Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship? Laws Explained

Does Spain allow dual citizenship?

Yes and no. Spain’s approach is complicated. While Spanish law generally requires renouncing one’s previous nationality when naturalizing, Spain maintains special agreements with 17 Latin American countries (plus Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal) that allow citizens from these nations to retain both passports.

For digital nomads and global professionals from the US, Canada, UK, or most other countries, the answer is technically no. You are expected to renounce your original citizenship.

But here’s where it gets interesting: many countries (including the US) don’t actually recognize renunciations made for naturalization purposes, creating a practical loophole.

The situation creates a gray area that thousands navigate annually. You might formally renounce during Spain’s naturalization ceremony, but your birth country may still consider you a citizen. It’s not exactly straightforward, and it’s definitely not the clean dual citizenship setup you’ll find in Canada or the UK.

Understanding Spain’s specific rules matters if you’re eyeing Spanish citizenship through ancestry, marriage, residency, or Sephardic Jewish heritage pathways. The benefits – EU citizenship, visa-free access to 194 destinations, and the right to live anywhere in Europe – are substantial enough that many find workarounds worth exploring.

This guide breaks down Spain’s dual citizenship rules, which nationalities get special treatment, practical realities versus legal requirements, and what this means for your Spanish citizenship strategy.

Table Of Contents:

• Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship?
  • Who Can Keep Their Original Citizenship?
    • Ibero-American Countries
    • Other Privileged Countries
• What About the United States, UK, and Canada?
  • The Reality of Renouncing Citizenship
• How Can I Get Spanish Citizenship?
  • Citizenship by Residency
  • Citizenship by Option
  • Citizenship for Sephardic Jews
• Does a Spanish Golden Visa Lead to Dual Citizenship?
• The Benefits of Becoming a Spanish Citizen
• Conclusion

Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship?

Spain’s general rule on dual citizenship is quite strict. In most situations, you must renounce your previous nationality to become a Spanish citizen. This requires you to make a formal declaration that you are giving up your other passport.

This requirement is written into the Spanish Civil Code, making it a serious part of the naturalization process. You will be asked to make this declaration before a Spanish official. It is a formal step and a significant commitment.

However, there are many important exceptions to this rule. This is where you may find a path to holding both a Spanish passport and your original one. Many people successfully obtain Spanish citizenship without losing their first one.

Who Can Keep Their Original Citizenship?

Spain has special agreements based on historical ties with certain countries. Due to these relationships, citizens from these specific nations do not have to give up their original nationality. This is a massive advantage if you come from one of these places.

The list of countries with this privilege is based on historical, cultural, and linguistic connections. Spain acknowledges a special bond with these nations, which is fantastic news for many applicants. This policy often raises questions about why some countries are included and others are not, with the answer rooted in diplomacy and history.

Ibero-American Countries

If you are a citizen of an Ibero-American country, you are in a fortunate position. Spain has a very favorable policy for individuals from its former colonies in Latin America. This is a result of deep historical roots and a shared Spanish language.

This group includes most of Central and South America, along with a few others. The Spanish government views citizens from these American countries as having a special link to Spain. This shared heritage simplifies the entire nationality process.

Here is a list of the Ibero-American countries whose citizens can retain dual citizenship:

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

Other Privileged Countries

Beyond the Ibero-American nations, Spain offers this dual citizenship benefit to a few other select countries. These agreements are also founded on important historical connections. While the list is short, it is significant.

These countries include:

• Andorra
• The Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• Portugal

Citizens from these nations can also become Spanish nationals without renouncing their original nationality. The connection with the Philippines, for example, stems from centuries of Spanish history on the islands. Likewise, Portugal’s proximity and shared history create a special relationship.

What About the United States, UK, and Canada?

What happens if your original nationality is not from one of the listed countries?

This is a frequent question from Americans, Brits, and Canadians who wish to live in Spain. For these individuals, the path is more complicated.

Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada. This means if you are a citizen of one of these countries, the general rule applies. You are technically required to renounce your original citizenship.

This might sound definite, but there is a distinction between the law on paper and how it works in practice. This gray area has been used by many people to their advantage.

The Reality of Renouncing Citizenship

When you swear allegiance to Spain and renounce your previous nationality, Spain generally considers the matter settled. They accept your declaration at face value. Spanish authorities do not typically contact your home country’s government to verify you completed the process.

Most countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, have their own formal and often costly legal processes for renunciation. Many people going through the Spanish citizenship process simply do not complete this separate procedure in their home country. They make the declaration in Spain and leave it at that.

As a result, you could be in a situation where Spain sees you as having only Spanish citizenship, while your home country still considers you a citizen. You would effectively hold two passports, creating a de facto dual citizenship status. This is a very common scenario for many expatriates who become Spanish.

