Citizenship by Descent (Jure Sanguinis)

Spanish citizenship by descent is governed by Articles 17–26 of the Spanish Civil Code. The pathway you use depends on whether you acquired citizenship automatically at birth (Article 17) or must opt for it (Article 20).

The Democratic Memory Law (Expired)

From 2022 to October 2025, the Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática) created a temporary pathway for grandchildren of Spanish Republicans who fled or were exiled during the Spanish Civil War and Franco era. This law was colloquially known as the "Grandchildren's Law." It expired on October 22, 2025, and no new applications are accepted. If you are a grandchild of a Spanish citizen and do not meet the permanent Civil Code requirements (your parent born in Spain and a Spanish citizen by origin), you can no longer claim citizenship through this route.

Dual Citizenship Rules

Spain permits dual citizenship in specific cases. If you hold the nationality of an Ibero-American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or France, you may keep your original citizenship and also become Spanish. Nationals of all other countries must renounce their previous citizenship to acquire Spanish nationality.

• EU Citizenship — You gain full rights as a European Union citizen, including the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU/EEA.
• Work and Residence — You can work and reside in Spain and any other EU member state without a visa or work permit.
• Voting Rights — You can vote in Spanish national elections and local elections (if registered in the CERA, the electoral registry for Spaniards abroad).
• Family Reunification — You can sponsor family members for residence in Spain under EU family reunification rules.
• Social Services and Benefits — You have access to Spain's public healthcare, education, and social security systems (subject to residency and contribution requirements).
• Passport and Travel — You can obtain a Spanish passport, which allows visa-free travel to over 190 countries.
• Path to Further Status — Spanish citizenship is the highest status; there is no further pathway beyond this.
• Inheritance and Property — You have full rights to own property, inherit, and conduct business in Spain without restrictions.

Citizenship "By Origin" vs. "Not By Origin"

If you acquire Spanish citizenship under Article 17 (automatic at birth) or Article 20.1.b (parent born in Spain), you are a Spaniard by origin. This status is permanent and cannot be lost (except in rare cases of fraud).

If you acquire citizenship because your parent naturalized while you were a minor, you are a Spaniard not by origin. This status carries a higher risk: if you do not declare your intention to retain Spanish citizenship between ages 18 and 21, you will lose it automatically. If you hold this status, consult a Spanish immigration lawyer about the declaration requirement.