Spain dual citizenship rules can be confusing because the answer depends on your nationality. Spain does not have a dual citizenship treaty with United States and United Kingdom, so dual citizenship is still not permitted. For example US/UK citizen naturalizing for spanish citizenship must renounce their previous nationality.
This isn’t a quick or cheap process. It can take anywhere from two years to a full decade, with costs running into the thousands.
Before jumping in, make sure you know the rules.
Table of contents
- Which Countries Can Keep Dual Citizenship With Spain?
- Can UK Citizens Still Get Spanish Dual Citizenship After Brexit?
- Steps for UK Citizens to Get Spanish Citizenship
- Alternative Paths for UK Citizens
- What Are the Rules for US Citizens Seeking Spain Dual Citizenship?
- What are the required Documents and Timeline for Spain Dual Citizenship?
- Common Delays and How to Avoid Them
- Cost Breakdown by Timeline
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Which Countries Can Keep Dual Citizenship With Spain?
Spain does allow dual citizenship, but with some big asterisks. If you were born Spanish, good news: you won’t lose your passport just because you become a citizen of places like Argentina, Mexico, or the Philippines. Andorra’s on the list too, for some reason.
For folks from Latin America, the deal’s even sweeter. If you’re from Peru, Colombia, Chile, or a handful of others (Ecuador and Costa Rica), you can apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of living there legally. That’s a steal compared to the usual decade-long slog. This exception exists because of Spain’s historical ties with these countries. They stand to enjoy:
- Only 2 years residency requirement instead of 10 years
- Right to maintain their original citizenship after naturalizing
- Simplified documentation process
- Access to expedited citizenship applications
Read also: Internship in Spain 2025: How to Apply, Requirements, and Tips
Special Agreement Countries:
- Portugal: Historical alliance allows dual citizenship
- Andorra: Geographic and cultural ties enable dual nationality
- Philippines: Former Spanish colony with maintained citizenship agreements
- Equatorial Guinea: Spanish colonial history provides dual citizenship rights
- France: Recent bilateral agreement allows dual nationality (added in 2021)
Sephardic Jewish Descendants: Spain offers citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled in 1492. This route allows:
- Maintaining original citizenship
- No residency requirement
- Genealogical proof of Sephardic ancestry required
- Cultural connection test through certified communities
Check out: Pros and Cons of Dual Citizenship: All you Need to Know
Benefits for Dual Citizenship in Spain
- EU citizenship rights (live/work anywhere in EU)
- Visa-free travel to 189 countries with Spanish passport
- Access to Spanish healthcare and social services
- Right to pass citizenship to children
- Property ownership rights without restrictions
Read also: How to Obtain Dual Citizenship as an American- 5 Effective Steps
Can UK Citizens Still Get Spanish Dual Citizenship After Brexit?
Brexit changed everything for Brits wanting Spanish citizenship. The UK and Spain don’t have a dual nationality agreement, so holding both isn’t an option. If you want a Spanish passport, you’ll have to give up your British one, no exceptions.
