Complete Guide to Spain Citizenship by Descent in 2026

Spain citizenship by descent offers individuals with Spanish parents or, until recently, grandparents a pathway to European Union citizenship. 

This comprehensive guide explains eligibility requirements, the recently expired Democratic Memory Law, required documents, application procedures, and the benefits of claiming your Spanish heritage in 2025 and beyond.

What Does "Spain Citizenship by Descent" Mean?

Spain citizenship by descent, also known as citizenship by origin (nacionalidad española por descendencia or nacionalidad por origen), allows individuals to claim Spanish nationality based on their bloodline connection to Spain. This pathway is grounded in the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), where Spanish citizenship passes through family lineage rather than birthplace.

Unlike naturalization, which requires years of residency in Spain and passing language and cultural exams, citizenship by descent recognizes your inherent right to Spanish nationality through your Spanish ancestors. However, Spain's descent program has specific limitations and, as of October 2025, has undergone significant changes that affect grandchildren's eligibility.

Historical Background and Context

Spain's relationship with emigration spans centuries, creating one of the world's most significant diasporas. Understanding this history helps explain both Spain's citizenship by descent program and the recent temporary expansion through the Democratic Memory Law.

Colonial Era and Early Empire (15th-19th Centuries)

Following the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries, Spain became one of Europe's first and largest emigrating populations. The rapid expansion of the Spanish Empire led to an unprecedented dispersal of Spanish people, primarily concentrated in the Americas, particularly New Spain (Mexico and Central America) and Peru. These colonial settlements established lasting Spanish-speaking communities throughout Latin America that maintain cultural and familial ties to Spain.

Mass Emigration to the Americas (1846-1932)

Between 1846 and 1932, nearly 5 million Spaniards emigrated to the Americas, mostly to South America, with Argentina and Brazil receiving the largest numbers. Economic hardship, rural poverty, urban congestion, and unpopular wars drove this massive outflow.

Spanish immigrants also settled in:

• Cuba
• Uruguay
• Venezuela
• Chile
• Peru
• Mexico
• Other Latin American nations

These communities created substantial diaspora populations that maintain connections to Spain today.

Spanish Civil War and Franco Dictatorship (1936-1975)

The Spanish Civil War (July 1936 - April 1939) represents the most traumatic chapter in modern Spanish history and created the largest wave of political exiles.

The Civil War (1936-1939):

On July 18, 1936, a military uprising led by General Francisco Franco and other nationalist officers erupted against Spain's democratically elected Second Republic. The Republic had instituted progressive reforms including:

• Separation of church and state
• Women's suffrage
• Civil marriage and divorce
• Land reform
• Regional autonomy for Catalonia

Conservative forces, including the military, Catholic Church, landowners, and fascist Falange party, opposed these changes and backed Franco's rebellion.

For nearly three years, Spain was torn apart. Republicans (including socialists, communists, anarchists, and moderate republicans) fought to defend the elected government. Nationalists (including military forces, monarchists, fascists, and Catholic conservatives) sought to overthrow it. The war was brutal, marked by massacres, executions, and bombing campaigns that foreshadowed World War II.

When Barcelona fell to Franco's forces on January 26, 1939, the end was near. The Republic's final collapse triggered a massive exodus.

La Retirada - The Great Retreat (1939):

Between January 28 and February 13, 1939, approximately 475,000 Spanish refugees, soldiers and civilians alike, crossed the Pyrenees into France in what became known as La Retirada (The Retreat).

Key facts about the exodus:

• Refugees fled in winter conditions
• Weakened by three years of war
• Under bombardment from Franco's air force
• Carrying few belongings
• Women, children, and elderly separated from men

The reception in France was harsh. Despite being a fellow republic, France's government under Édouard Daladier feared the influx of "revolutionary reds." Refugees were separated, men were interned in makeshift camps on beaches at Argelès-sur-Mer and Saint-Cyprien with minimal shelter, while women, children, and elderly were dispersed across France. Conditions were deplorable, with inadequate food, sanitation, and medical care.

By mid-1939, 173,000 Spaniards remained interned in French camps. Many faced pressure to repatriate to Franco's Spain (not always voluntarily). Others tried to emigrate to Latin America, Mexico welcomed refugees but in limited numbers. Some Spanish Republicans stayed in France and later joined the French Resistance during World War II.

