What Documents Do I Need for Spanish Citizenship By Descent?
LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR DUAL CITIZENSHIP WITH SPAIN
It’s no secret why people want to become citizens of Spain. Spain is gorgeous, the climate is wonderful, the people are friendly, and the culture is fascinating. While Spain is known for its relaxed way of life, becoming a Spanish citizen requires a significant amount of preparation and attention to documentation.
SDC works through this step with clients worldwide to assist them in becoming Spanish citizens and documentation is one of the most critical aspects of the Spanish citizenship application being successful.
Once you know your path for how to get to Spanish citizenship, it’s time to get the paperwork in order. So we built this article for you to understand the documents needed for Spanish citizenship along with insights to streamline your Spanish citizenship application.
If at any time you feel a bit overwhelmed, we also offer a free consultation to anyone seeking to become Spanish.
What Documents Do I Need for Spanish Citizenship by Descent?
Spanish citizenship by descent is the single best bet if you have a Spanish parent or grandparent. It’s also rather straightforward with documentation. Unfortunately, some people are lacking the critical documents to prove their ancestry—in which case our genealogical experts can help.
Required Documents:
- Birth Certificate:
- Your birth certificate, issued within the last three months, apostilled, and translated into Spanish by an approved translator.
- Parent or Grandparent’s Birth Certificate:
- If applying through a parent, their birth certificate must show their Spanish citizenship.
- If applying through a grandparent, provide their birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of Lineage:
- Documents showing the direct connection between you and the qualifying ancestor (e.g., your parent’s birth certificate connecting to your grandparent).
- National ID or Passport:
- A valid form of ID to confirm your identity.
- Proof of Ties to Spain:
- Utility bills, property ownership, or other evidence that demonstrates a connection to the country.
- Completed Application Form:
- Accurately filled out and signed.
Everything you submit will need to be apostilled and translated if not originally in Spanish. That’s likely going to add some processing time and add to your budget, so keep this in mind! It’s easy to lose track of this.
Learn everything there is to know about citizenship by descent in Spain at our complete guide.
Documents Needed for Spain Citizenship via Naturalization
Because it is the citizenship option open nearly anyone, naturalization is a very common pathway—it requires spending years in the country in continuous residency. The documents for this path mostly focus on proving that residency while also checking to confirm if you’ve assimilated into Spanish culture.
Required Documents:
- Proof of Legal Residency:
- Residency card or certificate showing continuous legal residency for the required duration (e.g., 10 years for standard applicants).
- Valid Passport:
- Must have at least six months of validity at the time of application.
- Criminal Record Certificate:
- Obtain this from your current country of residence and Spain to prove a clean criminal history.
- Empadronamiento Certificate:
- Proof of registration at your local municipality.
- DELE Language Certificate:
- Results proving you passed the A2-level Spanish language exam, unless exempt (e.g., nationals from Spanish-speaking countries).
- CCSE Cultural Knowledge Certificate:
- Confirmation of passing Spain’s cultural and constitutional knowledge test.
- Financial Stability Proof:
- Bank statements or employment contracts showing sufficient resources to support yourself and dependents.
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable):
- Required if claiming reduced residency time through marriage.
- Completed Application Form:
- Submitted at the Civil Registry Office nearest your residence.
In addition, naturalization applicants must swear an oath of allegiance to Spain, renouncing prior citizenship unless exempt under Spanish law. That means no dual citizenship—so you’ll want to have your affairs in order to take this step when it comes.
Documents Required for Spanish Dual Citizenship via Golden Visa
The Golden Visa program is ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking expedited residency and, eventually, citizenship. This investment-centric pathway still proves very popular even though it requires the most meticulous documentation of all the routes to obtain Spanish citizenship.
Required Documents:
- Proof of Investment:
- Documentation of qualifying investments, such as real estate purchase agreements (€500,000 minimum), bank statements for deposits, or business funding proof.
- Proof of Residence
- Valid Passport:
- Must include two blank pages and remain valid for at least six months.
- Passport-Sized Photos with White Background
- Criminal Record Certificate:
- Clearances from your home country and Spain are mandatory.
- Health Insurance:
- Proof of private medical insurance covering you and your dependents in Spain.
- Proof of Financial Resources:
- Bank letters confirming funds sufficient to cover living expenses (€2,400/month for singles plus €600 per dependent).
- Health Certificate:
- Confirmation from a medical professional stating you’re free of infectious diseases.
- Marriage and Birth Certificates (if applicable):
- Required for accompanying family members.
- NIE (Foreigner Identification Number):
- Issued by Spanish authorities as part of the process.
- Completed Application Form:
- Must be submitted in person or via legal representation.
If you are submitting through the Spanish Golden Visa, you’ll want to get everything done as soon as possible due to potential laws becoming more strict. Luckily, if you obtain it prior, you will be grandfathered in. However, that requires you to complete the application.
You can find everything you need to know about the Spanish Golden Visa here.
Documents Needed for Spain Citizenship by Marriage
Citizenship by marriage allows spouses of Spanish citizens to apply after one year of legal residency in Spain. Don’t be worried if that seems like a long time—you can easily get legal residency once married, so you’ll be able to live together easily.
Required Documents:
- Marriage Certificate:
- Officially recognized by Spanish authorities. If married abroad, provide an apostilled and translated copy.
- Proof of Cohabitation:
- Evidence such as joint lease agreements, utility bills, or shared bank accounts.
- Spouse’s Spanish Citizenship:
- National ID card (DNI) or Spanish passport.
- Valid Passport:
- Your passport, meeting the same requirements as other pathways.
- Birth Certificates for Both Spouses
- Residency Certificate:
- Proof of legal residency in Spain for at least one year.
- Criminal Record Certificate:
- Required for both your home country and Spain.
- DELE and CCSE Test Results:
- Unless exempt, passing these exams demonstrates language and cultural knowledge. Your DELE results need to place you at the A2 level or higher, which is a very basic grasp of Spanish.
- Completed Application Form:
- Must be accurate and submitted with all supporting documents, with all fees paid and receipts included.
Applications require an in-person interview, where biometric data is collected. Be prepared for thorough questioning about your marital relationship, too.
Check out our full guide on Spanish citizenship by Marriage here.
General Tips for Compiling Your Application
- Apostille and Translation:
- Non-Spanish documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by certified translators.
- Organize Early:
- Start gathering documents well in advance, as obtaining some certifications can take weeks. We’ve found that clients who take the time to do everything in advance have a massive leg up and run into fewer snags along the way.
- Verify with Authorities:
- Always confirm specific requirements with the Spanish Embassy or Consulate, as they may vary based on your circumstances. You can also hire our expert team to do this work for you with several Spanish Dual Citizenship services to choose from.
Getting the Documents Required: Your First Step
No matter the pathway you choose, obtaining Spanish citizenship requires careful attention to detail and proper documentation. By understanding and preparing the documents needed for Spain citizenship, you’ll significantly increase your chances of success.
For those pursuing dual citizenship, remember that Spain’s requirements vary depending on your origin country and chosen pathway. If you’re wondering, “What documents do I need for Spanish citizenship by descent?” or seeking guidance on naturalization, marriage, or the Golden Visa, consult experts or local authorities to navigate the process smoothly.
That all starts with a free consultation call with SDC.
This page was last updated by Marco Permunian