When swearing allegiance to Spain, UK citizens must legally renounce their British citizenship as part of the process. It’s a permanent decision, so you’ll need to be sure before committing. This process involves:
- Signing a renunciation declaration at the Spanish civil registry
- Surrendering UK passport to Spanish authorities
- Losing automatic right to live and work in UK
- Losing UK voting rights and consular protection
Read also: The Difference Between Freelancing and Full-Time Jobs
Steps for UK Citizens to Get Spanish Citizenship
Phase 1: Establish Legal Residency (Years 1-2)
UK citizens need a residence visa to live in Spain legally. Post-Brexit options include:
- Non-Lucrative Visa: €2,400+ monthly passive income, no work allowed
- Work Visa: Job offer from Spanish employer required
- Student Visa: Enrollment in Spanish educational institution
- Self-Employment Visa: Business plan and €3,000+ monthly income
- Family Reunification: Spanish spouse or EU family member
Phase 2: Maintain Continuous Residence (Years 1-10)
UK citizens must complete 10 years of continuous legal residence before applying for citizenship:
- Renew residence permits every 1-2 years
- Spend minimum 183 days annually in Spain for tax residency
- Maintain clean criminal record in Spain and UK
- File Spanish tax returns annually
- Begin Spanish language study (A2 level minimum required)
Phase 3: Citizenship Application (Year 10)
After completing 10 years residence, UK citizens can apply with:
- DELE A2 Spanish language certificate
- CCSE constitutional and cultural knowledge test
- Criminal background checks from UK and Spain
- Spanish tax clearance certificate
- Proof of economic stability and community integration
Read: Can Senior Citizens Move to Canada? | Full 2025 Guide
Alternative Paths for UK Citizens
Spanish Ancestry Route: UK citizens with Spanish grandparents may qualify under the “grandchildren law”:
- Spanish-born grandparent required
- Proof of maintained Spanish nationality by grandparent
- No residency requirement
- Still requires renunciation of UK citizenship
- Application through Spanish consulate in UK
Marriage to Spanish Citizen: UK citizens married to Spanish nationals can apply after 1 year of marriage:
- Legal marriage certificate required
- Proof of ongoing relationship
- Basic Spanish language proficiency
- Clean criminal record from UK
- Must still renounce UK citizenship
Costs for UK Citizens:
- Initial residence visa: €500-€1,500
- Annual residence permit renewals: €200-€400
- Spanish language courses and certificates: €500-€1,500
- CCSE constitutional test: €85
- Citizenship application fee: €104
- Legal assistance: €2,000-€5,000
- Total estimated cost: €8,000-€15,000 over 10 years
Read: How the 2025 U.S Birthright Citizenship Changes Will Affect Immigrant Families
What Are the Rules for US Citizens Seeking Spain Dual Citizenship?
For Americans and Brits, Spain’s dual citizenship rules are equally strict. If you’re a US citizen trying to naturalize as Spanish, Spain technically requires you to renounce your American citizenship. But in turn, the US couldn’t care less if you become Spanish. They’ll still consider you American no matter what.
The Gray Zone
Spain says “drop your US passport,” but the US government doesn’t enforce this. In fact, US law explicitly allows dual citizenship. Naturalizing abroad doesn’t cancel your American status. So in practice? You could end up with both, even if Spain pretends you don’t. Just don’t expect Spain to acknowledge your US citizenship once you’re theirs.
What This Means in Practice:
- You renounce US citizenship during Spanish naturalization ceremony
- US government may not recognize this renunciation as valid
- You could effectively maintain both citizenships
- Spain considers you solely Spanish citizen
- US continues treating you as American citizen for tax purposes
Read: Best NMSC Scholarship Programs
Step-by-Step Process for US Citizens:
Step 1: Obtain Spanish Residence Visa
US citizens need long-term residence authorization:
- Non-Lucrative Visa: $2,600+ monthly passive income, no work permitted
- Work Authorization: Spanish job offer or EU Blue Card
- Student Visa: Spanish university enrollment
- Entrepreneur Visa: Business investment of €500,000+
- Family Reunification: Spanish or EU spouse
Step 2: Complete 10-Year Residency Requirement
US citizens must maintain continuous legal residence:
- Renew residence permits according to schedule
- Physical presence: 183+ days annually in Spain
- File Spanish tax returns (plus US taxes if maintaining citizenship)
- Clean criminal record in both countries
- Community integration through work, volunteering, or property ownership
