteristics of the residency method, as it is the most common option.
- Legal and continuous residence in Spain
It is necessary to have legally resided in Spain for a specific period, which varies depending on the nationality or status of the applicant. Only residence permits regulated by immigration regulations are considered valid for nationality purposes.
- Good civic conduct
It must be accredited by the criminal record from the country of origin and the reports issued by the Spanish authorities.
Integration into Spanish society
Currently, integration is demonstrated by passing two official tests of the Instituto Cervantes:CCSE, on culture, society and the Spanish Constitution.
DELE A2, on knowledge of the language (nationals of Latin American countries are exempt).
Final requirements for residency (also for option and letter of naturalization)
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Relateandpoint is a firm associated with RRYP Global, a leading law firm in international rightWe provide service in Spanish and English, from anywhere in the world. Each case is reviewed by attorneys with experience in strategic immigration matters.
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