If you’ve ever dreamed about sipping your morning coffee in a sunny Madrid plaza or working remotely from a beach in Barcelona, you’re not alone. Interest in Spanish citizenship has exploded over the past few years, especially among Americans who want more freedom to live, work, and travel abroad.
For some, it’s about family roots. For others, it’s about security, mobility, or just loving Spain’s laid-back lifestyle. However, at Remitly, we know the immigrant journey isn’t always smooth sailing. That’s why we put together this guide: to give you a clear idea of the benefits, pathways, and steps to get your Spanish citizenship.
Spanish citizenship explained
Spanish citizenship can open up doors you might not even realize yet. Beyond the paperwork and tests, it’s really about how your daily life changes once you’re officially part of Spain, and the wider European Union (EU). From where you can live to how you travel, the benefits are worth understanding in detail.
You can move anywhere in the EU
One of the biggest game changers is mobility. Imagine you get a job offer in Amsterdam, or decide to do a master’s degree in Paris, or want to try life in Lisbon. As an EU citizen, you can pick up and go, no visa applications or extra red tape. That kind of flexibility is priceless, especially if you’re seeking freedom and new experiences.
Healthcare and education won’t break the bank
Another major perk comes from the systems you’ll have access to. Spain is famous for its public healthcare, and once you’re a citizen, you can use it, along with your kids.
The same goes for education. Public universities in Spain (and across the EU) are often much more affordable than US tuition. That means citizenship isn’t just about travel, it’s also about financial security and peace of mind.
A passport that makes travel easier
Then there’s the Spanish passport itself, which consistently ranks among the strongest in the world. With it, you can travel to more than 190 countries without worrying about visas. For anyone with family spread across continents, this makes visiting loved ones so much simpler.
It also makes spontaneous travel easier. You could book a last-minute weekend trip to Rome or hop on a train to Paris without border checks or paperwork. This freedom is one of the biggest lifestyle upgrades Spanish citizenship provides.
The lowdown on dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is one of the first big questions people have when they start looking into Spanish nationality. After all, your passport isn’t for travel, it’s tied to your identity, your rights, and even your taxes.
For Americans in particular, the rules can feel a little confusing. Spain’s approach is different from the US, and sometimes the two systems don’t line up neatly.
Spain’s general rule
Spain usually expects new citizens to renounce their previous nationality. That means if you’re American, you’d technically need to give up your US passport during the process.
The exceptions
Spain does allow dual citizenship with some countries, mostly in Latin America, plus Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea. Unfortunately, the US isn’t on that list.
The gray area
Here’s where it gets confusing. Spain requires renunciation, but the US doesn’t always treat that renunciation as official unless you make it at a US consulate. So many people end up in a weird spot where Spain sees them as Spanish only, but the US still sees them as American.
This is why a quick chat with an immigration lawyer, both in the US and Spain, can save you headaches later. Taxes, travel rights, and even your kids’ citizenship, could be affected.
Who actually qualifies?
There isn’t one single route to Spanish nationality. Instead, there are four main ones: descent, residency, marriage, and special cases.
Which path works for you depends on your background. If you have Spanish grandparents, you might qualify by descent. If you’re planning to live in Spain for the long haul, then residency could be your way in.
Spanish citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis)
Family ties are one of the strongest pathways to Spanish nationality. If your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents were Spanish, there’s a good chance you could qualify. But the details depend on how the law applies to your specific family history.
How it works
Children of Spanish parents automatically qualify. Grandchildren (and sometimes great-grandchildren) can also apply, depending on the law. Spain has passed “historical memory” laws to recognize the descendants of those who fled during the Civil War and the Franco era.
What you’ll need
This route usually involves digging up old birth and marriage certificates. Sometimes that means reaching out to archives in Spain or even church records. It can feel like a family history project mixed with a treasure hunt.
Timeline
On average, descent cases take one to three years. It’s not overnight, but compared to residency, it’s usually quicker. Just be aware: if you qualify under special laws, there may be strict deadlines.
Spanish citizenship by residency
If you don’t have Spanish roots but you’re willing to build a life in Spain, residency may be your route in. This path rewards commitment. The more time you spend living legally in Spain, the closer you get to becoming a citizen.
How long do you need to live there
The general rule is 10 years of legal, continuous residency. But there are shortcuts:
- Refugees can apply after five years.
- Citizens of Latin America, Portugal, the Philippines, Andorra, and Equatorial Guinea only need two years.
- If you were born in Spain or are married to a Spaniard, just one year is enough.
What counts as “continuous residency”
You can’t spend long stretches outside Spain during this period. Authorities check your permits, tax history, and official registrations to make sure you’ve really been there.
For US applicants, this often means planning carefully around visits back home. Trips to see family are allowed, but staying outside Spain too long in a given year could reset your residency timeline.
It’s also worth knowing that Spain places a big emphasis on integration. Registering with your local town hall (empadronamiento), paying taxes, and getting involved in community life all show that you’re not just living in Spain, you’re part of Spanish society.
The tests
You’ll need to pass two exams.
- DELE A2: proves you’ve got basic Spanish skills. This includes reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- CCSE: tests your knowledge of Spanish society and the constitution. It includes questions like naming Spanish institutions or knowing cultural traditions.