Step 3: Language and Cultural Requirements
Before applying for citizenship, US citizens must demonstrate:
- DELE A2 Spanish Certificate: Costs $200, valid 2 years
- CCSE Constitutional Test: Spanish history, culture, government ($95 fee)
- Both tests available at Instituto Cervantes locations worldwide
- Preparation courses cost $500-$1,500
Step 4: Citizenship Application Process
Submit complete application including:
- FBI background check with apostille ($18 + processing fees)
- Spanish criminal record certificate (free)
- Birth certificate with apostille
- Marriage certificate if applicable
- Tax clearance from Spanish authorities
- Proof of residence for 10 years
- Economic solvency documentation
Step 5: Renunciation Ceremony
If approved, attend oath ceremony where you must:
- Swear allegiance to Spain and Spanish constitution
- Formally renounce US citizenship (Spain’s requirement)
- Receive Spanish citizenship certificate
- Apply for Spanish passport ($30 fee)
Alternative Routes for US Citizens
Sephardic Jewish Heritage: US citizens with documented Sephardic ancestry can apply for Spanish citizenship:
- Genealogical proof of Sephardic Jewish origins
- Certificate from recognized Sephardic community
- No residency requirement
- Still requires formal renunciation of US citizenship
- Processing time: 2-4 years
Investment Options: While Spain doesn’t have a “Golden Visa” leading directly to citizenship, US citizens can:
- Invest €500,000+ in Spanish property for residence visa
- Create jobs for Spanish workers (entrepreneur visa)
- Invest in Spanish government bonds or business ventures
- Still requires 10-year residency before citizenship eligibility
Read: The Role of Immigration Lawyers: Do You Need One?
What are the required Documents and Timeline for Spain Dual Citizenship?
The documentation and timeline for Spain dual citizenship varies significantly based on your nationality and chosen pathway. Understanding exact requirements prevents costly delays and rejections.
Universal Documents Required (All Nationalities):
Personal Identification:
- Current passport with 6+ months validity
- Birth certificate with apostille certification
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) with apostille
- Divorce decrees (if applicable) with apostille
- Death certificates of deceased spouses/parents (if applicable)
Criminal Background Verification:
- Criminal record certificate from country of birth
- Criminal record from all countries of residence since age 18
- Spanish criminal record certificate (obtained in Spain)
- All criminal records must include apostille certification
- Valid for 90 days from issue date
Residency and Integration Proof:
- Complete residence permit history for required period
- Spanish tax returns for all years of residence
- Social Security contribution records (if employed)
- Municipal registration certificates (Padrón) from all Spanish addresses
- Proof of Spanish language proficiency (DELE A2 or equivalent)
- Constitutional and cultural knowledge certificate (CCSE)
Read: Netherlands Work Visa Requirements | 2025 Complete Guide
Nationality-Specific Document Requirements:
UK Citizens (10-Year Route):
- UK criminal record certificate with apostille
- Proof of renunciation readiness
- Evidence of community integration (employment, property, volunteering)
- UK tax clearance (if required)
- Electoral registration cancellation from UK
US Citizens (10-Year Route):
- FBI Identity History Summary with apostille
- State-level criminal checks from all US states of residence
- IRS tax compliance letter
- Social Security Administration benefit statement (if applicable)
- US passport surrender acknowledgment
Canadian Citizens (10-Year Route):
- RCMP criminal record check with apostille
- Provincial criminal record checks where required
- Canada Revenue Agency tax compliance certificate
- Provincial health card cancellation proof
- Citizenship certificate or naturalization certificate
Privileged Nationality Citizens (2-Year Route):
- Proof of qualifying nationality (passport, citizenship certificate)
- Documentary evidence of Latin American/special country heritage
- Reduced documentation requirements for residence period
- Simplified integration proof requirements
Processing Timeline by Route:
Standard 10-Year Naturalization Path:
- Years 1-5: Temporary residence permits, renewals every 1-2 years
- Year 5: Permanent residence application (3-6 months processing)
- Years 6-10: Maintain permanent residence, begin citizenship preparation
- Year 10: Submit citizenship application
- Months 12-24: Government review and decision