The Franco Dictatorship (1939-1975):

Franco's victory installed a repressive right-wing dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. The regime:

• Brutally suppressed political opponents
• Executed thousands
• Maintained Spain in economic isolation
• Followed autarky policies similar to fascist Italy and Germany

Exile status is presumed for all Spaniards who left Spain between July 18, 1936, and December 31, 1955. For departures between January 1, 1956, and December 28, 1978, proof of exile status must be provided.

During Franco's rule, hundreds of thousands of Spaniards could not return home and became permanent exiles in France, Latin America, the United States, and elsewhere. They lost or renounced Spanish citizenship, often under duress or due to naturalization requirements in their new countries.

Post-War Economic Emigration (1960s-1970s)

The 1960s brought another major emigration wave as Spain's Stabilization Plan reduced wages and increased unemployment. Over 2 million Spaniards left for Northern Europe, primarily:

• France
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Luxembourg

They sought better-paying jobs. This economic migration was encouraged by Franco's government to reduce unemployment and receive remittances from abroad.

The Spanish Diaspora Today

As of January 1, 2025, according to Spain's Register of Spaniards Resident Abroad (PERE), 3,045,966 people with Spanish nationality live outside Spain, an increase of 4.7% from the previous year.

Major Spanish diaspora communities:

Latin America:

• Argentina: 500,000-1,000,000+ (largest community)
• Venezuela: 1.3 million of Spanish descent
• Brazil: Significant community, particularly in São Paulo
• Mexico: Large community
• Cuba, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Peru: Substantial communities

Europe:

• France: 2+ million of Spanish descent (largest in 20th century)
• Germany: Significant community from 1960s-70s labor migration
• Switzerland: 500,000+
• United Kingdom: Growing community

Other Regions:

• United States: 150,000-750,000+ (concentrated in New York, Florida, California)
• Canada: Smaller but notable communities

This extensive diaspora explains Spain's citizenship by descent programs, including the recent (now expired) expansion to grandchildren through the Democratic Memory Law.

Who Qualifies for Citizenship by Descent?

CRITICAL UPDATE - OCTOBER 2025: The Democratic Memory Law (Grandchildren's Law), which allowed grandchildren of Spanish citizens to claim citizenship, expired on October 22, 2025. The application system is now closed and no longer accepting new applications. This section explains both current options (through parents) and the now-closed grandchildren pathway for historical context.

Conditions for Eligibility

Claiming Through Spanish Parents (Still Available)

If you have at least one Spanish parent who was a Spanish citizen at the time of your birth, you likely already are a Spanish citizen by origin (nacionalidad por origen), even if you've never formally claimed it. Spanish nationality law prioritizes bloodline (jus sanguinis), not place of birth.

Key Requirements:

• At least one parent was a Spanish citizen when you were born
• No residence in Spain required (in most cases)
• No Spanish language requirement
• No cultural knowledge exam required

This is the most straightforward pathway. The process is essentially recognition of citizenship you already possess rather than acquisition of new citizenship. You need to register your birth with Spanish authorities and obtain documentation.

Age Considerations:

If you were born abroad to a Spanish parent (who was also born abroad), there are specific age windows:

• Under age 21: You can register at your local Spanish consulate and claim citizenship by origin automatically
• Age 21 and older: You may need to apply via an "option" process (derecho de opción), which has slightly different procedures

Children born in Spain to at least one Spanish parent are automatically Spanish citizens.

Claiming Through Spanish Grandparents (NO LONGER AVAILABLE - EXPIRED OCTOBER 2025)

IMPORTANT: The pathway for grandchildren through the Democratic Memory Law (Law 20/2022), also called the Grandchildren's Law (Ley de Nietos), expired on October 22, 2025. No new applications are being accepted.

This temporary program (October 21, 2022 - October 22, 2025) allowed three specific categories of people to claim Spanish citizenship:

Category A: Descendants of Political Exiles

Children or grandchildren born outside Spain whose parent or grandparent was originally Spanish but lost or renounced Spanish nationality due to exile for:

• Political reasons
• Ideological reasons
• Religious reasons
• Reasons of sexual orientation or identity

Exile presumption: Anyone who left Spain between July 18, 1936, and December 31, 1955, is presumed to have been exiled. For departures between January 1, 1956, and December 28, 1978, proof of exile status must be provided.

Category B: Children of Spanish Women Who Lost Citizenship Through Marriage

Children born abroad to Spanish women who lost their Spanish nationality because they married non-Spanish individuals before Spain's 1978 Constitution came into effect (December 29, 1978).

Before 1978, Spanish law stripped Spanish women of their citizenship if they married foreigners. The Democratic Memory Law sought to correct this historical injustice.

