How to Get Dual Citizenship in Spain in 2026: Complete Eligibility & Requirements Guide

As immigration lawyers specializing in Spanish nationality law, we have guided hundreds of clients through the nationality process. This guide covers every route available in 2026, who qualifies, what has changed, and exactly what you need to do.

How to get dual citizenship in Spain depends on where you are from and how you qualify. Spain formally recognizes dual citizenship for nationals of Ibero-American countries and a small number of treaty nations. Citizens of other countries, including the US and UK, can hold a Spanish passport alongside their original one in practice. However, Spain does not formally recognize that second nationality.

This guide explains whether Spain allows dual citizenship, which countries have formal treaty rights, how de facto dual status works for Americans and British nationals, every available route in 2026, Spain dual citizenship requirements, exam details, and the full step-by-step application process.

(Article Updated June 2026)

Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship?

Yes, but only formally for nationals of specific treaty countries. If your country has a dual nationality agreement with Spain, you can become Spanish without losing your original citizenship. If it does not, you must make a formal renunciation declaration to the Spanish authorities. In practice, however, many non-treaty nationals retain both passports.

Countries with Formal Dual Citizenship Agreements with Spain

Spain has bilateral dual nationality treaties with the following countries:

Ibero-American countries:

Note that Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana are Caribbean nations sometimes grouped regionally with Latin America. They are not part of the Ibero-American treaty framework and are not included.

Other treaty countries:

• Portugal
• Andorra
• The Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• France (added via bilateral agreement in 2022)

Sephardic Jews: Spain’s special citizenship application process for Sephardic Jews is no longer available. However, individuals of Sephardic ancestry may still qualify for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residence in Spain, instead of the standard ten-year residency requirement.

Who Can Keep Their Original Citizenship?

Spain generally allows citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews to retain their original nationality when becoming Spanish citizens.

Most other nationalities, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany, are required to declare the renunciation of their previous nationality during the Spanish citizenship process.

Residency Period: Treaty vs. Non-Treaty Countries

The legal residence requirement differs significantly depending on your nationality:

The residency period must be continuous and legal. Gaps or periods of irregular status can reset the clock.

Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship with the US?

Not formally. US citizens naturalizing as Spanish must make a formal renunciation declaration to Spanish authorities as part of the process. However, the US does not require its citizens to give up their American citizenship when obtaining a foreign passport. In practice, most US citizens who become Spanish retain both. This is known as de facto dual citizenship.

The Formal Renunciation Declaration

The renunciation declaration is made during the Jura de nacionalidad, the Spanish oath of allegiance ceremony. You declare before a Spanish civil registry official that you renounce your incompatible nationality. However, Spain does not notify the US government of this declaration. The US does not act on it, and your American citizenship remains intact. You keep both passports.

US Citizens and Spanish Citizenship

The United States allows its citizens to acquire another nationality without automatically losing US citizenship. Spain, however, does not generally recognize dual citizenship for US nationals. During the naturalization process, US citizens are required to declare the renunciation of their previous nationality before Spanish authorities.

While many individuals continue to hold both passports in practice, this does not mean Spain formally accepts dual citizenship in these cases. Spanish citizens who acquired nationality through naturalization should identify themselves as Spanish when dealing with Spanish authorities. Using or presenting a US passport before Spanish authorities may create complications and, in certain circumstances, could lead to proceedings related to the loss of Spanish nationality.

This is a complex area of law, and individuals who wish to maintain ties to both countries should seek legal advice based on their specific circumstances.

Exceptions for US Citizens

Two specific exceptions apply to US nationals:

• Puerto Rico: Puerto Ricans are classified as Ibero-American under Spanish nationality law. They qualify for formal Spanish dual citizenship, meaning they can retain both nationalities without any renunciation requirement. They also benefit from the 2-year residency route rather than the standard 10 years.
• US citizens with Latin American nationality: If you hold citizenship of an Ibero-American country in addition to your US passport, you may be able to apply under that nationality. This allows you to use the 2-year residency route and qualify for formal dual citizenship through the treaty framework.

All Routes to Spanish Dual Citizenship (2026)

The main routes to Spanish dual citizenship are by residency, descent, marriage, and by option. Two major pathways have closed. The Democratic Memory Law, which allowed grandchildren of Spanish exiles to claim nationality, stopped accepting new applications in late 2025. The Spanish Golden Visa programme, previously a route to residency and eventual citizenship, ended in April 2025. Neither is available to new applicants in 2026.