- Month 25-26: Oath ceremony and passport application if approved
- Total Timeline: 11-12 years from first visa to Spanish passport
Privileged Nationality 2-Year Path:
- Years 1-2: Legal residence with temporary permits
- Year 2: Submit citizenship application after 2 years residence
- Months 6-18: Accelerated government review process
- Month 19-20: Oath ceremony and passport if approved
- Total Timeline: 3-4 years from first visa to Spanish passport
Ancestry/Marriage Routes:
- Document preparation: 6-12 months for genealogical proof
- Application submission: Through Spanish consulate or in Spain
- Processing time: 18-36 months for ancestry cases, 12-18 months for marriage
- Total Timeline: 2-4 years depending on document complexity
Sephardic Jewish Heritage Route:
- Genealogical research: 12-24 months for ancestry proof
- Community certification: 6-12 months from recognized Sephardic communities
- Application processing: 24-48 months due to specialized review
- Total Timeline: 4-7 years from research start to citizenship
Read: How To Get Best USA Jobs With Visa Sponsorship
Common Delays and How to Avoid Them
Document-Related Delays:
- Expired criminal record certificates (90-day validity)
- Missing apostille certifications
- Incorrect translations by non-certified translators
- Incomplete residence permit documentation
Integration Requirement Delays:
- Failed language tests (allow 6 months for retests)
- Insufficient community integration proof
- Tax compliance issues
- Missing municipal registration records
Application Processing Delays:
- Incomplete application submissions
- Background check complications for frequent travelers
- Political tensions affecting processing for certain nationalities
- Administrative backlogs during peak application periods
Read: How to Get Dual Citizenship in Portugal: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Cost Breakdown by Timeline
Document Preparation Costs:
- Criminal background checks: €50-€200 per country
- Apostille certifications: €30-€100 per document
- Certified translations: €30-€50 per page
- Language test and preparation: €500-€2,000
- Constitutional test: €85
Application and Processing Fees:
- Citizenship application fee: €104
- Legal representation: €2,000-€8,000
- Document courier services: €200-€500
- Oath ceremony attendance: €0 (mandatory but free)
- Spanish passport application: €30
Annual Maintenance Costs:
- Residence permit renewals: €200-€400 annually
- Tax preparation assistance: €500-€2,000 annually
- Legal consultation updates: €300-€800 annually
Tips for Successful Applications:
- Start document collection 18 months before application deadline
- Use only certified translation services approved by Spanish authorities
- Maintain organized digital and physical copies of all documents
- Consult immigration lawyer familiar with your nationality’s requirements
- Learn Spanish early to ensure comfortable A2 proficiency level
- Establish strong community ties through employment, property, or volunteering.
Read: Internship in Spain 2025: How to Apply, Requirements, and Tips
FAQs
Generally no, countries like UK, US, and Canada don’t allow automatic citizenship restoration after formal renunciation.
Minor children can be included in your Spanish citizenship application and may maintain dual citizenship depending on circumstances.
No, you must surrender your previous passport and use only Spanish passport for international travel.
Yes, A2 level proficiency required for all routes except Sephardic heritage, which may have modified requirements.
Only for ancestry, marriage, or Sephardic heritage routes through Spanish consulates; residency-based applications require living in Spain.
Spanish citizenship is permanent and cannot be revoked except in cases of fraud or voluntary renunciation.
Conclusion
Spain allows dual citizenship, but only for certain nationalities. If you’re from Latin America, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea, or have Sephardic Jewish heritage, then you can keep both passports. For everyone else, including Americans, Brits, and Canadians, it’s a choice: Spain or your original citizenship.
Timelines vary. Some applicants get approved in two years, while others wait up to a decade. Costs also swing widely from €5,000 to €20,000, depending on your situation.
Technically, non-eligible citizens must renounce their old nationality. But in practice, some keep both due to loopholes in how countries recognize citizenship.
Getting it right means thorough prep. You’ll need extensive paperwork, and most people hire a lawyer to avoid mistakes.
Before you go, you should read: How to Obtain Dual Citizenship as an American- 5 Effective Steps
