Acquiring Spanish citizenship raises many questions, especially about your original citizenship. If you are wondering “If I acquire Spanish citizenship by residence, will I lose my original citizenship?”, you need to understand the implications and requirements of this change.

This article covers the key points about Spanish citizenship and whether you can keep or lose your original citizenship when acquiring Spanish citizenship. Below, we explore the different situations that may arise.

What happens to my original citizenship if I acquire Spanish citizenship by residence?

When a foreign national applies for Spanish citizenship by residence, they do not necessarily lose their original citizenship. Current regulations allow many countries to have dual citizenship agreements with Spain, which means you may be able to keep your original citizenship.

It is important to note that if your country of origin does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Spain, you may be required to renounce your previous citizenship.

• Citizens of Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and France can retain their original citizenship.
• The declaration of intent to retain citizenship must be made before the Civil Registry.

So, if I acquire Spanish citizenship by residence, will I lose my original citizenship? The answer depends on the agreements in place between Spain and your country of origin.

How does the loss of Spanish citizenship by origin work?

The loss of Spanish citizenship by origin is governed by the Spanish Civil Code. Under Article 11 of the Constitution, a Spanish citizen by origin can lose their citizenship only in certain circumstances.

Specific circumstances can lead to the loss of citizenship, such as:

1. Express renunciation of Spanish citizenship.
2. Voluntary acquisition of another citizenship without a dual citizenship agreement.

In addition, for a Spanish citizen by origin to lose their citizenship, they must have an explicit intention to do so. This means citizenship cannot be lost automatically without the individual’s consent.

Can I keep Spanish citizenship when acquiring another citizenship?

Dual citizenship allows citizens to retain their original citizenship when acquiring Spanish citizenship. However, this possibility varies depending on the country of origin.

If your country has a dual citizenship agreement with Spain, you can retain both citizenships. If there is no such agreement, you will have to renounce your original citizenship.

• Countries with dual citizenship agreements allow people to retain both citizenships.
• Countries without such agreements require people to renounce their previous citizenship.

Therefore, it is essential to find out about bilateral agreements before starting the process of acquiring Spanish citizenship.

What should I do to avoid losing Spanish citizenship?

To avoid losing your citizenship, it is crucial to follow the proper procedure and meet the requirements set by the Civil Registry. The key is to declare your intention to retain Spanish citizenship at the right time.

• Make the declaration before the Civil Registry when acquiring another nationality.
• Find out about existing dual-citizenship agreements.

You should also seek advice from a lawyer specialising in citizenship, as each case may have specific circumstances that require individual attention.

What happens if I do not declare my intention to retain Spanish citizenship?

If you do not declare your intention to retain Spanish citizenship when acquiring another nationality, you could face automatic loss of Spanish citizenship. This is a critical point to bear in mind, as many people may not be aware of this requirement.

Failure to make the declaration may lead to your being considered to have renounced your Spanish citizenship, which would mean losing all the rights associated with it.

When acquiring another nationality, it is essential to make the relevant declaration to avoid complications in the future.

In what cases can Spanish citizenship be lost?

Spanish citizenship can be lost in very specific circumstances. Under the Civil Code, some of the circumstances that may lead to its loss are:

1. Voluntary renunciation of Spanish citizenship.
2. Acquiring another nationality from a country that does not have a dual-citizenship agreement with Spain.
3. Conduct contrary to the interests of the Spanish State.

In general, losing citizenship is not a straightforward process and requires clear conditions to be met. This safeguards citizens’ right to retain their Spanish citizenship.

What options do I have if I have lost Spanish citizenship?

If you have lost Spanish citizenship, there are options available to regain it. One of the most common routes is to apply for Spanish nationality by option, which may be available in certain cases.

• Apply for Spanish nationality by option if you meet the established requirements.
• Contact the Civil Registry for information about the possibility of regaining citizenship.

It is also advisable to seek legal advice to understand all the options and the implications of each one. This process can be complex, so appropriate guidance is vital.

Related questions about Spanish citizenship

How is Spanish citizenship by origin acquired?

Spanish citizenship by origin is acquired automatically if one of your parents is Spanish. In other cases, such as people born in Spain to foreign parents, certain residence and nationality requirements may be met.

How long can I stay outside Spain without losing my citizenship?

There is no specific time limit. However, if a Spanish citizen by origin lives abroad and acquires a new nationality, they should consider the agreements between Spain and their country of residence to avoid losing Spanish citizenship.

How many nationalities can you hold alongside Spanish citizenship?

In theory, there is no limit to the number of nationalities you can hold. However, this depends on the laws of your country of origin and any dual-citizenship agreements with Spain.

When can a Spanish citizen by origin be deprived of their citizenship?

A Spanish citizen by origin can be deprived of their citizenship if they explicitly renounce it or voluntarily acquire the nationality of a country that does not have a dual-citizenship agreement with Spain.