🇪🇸 Spanish citizenship · By birth
Spanish citizenship by birth
A Spanish passport for the child and a route to citizenship for the parents. Spain applies the right of blood, not the right of soil: here is when a child becomes Spanish automatically.
Spain is a country with a rich history, a varied culture and striking natural landscapes. It is part of the European Union and offers a high standard of living, developed infrastructure and a stable economy.
Legal basis
Spain applies the principle of the right of blood rather than the right of soil: being born in the country does not in itself grant citizenship unless certain conditions are met.
When a child becomes a Spanish citizen straight away
- If one or both parents are Spanish citizens, wherever the child is born.
- If the parents are stateless, or their country of origin does not grant citizenship to children born abroad.
All other newborns can become Spanish citizens after one year of lawful residence in the country under the simplified naturalization program. This is how children can get citizenship when their parents live in Spain on a digital nomad visa, a Golden Visa or a work visa.
The exact conditions depend on the parents' status. On a free consultation we go through your situation and tell you which route fits.
Advantages of a Spanish passport
Freedom of travel
A Spanish passport lets you travel visa-free to 192 countries, including the United States (with an electronic authorization), the United Kingdom, the EU countries and Latin America.
Access to quality healthcare
One of the best healthcare systems in Europe. With the European Health Insurance Card, Spanish citizens are treated across the European Union free of charge or at a reduced price.
An EU passport
Spain is a member of the European Union, and the passport gives you the right to move, work and study freely across the Union with no extra permits.
Top-class education
Spanish citizens have the right to quality education in every EU country.
How to get Spanish citizenship by birth: step by step
Giving birth in Spain
The parents have to be in the country legally.
Registering the child
Within 10 days of the birth you have to register the child at the Spanish register office or at the Civil Registry Office.
Residence permit and citizenship for the child
If the child does not get citizenship automatically, a residence permit is arranged. After a year of living in Spain you can apply for citizenship.
Residence permit and permanent residence for the parents
The parents can apply for temporary residence right after the birth of the child, under the family reunification program. After 5 years in the country with a residence permit they apply for permanent residence.
Citizenship for the parents
After 5 years in the country with permanent residence, the parents can apply for citizenship.
FAQ
When does a child born in Spain become a citizen of the country?
How long do parents have to live in Spain to get citizenship?
Can a child born in Spain get citizenship if the parents are illegal migrants?
How much does giving birth in Spain cost?
Does Spain recognize dual citizenship?
192 countries visa-free with a Spanish passport
Europe
Africa
The Americas
Oceania
Asia
Don’t want to figure this out alone?
We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Leave your details and a migration expert will get back to you. The first consultation is free.