Category C: Adult Children of Historical Memory Law Beneficiaries

Adult children of individuals who obtained Spanish nationality under the previous Historical Memory Law (Law 52/2007). The 2007 law had an age restriction (applicants had to be under 20 years old in some cases), so the Democratic Memory Law extended eligibility to those who "aged out" of the previous program.

Why This Law Existed:

The Democratic Memory Law was Spain's attempt at historical justice, allowing descendants of:

• Those persecuted by Franco's regime
• Those forced into exile
• Those affected by discriminatory nationality laws

Between 2022 and 2025, thousands of descendants worldwide applied, particularly from Latin America, France, and the United States.

The law was initially set for two years (2022-2024) but was extended for one additional year until October 2025, with explicit statements that no further extensions would be granted.

Great-Grandchildren and Beyond

Spain does not allow direct claims through great-grandparents or more distant ancestors, and the Democratic Memory Law did not create this pathway either.

Standard Naturalization (For Those Not Eligible by Descent)

If you don't qualify through a Spanish parent, your options are:

Standard Naturalization:

• 10 years of legal, continuous residence in Spain
• Pass DELE A2 Spanish language exam
• Pass CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
• No criminal record

Reduced Residency Periods:

• 2 years: Citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic Jewish descent
• 1 year: Married to a Spanish citizen (and living in Spain); born in Spain to foreign parents; widows/widowers of Spanish citizens

Required Documents

The documentation required depends on whether you're claiming through a parent or were attempting to claim through a grandparent under the now-expired Democratic Memory Law.

Documents for Parent Claims

Personal Documents:

• Your long-form birth certificate (showing both parents' names)
• Valid passport
• Proof of current residence
• Identity documents

Spanish Parent's Documents:

• Spanish parent's birth certificate issued by Spanish Civil Registry
• Spanish parent's valid passport or Spanish identity card (DNI)
• Proof your Spanish parent was a Spanish citizen at your birth

Parental Relationship Documents:

• Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable)
• If parents unmarried: Acknowledgment of paternity document (signed by both parents); paternity must have been established while you were a minor

Additional Documents:

• Criminal record certificates from all countries where you've lived after age 16
• Completed application form (Form I for parent claims)

Documents for Grandparent Claims (Historical - Program Expired)

For those who applied before the October 2025 deadline, the required documents included all of the above, plus:

Grandparent's Documents:

• Spanish grandparent's birth certificate from Spanish Civil Registry
• Spanish grandparent's Spanish identity documents (passport, ID card)
• Grandparent's marriage certificate

Proof of Exile or Circumstance:

For exile claims:

• Evidence of departure from Spain during relevant periods
• Documentation of political persecution
• Proof of loss/renunciation of Spanish nationality

For marriage claims:

• Marriage certificate of Spanish mother to foreign national dated before December 29, 1978
• Proof of acquisition of husband's nationality (for marriages between August 5, 1954, and December 28, 1978)

Generational Links:

• Birth certificates for all generations connecting you to your Spanish grandparent
• Marriage certificates for all name changes

Document Authentication and Translation

All foreign documents must be:

Legalized:

Either by apostille (Hague Convention countries) or consular legalization

Translated:

Certified translation into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) recognized by Spanish authorities

Recent:

Most documents should be recently issued (within 3-6 months depending on consulate requirements)

Costs:

• Sworn translations: €15-50 per page
• Apostille fees: $50-150 per document

This process can be time-consuming and expensive. Plan accordingly and budget both time and money for proper document preparation.

Application Process

The application process has changed significantly with the expiration of the Democratic Memory Law in October 2025.

For Parent Claims (Currently Available):

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Confirm that:

• Your Spanish parent was a Spanish citizen at the time of your birth
• Your Spanish parent never lost Spanish citizenship through naturalization in another country before you were born

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all documents listed above:

• Your birth certificate and identity documents
• Spanish parent's Spanish documents
• Proof of parental relationship
• Criminal record certificates

Timeline: 2-4 months

Step 3: Authenticate and Translate Documents

• Obtain apostilles or consular legalization for all foreign documents
• Have all documents translated into Spanish by certified sworn translators
• Ensure translations are properly certified

Timeline: 1-2 months

Step 4: Complete Application Form

Fill out Form I (for parent claims). The form requires:

• Personal information
• Information about your Spanish parent
• Declaration of your connection to Spain
• List of all countries you've lived in

Step 5: Schedule Appointment

Book an appointment at:

• Spanish Consulate or Embassy (if living abroad)
• Civil Registry Office (Registro Civil) (if living in Spain)

Note: Some consulates have significant backlogs. Schedule well in advance.

