Spain’s rich cultural tapestry and historical significance have long captivated people worldwide. Beyond its allure as a tourist destination, Spain offers a unique opportunity for individuals to reconnect with their roots through Spanish Citizenship by Ancestry (CBA). This program, also known as Spanish citizenship by descent, has gained popularity due to its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and minimal residency requirements.
Spanish CBA opens doors for individuals with Spanish parents or grandparents to become a citizen of Spain if certain requirements are met, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage. This pathway not only simplifies the process of becoming a Spanish citizen but also provides a meaningful way to honor one’s familial legacy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Spanish citizenship by ancestry, exploring eligibility criteria, the application process, and the myriad benefits awaiting those who choose to embrace their Spanish heritage. Whether you’re seeking to reconnect with your roots or looking for new opportunities within the European Union, understanding the nuances of Spanish CBA is your first step towards a potentially life-changing journey.
Eligibility Requirements for Spanish Ancestry Program
An individual may qualify to apply for Spanish citizenship by ancestry if any of the following conditions are met:
- At least one parent is a Spanish national by birth;
- At least one parent is a Spanish citizen, and the applicant is a minor child under the legal authority of that parent; and
- At least one grandparent is a Spanish national by birth and the applicant has legally resided in Spain for a minimum of one year.
While the above criteria are essential, it’s important to note that various requirements, exceptions, and additional factors may be taken into account in determining one’s eligibility for the program. Therefore, at Harvey Law Group, we adopt a case-by-case approach, carefully assessing each client’s eligibility for Spanish CBA and identifying potential challenges before assisting clients in the application process.
How to Get Spanish Citizenship by Descent
To get Spanish citizenship by Descent, you need to gather documents that prove your family is Spanish. This includes things like your own birth certificate and the birth certificates and marriage certificates of your Spanish ancestors.
If any documentation is missing, a search may need to be conducted at the relevant government authority to retrieve the required documents before commencing the application process. Equally important is the accurate translation of non-Spanish documents by certified translators to meet the Spanish government’s standards. Furthermore, obtaining apostille certifications for all the relevant documents is essential to authenticate their validity for use in the application.
Finally, the applicant must carefully complete the application form to ensure the provision of accurate and comprehensive information before the application is submitted to the Spanish consulate or embassy where the applicant is domiciled. After the application is submitted, applicants also need to monitor the application’s progress diligently to ensure timely response is provided to any requests for additional information issued by the Spanish authority. Given the complexity of the process, seeking professional guidance or legal advice can prove invaluable in navigating through the intricacies of Spanish citizenship by ancestry.
Spanish Citizenship by Descent Processing Time
Typically, the Spanish authority will take about 2 years to reach a decision on the application, but the actual processing time vary greatly from case to case depending on the completeness of the application, the complexity of the case and the processing capacity of the officer handling your file. Successful applicants would be given the opportunity to take the oath of allegiance to become a Spanish citizen and the Spanish citizenship would be subsequently granted.
Learn More about the Spanish Citizenship by Ancestry
If you would like to explore the Spanish Citizenship by Ancestry program in greater detail, we invite you to contact your nearest Harvey Law Group office for personalized legal guidance.
Established in 1992, Harvey Law Group is an international law firm with offices across Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa, and the Middle East. The firm provides strategic immigration counsel and comprehensive cross-border legal services tailored to each client’s objectives.
