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 grandparents or great-grandparents to become a citizen of Spain, 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
Traditionally, one may potentially qualify to apply for Spanish citizenship by ancestry if one of the following applies:
- At least one of the applicant’s parent is a Spanish national by birth; or
- The applicant was adopted by a Spanish national prior to his/her 18th birthday.
In December 2007, the Official State Gazette published 52/2007 Historical Memory law to recognize and broaden rights to those who had suffered violence or persecution during Spanish the Civil War and Franco dictatorship. Then, with the introduction of the Democratic Memory Law on 19 October 2022, the opportunity for Spanish CBA is later extended to many more descendants of Spaniards.
The Democratic Memory Law provides an opportunity for individuals with a parent or even grandparent who were exiled due to political, ideological, or belief-related reasons to reclaim their Spanish heritage and secure their rightful citizenship. Additionally, children born abroad to Spanish mothers who lost their nationality by marrying foreigners before the 1978 Constitution may also apply for Spanish CBA.
Notably, successful applicants qualified for Spanish CBA under the Democratic Memory Law are not required to renounce their original nationality, making this an attractive option for many foreigners looking to secure a second passport. 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
Are You Eligible for
The 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 nationality 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 are interested in learning more about the Spanish Citizenship by Ancestry Program, please contact your local Harvey Law Group (HLG) office here for more details. Founded in 1992, HLG is a leading multinational law firm with offices across Asia, North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to cater to your specific needs for immigration and beyond.