By Residency

Legal residence in Spain is the most common route for non-descendants. The required period depends on your nationality:

Residency must be legal, continuous, and immediately prior to the application. In 2026, Spain introduced a new centralized digital application platform designed to reduce processing times and streamline document submission for residency-based nationality cases.

By Descent (Standard)

If at least one of your parents was a Spanish citizen at the time of your birth, you are entitled to Spanish dual citizenship by descent. No residency in Spain is required. This route also applies to children legally adopted by Spanish citizens. The right must be registered through the Civil Registry, either in Spain or at a Spanish consulate abroad.

By Descent: Democratic Memory Law [CLOSED – 2026]

The Democratic Memory Law, also known as the Grandchildren’s Law, extended Spanish nationality rights to grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Spaniards who fled into exile during the Civil War or the Franco dictatorship. The application window closed in late 2025. No new applications are being accepted. Applicants who submitted before the deadline are still being processed and will continue through the system.

By Marriage

Marrying a Spanish citizen does not grant automatic Spanish nationality. You must first establish legal residence in Spain. After 1 year of continuous, legal residence while married to a Spanish national, you may apply for citizenship. The marriage must be legally recognized in Spain. This is one of the fastest residency-based routes available in 2026.

By Option

The citizenship by option route applies to:

• Individuals who are or were under the parental authority of a Spanish citizen
• Individuals whose parents were originally Spanish and born in Spain

This route must be exercised before the age of 20, or before age 22 if the person did not become aware of their entitlement until adulthood. It is exercised through a formal declaration at the Civil Registry.

Spain Dual Citizenship by Descent

Dual citizenship by descent in Spain follows the principle of jus sanguinis, meaning citizenship is transmitted through blood. If at least one of your parents was a Spanish citizen at the time of your birth, you are entitled to Spanish nationality regardless of where you were born. Grandchildren may qualify under standard rules in specific circumstances. The Democratic Memory Law route for grandchildren of exiled Spaniards is now closed to new applicants.

Standard Descent: Children of Spanish Citizens

If one or both of your parents held Spanish citizenship at the time of your birth, Spanish nationality is transmitted automatically. You do not need to live in Spain or meet any residency requirements. However, you must formally register this nationality. Registration is completed at:

• The Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in Spain
• A Spanish consulate in your country of residence

You must act within a specific timeframe. Children under 18 can register at any point. Adults who have not yet registered should seek legal advice, as delays can complicate the process.

Grandchildren of Spanish Citizens

Grandchildren do not automatically inherit Spanish nationality under standard descent rules. However, you may qualify if your parent was originally Spanish, was born in Spain, and subsequently lost or gave up their Spanish nationality. This is a nuanced area of nationality law. Eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of how and when your parents’ Spanish nationality was lost. Legal advice is strongly recommended before pursuing this route.

Documents Required for Citizenship by Descent

The following documents are typically required:

All foreign documents must carry an apostille stamp issued by the competent authority in the country where the document was produced. Translations must be completed by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) officially recognized in Spain. Unofficial translations are not accepted.

Democratic Memory Law [Closed]

The Democratic Memory Law extended Spanish dual citizenship by descent to grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Spaniards exiled during the Civil War and the Franco era. The application window closed in late 2025. No new applications are being processed under this law. If you submitted an application before the deadline, your case will continue through the system. If you missed the window, this route is no longer available, and alternative descent or residency routes should be explored with a qualified immigration lawyer.

Requirements for Spanish Citizenship (2026 Checklist)

To qualify for Spanish dual citizenship, applicants must meet the residency period for their chosen route, pass two mandatory exams, submit a full set of apostilled documents, and complete the oath of allegiance within 180 days of approval. Below is a complete breakdown of every requirement for 2026.

Language Requirement: DELE A2 Exam

The DELE A2 is an official Spanish language certificate issued by the Instituto Cervantes. It demonstrates basic conversational and written competency in Spanish. Iberoamericans with Spanish as their first language are exempt. 

