SPANISH CITIZENSHIP

Spanish citizenship based on the Articles 17 through 26 of the “Codigo Civil” that was modified by Laws 18/1990 and 29/1995.

SPANISH CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH:
Birth within the territory of Spain does not automatically confer citizenship. The exception is a child born to unknown or stateless parents.

SPANISH CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT:
- Child, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Spain, regardless of the child’s country of birth.
- Child born of non-Spanish citizen parents, provided at least one of the parents was born in Spain.

SPANISH CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION:
Spanish citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of conditions which vary according to the person involved.
- Persons with no ties to Spain must reside in the country for at least 10 years.
- Persons who are former nationals of Portugal, the Philippines, or certain South American countries need only reside for two years.
- Persons who were born in Spain, who have married a citizen of Spain, or who were born outside of Spain of a mother or father who was originally Spanish, need only reside one year.

DUAL SPANISH CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.
Exception: Spain has dual citizenship treaties with the following countries: Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Honduras. Spaniards residing in the above countries do not lose their rights as Spaniards if they adopt the nationality of the country of residence. For all other countries, Spanish citizenship is revoked upon the acquisition of foreign citizenship.

LOSS OF SPANISH CITIZENSHIP:
VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of Spanish citizenship is permitted by law. Submission of a Letter of renunciation and passport is required. Contact the Spanish Embassy for more details and required paperwork.
INVOLUNTARY: The following is grounds for involuntary loss of Spanish citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires citizenship of a country with which Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement.

Spanish citizenship information is summarized from the above-mentioned law. Any action concerning Spanish citizenship should be taken after consulting with a Spanish immigration lawyer or the official authority responsible with Spanish citizenship.