Spanish citizenship by carta de naturaleza
Carta de naturaleza is an exceptional, discretionary route. The Government may grant nationality by Royal Decree where exceptional circumstances exist.
Who may qualify
- People able to demonstrate genuinely exceptional circumstances supporting this route.
Main requirements
- Exceptional circumstances must be sufficiently evidenced.
- Grant is discretionary and is not an automatic entitlement.
Documents
- Birth certificate.
- Criminal-record certificates where applicable.
- Evidence of exceptional circumstances.
- Other relevant evidence supporting the request.
How the procedure works
- Prepare the exceptional-circumstances case.
- File the request.
- Government assessment.
- If granted, complete the subsequent registration formalities.
Routes to Spanish citizenship
Spanish citizenship by residence
Acquisition of Spanish nationality after completing the legally required residence period.
ReadSpanish citizenship by option
A right to opt for Spanish nationality in the situations expressly provided by the Civil Code.
ReadSpanish nationality by origin
Cases in which a person is Spanish by origin under the Civil Code.
ReadSpanish nationality by possession of status
Consolidation of nationality after continuously using Spanish status in good faith.
ReadSpanish nationality by simple presumption
Civil Registry procedure for certain children born in Spain where the parents’ laws do not attribute a nationality.
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