Spanish nationality by origin
Article 17 of the Civil Code sets out the main cases of Spanish nationality by origin, including children of a Spanish father or mother and certain births in Spain.
Who may qualify
- Children of a Spanish father or mother.
- Certain people born in Spain to foreign parents in the cases covered by article 17.
- Foreign minors adopted by a Spanish citizen under article 19.
Main requirements
- Verify birth, parentage, parents’ nationality and, where relevant, adoption.
Documents
- Birth certificates.
- Parents’ nationality documentation.
- Civil Registry certificates.
- Adoption documents, where applicable.
How the procedure works
- Analyse the facts and the applicable case under articles 17 or 19.
- Prepare evidence of birth/parentage.
- Proceed before the Civil Registry for the relevant registration or declaration.
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 citizenship by carta de naturaleza
Exceptional and discretionary grant of Spanish nationality by the Government.
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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