This approach does have some risks that you should understand. While Spain rarely checks, there is always a possibility that it might. If this discrepancy were discovered, there could be consequences, though this is uncommon.

To manage this, it is wise to use your Spanish passport when entering or leaving Spain and the EU. For travel elsewhere, use your other valid passport. It is about being aware and using the correct document for the correct authorities to avoid issues.

Thousands of dual citizens live this way without any problems. However, you should speak with an immigration lawyer to fully grasp the personal risks involved. A consultation with a leading firm can provide clarity and peace of mind.

How Can I Get Spanish Citizenship?

Despite the dual citizenship rules, becoming a Spanish citizen is a wonderful goal with many benefits. Spain provides several pathways to obtaining Spanish citizenship. Each route has its own eligibility criteria and timelines.

Understanding these different options is the first step in planning your journey. Let’s examine the most common ways to achieve Spanish nationality.

Citizenship by Residency

This is the most popular route for foreigners. You can submit your citizenship application after you have lived legally in Spain for a specific number of years with a residence permit. The standard period is 10 years of continuous residency.

However, this timeline is reduced for certain individuals based on their connections to Spain. The residency authorization card is proof of your legal status during this time. Meeting the shorter requirement can significantly speed up your citizenship process.

You will also need to demonstrate good civic conduct, which means having a clean criminal record. A criminal background check from your home country and Spain will be part of the required documents. This check must show you have not committed any serious offenses.

Additionally, you must prove your integration into Spanish society. This is done by passing two tests: a Spanish language test (DELE A2 level) and a cultural exam (CCSE). These exams show you have made an effort to understand the country, its culture, and its language.

Citizenship by Option

This path is available for people who have a special link to Spain, often through family. It gives certain individuals the “option” to become Spanish citizens more easily. This is not a choice available to everyone.

You can apply for citizenship by option if:

• Your parent was a Spanish parent or was born in Spain.
• You were adopted by a Spanish national after reaching the age of 18.
• Your filiation (the determination of your parentage) or birth in Spain was established after you turned 18.
• You are or have been under the guardianship of a Spanish citizen or institution for at least two consecutive years.

This route recognizes and honors strong family ties, simplifying the process for those with a direct bloodline or legal link. Family reunification can also be connected to this pathway. If you believe you qualify, collecting documents like your birth certificate and your parents’ certificates is the first step.

Citizenship for Sephardic Jews

Spain passed a law offering a path to citizenship for the descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in 1492. This measure serves as a form of historical reparation. The initial application period for this specific law closed in 2019.

However, as of 2024, it is still possible for individuals with Sephardic heritage to apply for Spanish nationality. The process is now more complex and typically falls under other legal frameworks. An immigration lawyer with experience assisting Sephardic applicants can explain how current laws might apply to your ancestry.

Proving your heritage often involves obtaining a certificate from the Federation of Jewish Communities in Spain. You may also need to demonstrate a special connection to Spain, such as knowledge of the Spanish language or culture. This can be a complex nationality process, but it remains a viable option for many.

Does a Spanish Golden Visa Lead to Dual Citizenship?

Spain officially ended its Golden Visa program on April 3, 2025, eliminating the real estate investment pathway that previously allowed non-EU citizens to obtain residency by purchasing property worth €500,000 or more.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated the program was turning housing from a fundamental right into speculative trade, contributing to soaring property prices in major cities.

This change significantly impacts those who were considering the Golden Visa as a pathway to eventual Spanish citizenship. Applications submitted before the April 3 deadline will still be processed, and existing Golden Visa holders can maintain and renew their visas under the original rules.

The Benefits of Becoming a Spanish Citizen

Obtaining a Spanish passport offers numerous advantages that extend beyond just living in Spain.

As a Spanish citizen, you automatically become a citizen of the European Union. This grants you the right to free movement, allowing you to live, work, and study in any EU member state without needing a work visa. You also gain access to one of the world’s best healthcare systems and can benefit from social security programs.

For families, Spanish nationality provides access to public schools and higher education at subsidized EU rates.

Additionally, you will have the right to vote in Spanish and European elections, giving you a voice in the region’s future.

These social benefits and political rights are significant. Holding a Spanish passport can improve your quality of life and open up a world of opportunities. The citizenship fee and processing times are small hurdles compared to the long-term rewards.

Conclusion

So, does Spain allow dual citizenship?

Yes, it does, but the rules depend heavily on your country of origin. For citizens from Ibero-American countries, Portugal, the Philippines, Andorra, and Equatorial Guinea, the answer is a clear yes, and they can retain dual citizenship.

For everyone else, including citizens from the U.S., UK, and Canada, the situation is more complex. The law requires you to renounce your original nationality, even if this is not always strictly enforced in practice. The decision to retain dual nationality this way involves weighing personal circumstances and potential risks.

You need to understand your own country’s laws on the matter and consider speaking with experienced immigration lawyers.