What is Spanish nationality?
It is being a Spanish citizen, with the same rights as any Spaniard (for example, voting or having a Spanish passport).
There are several ways to get it. We will explain which one is yours. How long it takes depends a lot on each case.
How do you get it?
1. By residence: after living in Spain with a permit (normally 10 years; sometimes less). See the page.
2. By letter of naturalization: granted by the Government in exceptional cases.
3. By origin: you are Spanish by origin if:
Your **father or mother** are Spanish.
You were born in Spain to foreign parents and **one of them was also born in Spain**.
4. By possession of status: if you have used Spanish nationality for 10 years, in good faith, with a title registered in the Civil Registry.
5. By option: these people may choose it:
Whoever is or has been under the **parental authority of a Spaniard**.
Whoever has a **Spanish father or mother by origin, born in Spain**.
When it is granted to you
You have 3 steps left:
- Swear or promise loyalty to the King and to respect the Constitution and the laws.
- Renounce your previous nationality (not required if you are from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or of Sephardic origin).
- Register with the Civil Registry.