Step 6: Submit Application

Submit your complete application package at your appointment.

Bring:

• Original documents
• Copies of all documents
• Completed and signed application form
• Payment for fees

Step 7: Track Application Status

Processing times vary significantly by consulate and registry office. You can track your application status through the "Cómo va lo mío" platform if submitted electronically.

Step 8: Receive Citizenship Decision

If approved, you'll be registered as a Spanish citizen and can apply for:

• Spanish national ID card (DNI)
• Spanish passport

Application Fees

Government Fees:

• Application fee: €100 (approximately)
• No additional fees for citizenship by descent through parents in most cases

However, citizens of certain Ibero-American countries and other specified nations typically don't pay this fee.

Timeline and Costs

Processing Timeline

Parent Claims:

• Document gathering: 2-4 months
• Authentication/translation: 1-2 months
• Application processing: 3-24 months (highly variable by consulate)
• Total: 6 months to 2 years

Factors Affecting Timeline:

• Completeness of application
• Specific Spanish consulate (some have severe backlogs)
• Complexity of family situation
• Whether parents' marriage is registered in Spain

Grandparent Claims (Historical - Program Expired):

For those who applied before October 2025, processing times are reported at 18-24 months from submission, with some cases taking longer.

Cost Breakdown

Government Fees:

• Application fee: €0-€100 (varies by nationality and specific pathway)
• Spanish passport: €30
• Spanish DNI (national ID): €12

Additional Costs (DIY Approach):

• Birth certificates: $50-150 per certificate
• Apostilles: $50-150 per document (5-10 documents typical)
• Sworn Spanish translations: €15-50 per page (15-30 pages typical)
• Criminal record certificates: $30-100 per country (2-4 countries typical)
• Notarization and document certification: $100-300

Total DIY Costs:

• Parent claims: €500-2,000 ($550-2,200)
• Grandparent claims (for those who applied before deadline): €1,000-3,500 ($1,100-3,850)

Professional Services:

• Spanish citizenship lawyer: €500-2,000
• Full service (including document procurement, translations, application management): €2,000-5,000
• Total with professional assistance: €2,500-7,000 ($2,750-7,700)

Note: Costs vary significantly based on your location, number of documents needed, complexity of your case, and whether you need extensive archival research.

9 Benefits of Spain Citizenship

1. European Union Citizenship

Spanish citizenship grants full EU citizenship, allowing you to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in the 27 EU member states without visas or work permits.

This includes access to:

• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Ireland
• And all other EU countries

You also gain rights in European Economic Area (EEA) countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland through bilateral agreements.

2. Powerful Spanish Passport

The Spanish passport ranks among the world's most powerful, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ destinations worldwide.

Key travel benefits:

• Visa-free access to 125 countries
• Visa-on-arrival in 30+ countries
• Access to United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom without visas

3. Access to World-Class Education

As a Spanish citizen, you gain access to affordable, high-quality education throughout the EU.

Education benefits:

• Spanish universities charge minimal tuition for EU citizens (often €1,000-3,000 per year)
• Non-EU students pay €10,000-20,000+ per year
• Access to prestigious universities across Europe at local rates
• Excellent Spanish universities: Complutense de Madrid, University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid

4. Comprehensive Healthcare Access

Spanish citizens can access Spain's National Health System, which provides comprehensive healthcare at low or no cost. Spain consistently ranks among the top countries worldwide for healthcare quality.

Healthcare benefits:

• Access to Spain's excellent public healthcare system
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for coverage across EU
• Medical coverage while traveling or living in other EU countries
• World-class healthcare at minimal cost

5. Freedom to Live Throughout the EU

Spanish citizenship removes all restrictions on where you can live in Europe.

Freedom of movement:

• Relocate to any EU country without visas
• No work permits required
• No residency limitations
• Live in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, or any other EU country freely

This flexibility is particularly valuable for careers, entrepreneurship, retirement, or simply experiencing different European cultures.

6. Property Ownership and Investment Opportunities

EU citizenship facilitates property ownership throughout Europe and provides access to European business opportunities.

Investment advantages:

• European banking access
• Investment options restricted to EU citizens
• No restrictions on Spanish property ownership
• Business establishment throughout EU

7. Retirement Flexibility

Spanish citizenship allows you to retire anywhere in the EU, accessing social security systems, healthcare, and benefits across member states.