The exam is offered at Instituto Cervantes centres in Spain and in many countries worldwide. Results typically take 3 to 4 months to arrive, so book well in advance of your planned application date. Nationals of Spanish-speaking Ibero-American countries are exempt from this requirement. Applicants who completed part of their education, such as secondary school or a university degree, in Spain may also be exempt from taking the exam.

Civic Knowledge Requirement: CCSE Exam

The CCSE (Pruebas de Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España) tests your knowledge of Spanish society, history, culture, and the constitution.

The CCSE is available at Instituto Cervantes centres in Spain and abroad. Preparation materials and official practice tests are available on the Instituto Cervantes website. Ibero-American nationals are not exempt from this exam.

Full Document Checklist

All foreign documents must carry an apostille and be accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation completed by a certified traductor jurado.

The Oath of Allegiance

Once your application is approved, you must complete the Jura de nacionalidad, the formal oath of allegiance, within 180 days of receiving your approval notice. The oath is taken before a Civil Registry official or, in some cases, a notary. Missing the 180-day window means your approval lapses, and you must reapply from the beginning.

During the oath ceremony, non-treaty nationals make their formal renunciation declaration. As covered earlier, this is a legal formality under Spanish law. It does not trigger any action from your home country’s government.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Applying for Spanish dual citizenship involves seven stages: confirming eligibility, passing two mandatory exams, preparing apostilled documents, submitting your application, waiting for a resolution, taking the oath, and registering your new nationality. Here is the full process in order.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Choose Your Route

Before gathering any documents, confirm which route applies to you. Your nationality, family history, and years of legal residence in Spain all determine your path. The route you choose affects the residency period required, whether formal or de facto dual citizenship applies, and which supporting documents you need. If you are unsure which route fits your situation, legal advice at this stage saves significant time later, and our Spain immigration specialists are here to help.

Step 2: Pass the DELE A2 and CCSE Exams

Both exams are booked through Instituto Cervantes. Allow 3 to 6 months of preparation time before your planned application date, as exam sittings are limited and results take time to arrive.

• DELE A2: Tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Cost: €130. Results arrive in 3 to 4 months.
• CCSE: 25 multiple-choice questions on Spanish history, constitution, and society. Pass mark: 15 out of 25. Cost: €85.

Nationals of Spanish-speaking Ibero-American countries are exempt from the DELE A2 but must still pass the CCSE.

Step 3: Gather and Apostille All Required Documents

Collect all required documents and ensure every foreign document carries an apostille stamp. All non-Spanish documents must be accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation completed by a certified traductor jurado. Key documents include your birth certificate, criminal record certificates from Spain and your home country, proof of continuous legal residence, and your exam certificates. Allow 4 to 8 weeks to gather and process all documents, particularly criminal record certificates from abroad. Getting your documentation right is critical. 

Our guide to the 7 biggest mistakes when moving to Spain covers the most common errors foreign nationals make during this process.

Step 4: Submit Your Application via the Digital Platform or Civil Registry

In 2026, Spain’s new centralized digital platform will allow applicants to file nationality applications online, track progress, and upload documents directly. This reduces processing delays compared to in-person Civil Registry submissions. Applications can still be submitted in person at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) if preferred. Ensure your application file is complete before submission. Incomplete files are rejected and must be resubmitted in full.

Step 5: Wait for Resolution

Typical processing time is 1 to 2 years from the date of submission. You can track your application status through the digital platform. If authorities request additional documentation, respond promptly to avoid further delays.

Step 6: Take the Oath of Allegiance

Once your application is approved, you have 180 days to complete the Jura de nacionalidad (Spanish Citizenship Oath). Book your notary or Civil Registry appointment as soon as you receive your approval notice. Do not wait. Appointments can be difficult to schedule quickly, and missing the 180-day window means your approval lapses. During the ceremony, non-treaty nationals make their formal renunciation declaration. As covered earlier, this does not affect your home country citizenship in practice.

Step 7: Register at the Civil Registry and Apply for Your DNI and Passport

After taking the oath, register your Spanish nationality at the Civil Registry. Once registered, you can apply for your Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) and your Spanish passport. Processing times for the passport vary by consulate and registry office, but typically take 4 to 6 weeks. With your Spanish passport, you gain full EU citizenship rights, including freedom of movement across all EU member states.