Don’t stress if you fail the first time; you can retake both exams as needed.
The process
Once you’ve met the residency requirement, you submit your application through the Ministry of Justice or your local Civil Registry. Be ready for lots of paperwork. Processing can take years, but it’s doable with patience.
Spanish citizenship by marriage
Falling in love with someone from Spain doesn’t just change your personal life, it can also change your legal status. Marriage to a Spanish citizen can shorten the wait time for nationality, but it comes with its own set of requirements.
What’s required
You need to be legally married for at least a year and live in Spain. Authorities often ask for proof you’re genuinely together, like shared leases or joint bank accounts.
Same tests, shorter timeline
Like residency applicants, you’ll need to pass the DELE A2 and CCSE exams. The main perk is the shorter wait time. Instead of 10 years, you could apply after just one.
Special cases and fast-track options
While most people go through descent, residency, or marriage, Spain also leaves room for exceptions. In rare cases, people can become citizens much faster if they have special historical, cultural, or humanitarian ties to the country.
Spain has, at times, granted citizenship to professional athletes, scientists, or cultural figures who’ve made big contributions. In rare cases, people have also been granted nationality on humanitarian grounds.
Permanent residency vs. citizenship
You might be wondering, “Why not just stick with permanent residency?” Permanent residency lets you live and work in Spain indefinitely, but you’ll still need to renew every five years. You also won’t get EU-wide mobility or voting rights.
Citizenship, on the other hand, gives you a passport, the right to vote, and full EU access. If Spain is your forever home and you don’t care about moving around Europe, residency might be enough. But if you want maximum freedom, citizenship is the clear win.
The step-by-step process
So, what does this process actually look like?
- Collect your documents: Birth certificates, marriage records, and residency proof. Everything needs an apostille to be valid in Spain.
- Translate them: Any non-Spanish documents must be translated by a traductor jurado (sworn translator).
- Submit your application: Either through Spain’s Ministry of Justice, your local Civil Registry, or a Spanish consulate abroad.
- Pay the fee: Usually between €100 to €200.
- Wait (a lot): You may get called for an interview or asked for extra documents.
- Swear allegiance: Once approved, you’ll attend a ceremony and swear loyalty to the King and Constitution.
The oath
This part might sound intimidating, but most applicants find it surprisingly moving. It’s often done at your local Civil Registry office, surrounded by others who have gone through the same long process.
You’ll promise loyalty to Spain and its constitution, sign official paperwork, and from that moment, you’re officially Spanish.
Timeline and costs
The average timelines for common cases are:
- Descent cases: 1-3 years.
- Residency cases: 2-4 years after meeting the residency requirement.
- Marriage cases: usually 1-2 years.
Costs vary, but US applicants should plan for:
- Apostilles
- Sworn translations
- Exams
- Optional legal help
- Possible travel expenses
Making the citizenship process easier
The process isn’t always smooth. Old family records can be tough to track down. Spanish bureaucracy is notoriously slow. And those language exams can be intimidating if you’re not used to studying languages.
The key is patience and preparation. Keeping organized, seeking support, and adjusting your mindset can make the whole journey far less stressful.
Tips for a smoother journey
- Start early: Older documents can take months (sometimes years) to track down. Begin gathering paperwork as soon as you know you’ll apply.
- Learn Spanish gradually: Don’t cram for the DELE exam at the last minute. Apps, tutors, and language exchanges can help you build confidence over time.
- Stay organized: Keep both digital and paper copies of every document. Files do get misplaced, and having backups will save you headaches.
- Follow the news: Nationality laws can change, and some programs come with strict deadlines. Staying informed means you won’t miss opportunities.
- Lean on community: Expat forums and local groups can provide tips, encouragement, and updates from people going through the same thing.
Another underrated tip is to embrace the slower pace of Spanish bureaucracy. Appointments can take months to schedule, and replies to emails may take weeks. Instead of letting that frustrate you, think of it as part of adapting to Spanish culture, where life often moves at a more relaxed rhythm.
Life after getting Spanish citizenship
Once you’ve got that Spanish passport in hand, everything changes. No more renewing residency cards or stressing about permits, you’ll have the same rights as anyone born in Spain, from voting in elections to applying for jobs freely. You’ll also enjoy EU-wide mobility, and your kids can grow up with those same opportunities.
More than anything, though, citizenship brings a sense of belonging. Many describe the oath ceremony as the moment they stopped feeling like “just an immigrant” and started feeling truly at home.
FAQ
Do I have to give up my US passport?
Technically, yes, though in practice, many people end up with “hidden dual citizenship.” Talk to a lawyer before making decisions.
Can I leave Spain after getting citizenship?
Yes. You’ll have EU freedom of movement, but be careful about long absences during your residency years.
How long does it all take?
At least a year, often longer. Descent is the fastest route while residency is the slowest.
What if my Spanish isn’t great?
The DELE A2 is basic; you don’t need to be fluent. Start studying early and practice listening to Spanish daily.
Will my kids get citizenship too?
Yes. Once you’re recognized as Spanish, your children can usually apply as well.