Retirement benefits:

• Retire in any EU country without immigration restrictions
• Spain's excellent climate and Mediterranean lifestyle
• Affordable cost of living
• High quality of life
• Access to Spain's public pension system

Spain is one of the world's most popular retirement destinations.

8. Cultural and Linguistic Connection

Spanish citizenship reconnects you with your heritage and provides official recognition of your family's history.

Cultural benefits:

• Rich cultural experiences throughout Spain
• Historic cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Granada
• Beautiful coastlines and mountain regions
• Join global community of 500+ million Spanish speakers
• Connection to Spain, Latin America, and Spanish-speaking world

9. Pass Citizenship to Future Generations

Once you obtain Spanish citizenship, you can pass it directly to your children.

Generational benefits:

• Children automatically qualify as Spanish citizens through their Spanish parent
• Lasting legacy of European citizenship for your family
• Simpler requirements for future generations
• Children are Spanish citizens by origin (strongest form of Spanish citizenship)

Citizenship by Descent Programs

CitizenX specializes in citizenship by descent programs that offer families the opportunity to reclaim their heritage while gaining the practical benefits of a second citizenship. While CitizenX offers limited services for Spain citizenship by descent, we provide comprehensive support for multiple other citizenship by descent programs including:

CitizenX Citizenship by Descent Services:

• Italy Citizenship by Descent: No generational limit (through March 2025), 6 months to passport after recognition - $25,000
• Ireland Citizenship by Descent: Grandparent rule, 9 months to passport - $15,000
• Poland Citizenship by Descent: Multiple generations accepted, 8 months to passport - $25,000
• Lithuania Citizenship by Descent: Three generations accepted, 6 months to passport after approval - $15,000

Each program has unique eligibility requirements, timelines, and benefits. Our expert team can assess your family history and recommend the citizenship by descent pathway that best fits your situation.

Learn more about citizenship by descent opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply for Spanish citizenship through my grandparents?

No. The Democratic Memory Law (Grandchildren's Law) that allowed grandchildren to claim Spanish citizenship expired on October 22, 2025. The application system is now closed and no longer accepting new applications. Only those who submitted applications before the deadline can continue with their cases.

Can I claim Spanish citizenship through my Spanish parent?

Yes. If your parent was a Spanish citizen at the time of your birth, you likely already are a Spanish citizen and can register your citizenship. This pathway remains available and has no expiration date.

Do I need to speak Spanish to claim citizenship through my parent?

No. If claiming through a Spanish parent, there's no Spanish language requirement or cultural knowledge exam. These requirements only apply to naturalization pathways that require years of residency.

Do I need to renounce my current citizenship to become Spanish?

It depends on your current nationality. Spain has dual citizenship agreements with all Ibero-American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela), Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. Citizens of these countries can keep both nationalities. Those claiming citizenship under the (now-expired) Democratic Memory Law could also maintain dual citizenship. For other nationalities, Spain generally requires renunciation of your original citizenship during the oath ceremony.

How long does the Spanish citizenship by descent process take?

For parent claims, the process typically takes 6 months to 2 years total. Processing times vary significantly by consulate, some process applications in 3-6 months, while others have backlogs extending to 2+ years.

Can my children get Spanish citizenship too?

Yes. Once you obtain Spanish citizenship, your children can claim Spanish citizenship through you as their Spanish parent. Children born after you become a Spanish citizen are automatically Spanish citizens. Children born before can apply for Spanish citizenship by descent through you.

What if my Spanish parent naturalized in another country before I was born?

If your Spanish parent naturalized in another country before you were born, they likely lost their Spanish citizenship at that time, breaking the chain. However, Spanish citizenship laws have changed over time, so consult with a Spanish immigration lawyer to evaluate your specific situation.

Can I apply from outside Spain?

Yes. You can apply through Spanish consulates and embassies worldwide. Each consulate has its own procedures, appointment systems, and processing times. Check with your nearest Spanish consulate for specific requirements.

What happens if my application is rejected?

You'll receive notification explaining the reason for rejection. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, inability to prove unbroken Spanish citizenship lineage, or missing translations/apostilles. Depending on the reason, you may be able to address deficiencies and reapply.

Are there any other ways to get Spanish citizenship?

Yes. Other pathways include naturalization (10 years of legal residence, or 2 years for certain nationalities, or 1 year if married to Spanish citizen), birth in Spain under certain circumstances, and special contributions (granted at government discretion for exceptional contributions).