How to apply for Spain citizenship
A step-by-step guide to claiming Spain citizenship by descent through Registro Civil / Consulate. Your exact documents and route are confirmed by the free eligibility check.
- 1
Confirm which article applies
Establish whether you're Spanish by origin (Art. 17, parent a citizen at your birth) or eligible to opt (Art. 20.1.b, parent originally Spanish and born in Spain) — the free check helps.
- 2
Gather the civil records
Collect long-form birth certificates for you and your Spanish parent, the marriage records linking the names, and proof of the parent's Spanish nationality.
- 3
Translate and legalize
Provide sworn (traducción jurada) Spanish translations and apostille/legalize foreign documents as your consulate directs.
- 4
Book your consulate appointment
Descent registration is handled at your Spanish consulate or the Registro Civil Central in Madrid; appointment demand can be high.
- 5
File the registration or option
Submit the inscription of birth (Art. 17) or the declaration of option (Art. 20.1.b) in person with originals and copies.
- 6
Track and collect
Processing generally runs ~12–18 months; once registered you can request your Spanish passport and DNI.
See if you qualify for Spain citizenship
Check your eligibility — freeNot affiliated with Registro Civil / Consulate or any government. A document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.