Acquiring Spanish citizenship by option is a legal route that allows certain individuals, especially the children of Spanish citizens, to acquire Spanish citizenship. This process is particularly relevant to those with a direct family connection to Spanish citizens who wish to formalise their status in Spain, whether through birth or family ties.

What is Spanish citizenship by option?

Spanish citizenship by option is a right granted by Spanish law to certain people, allowing them to acquire citizenship voluntarily. This legal mechanism makes it easier for people with a special connection to Spain, such as the children of Spanish citizens, to take this important step.

This process allows beneficiaries to enjoy the rights and fulfil the obligations that come with being a Spanish citizen, including the possibility of living, working and studying in Spain and any country in the European Union. It is also a way to strengthen cultural and family ties with the country.

Who is entitled to Spanish citizenship by option?

The right to apply for citizenship by option for the children of Spanish citizens is primarily reserved for minors and young people up to the age of 20 years, provided that one of their parents was a Spanish citizen born in Spain. It also applies in certain cases where the applicant has clear family ties to Spain, even if they have reached the age of majority.

In some cases, adults may be eligible if they have been under the parental authority of a Spanish citizen, or if they declare their wish to become Spanish citizens after the age of 18 and before the age of 20. People adopted by Spanish citizens are also entitled to citizenship by option.

Where can you complete the procedures for citizenship by option?

You can complete the procedures to acquire Spanish citizenship by option at the Civil Registry responsible for the applicant’s place of residence in Spain. If you live abroad, you must apply at the Spanish Consulate with jurisdiction over your area.

It is important to note that each office may have its own requirements for submitting documents and following the procedure, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements for your case in advance.

Documents required to apply for citizenship by option

To apply for citizenship by option, you must submit a set of documents proving the applicant’s identity and their relationship to the Spanish citizen. The required documents include:

• The applicant’s full birth certificate.
• A document proving the identity and nationality of the applicant and, if necessary, of their parents or legal representatives.
• The Spanish parent’s birth certificate.
• Declaration of the option to acquire Spanish citizenship (for those over 14 years of age).
• Proof of legal residence in Spain, if applicable.

Make sure that all documents are valid and up to date to avoid delays or problems with the process.

What is the procedure for acquiring citizenship by option?

The procedure for acquiring Spanish citizenship by option begins with submitting the application and the relevant documents to the Civil Registry or Consulate. The competent authority then reviews the documents and may request further information or documents if it considers this necessary.

Once the application has been accepted, the citizenship is registered in the Civil Registry. From that point on, the applicant becomes a Spanish citizen with full rights. The process usually concludes with an oath or pledge of allegiance to the King and obedience to the Constitution and the laws.

Deadlines for applying for Spanish citizenship by option

The deadlines for applying for Spanish citizenship by option vary depending on the applicant’s age and circumstances. Minors may exercise the option at any time before turning 18 or during the year following their 18th birthday. Those over 18, in turn, have two years to opt for citizenship if they were under the parental authority of a Spanish citizen.

It is vital to meet these deadlines so you do not lose the opportunity to obtain citizenship through this route. Once they have passed, the process becomes more complicated and may require other procedures.

Benefits of Spanish citizenship by option

Applying for Spanish citizenship by option offers applicants many benefits, including access to the Spanish and European labour markets, the ability to travel without restrictions within the Schengen Area, and the right to vote and stand for election in municipal and European elections.

It also grants rights such as access to public healthcare, education and social protection, which help people fully integrate into Spanish society and the European Union.

To explain the process in more detail, here is an explanatory video:

Frequently asked questions about Spanish citizenship by option

How can you obtain Spanish citizenship through a Spanish child?

To obtain Spanish citizenship through a Spanish child, the child must have been born in Spain and one of the parents must be Spanish. If the child is a minor, the parents can apply for citizenship on their behalf by submitting the required documents to the Civil Registry or Consulate.

If the child is an adult, they must apply themselves, meeting the requirements established by law and doing so within the deadlines specified for this procedure.

Who can apply for citizenship by option?

Citizenship by option may be applied for by people who have a direct family connection to a Spanish citizen, such as minor children and young people up to the age of 20. It may also be applied for by those who were under the parental authority of a Spanish citizen or were adopted by Spanish citizens.

How long does citizenship by option take for a child?

How long the citizenship-by-option process for a child takes can vary depending on the circumstances of each case and the workload of the relevant Civil Registry or Consulate. The process is generally estimated to take several months from the submission of the application to the final decision.

Which children are entitled to Spanish citizenship?

Every child born in Spain to Spanish parents, and every child born abroad with at least one Spanish parent who was born in Spain, is entitled to Spanish citizenship. This right also extends to minors adopted by Spanish citizens and those who were under the parental authority of a Spanish citizen.

This article provides an overview of the process for obtaining Spanish citizenship by option for the children of Spanish citizens. For more information and personalised advice, contact a specialist or the nearest Civil Registry or Consulate.