Benefits of Spanish Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship in Spain delivers practical, lasting advantages that extend well beyond the right to live in Spain. From unrestricted EU mobility to one of the world’s strongest passports, the benefits apply to you and to future generations.

EU Freedom of Movement

As a Spanish citizen, you gain full EU citizenship rights. You can live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU member states without applying for a visa or work permit. This includes major destinations such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Italy. For US, UK, and Canadian nationals, this removes significant bureaucratic barriers to building a life anywhere in Europe.

Spanish Passport Strength

The Spanish passport ranks among the most powerful in the world. As of 2026, it provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 or more countries, including the United States, Japan, Australia, and the entire EU and Schengen Area. For nationals of countries with weaker travel documents, this represents a substantial upgrade in global mobility.

Right to Vote

Spanish citizens have the right to vote in Spanish municipal elections, national general elections, and European Parliament elections. As an EU citizen, you can also vote in local elections in any EU member state where you are resident.

Access to Public Services

Naturalized Spanish citizens receive full access to Spain’s Sistema Nacional de Salud, the national public healthcare system. You also gain access to the Spanish social security system, public education, and other state services on equal terms with citizens by birth.

Permanent Status

Spanish citizenship does not expire and does not require periodic renewal. Unlike a residency permit or visa, your nationality is not tied to your income, employment status, or physical presence in Spain. Once granted, it is yours for life.

Generational Transfer

Children born to a Spanish citizen after naturalization automatically inherit Spanish citizenship. This means the benefits of dual citizenship in Spain extend beyond your own lifetime. Your children receive EU freedom of movement, passport strength, and access to public services from birth, regardless of where they are born.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dual Citizenship in Spain

Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship?

Formally, only for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and France. All other nationals, including US and UK citizens, can hold both passports in practice through de facto dual status.

Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship with the US?

Formally, no. US citizens must make a formal renunciation declaration during the naturalization process. However, the US does not act on this declaration. Most Americans retain both passports without issue.

What Countries Have a Dual Citizenship Agreement with Spain?

Spain has formal agreements with all Ibero-American countries except Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. Puerto Rico is included. Additional treaty countries are Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and France. The Sephardic Jewish route is now effectively closed.

Is the Democratic Memory Law Still Open in 2026?

No. The Democratic Memory Law closed to new applications in late 2025. Existing applications submitted before the deadline continue to be processed, but no new claims are being accepted under this route.

How Long Do I Need to Live in Spain to Get Citizenship?

The required period depends on your nationality. Treaty country nationals need 2 years. General applicants from non-treaty countries such as the US, UK, and Canada need 10 years. Marriage to a Spanish citizen reduces this to 1 year.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish to Get Dual Citizenship in Spain?

Yes. Most applicants must pass the DELE A2 Spanish language exam, which costs €130 and is offered at Instituto Cervantes centres worldwide. Nationals of Spanish-speaking Ibero-American countries are exempt from this requirement.

Can My Children Inherit Spanish Citizenship?

Yes. Children born to a Spanish citizen after naturalization automatically inherit Spanish dual citizenship. Children born before naturalization may also qualify, depending on the circumstances. Legal advice is recommended for complex family situations.

What Is the CCSE Exam and What Does It Cover?

The CCSE is a 25-question multiple-choice exam testing knowledge of the Spanish Constitution, history, geography, and society. The pass mark is 15 out of 25. It costs €85 and is booked through Instituto Cervantes. Unlike the DELE A2, no nationals are exempt from this exam.

Need Legal Support with Claiming Dual Citizenship in Spain?

Obtaining dual citizenship in Spain depends on your nationality, your family history, and how long you have lived in Spain. Formal dual citizenship is available to nationals of Ibero-American countries and a small group of treaty nations. US, UK, and Canadian citizens can achieve de facto dual status in practice. Key 2026 updates include the closure of the Democratic Memory Law and the end of the Golden Visa programme.

Every route requires passing the DELE A2 and CCSE exams, submitting apostilled documents, and completing the Jura de nacionalidad within 180 days of approval.

Spain’s dual citizenship requirements vary by route and nationality, and the process involves multiple stages over several years. If you are ready to understand your options, our immigration lawyers are here to help. Fill out the form below, and one of our Spanish citizenship lawyers will be in touch to assess your eligibility and guide you through the next steps.