Spanish citizenship by option: who is eligible, requirements and deadlines
Spanish citizenship by option is a right that allows certain people with a legal or family connection to Spain to acquire Spanish citizenship. It does not require the years of residence required for citizenship by residence, but it is available only in the cases provided for by law.
It is a right
If the legally defined conditions are met, it does not depend on a discretionary decision, as citizenship by grant does.
No prior years of residence in Spain are required
The option is based on a connection or legal situation provided for by law, not on completing 1, 2, 5 or 10 years of residence.
Not everyone is subject to the same deadline
Some cases are subject to an age limit, others to a two-year deadline, and one particularly important case has no age limit.
What is Spanish citizenship by option?
Option is a way of acquiring Spanish citizenship, available to people who fall within certain cases set out in the Civil Code. It requires an express declaration of intent to acquire citizenship.
Unlike citizenship by residence , it is not based on having been legally resident for a set number of years. And unlike a grant of citizenship by naturalisation , it is not discretionary when the legal conditions are met.
Who is entitled to Spanish citizenship by option?
The law provides for several different cases. It is important to first identify which one applies to the person, as this also determines the age limit and deadline.
People subject to the parental authority of a Spanish citizen
People who are or have been subject to the parental authority of a Spanish citizen are entitled to apply.
Father or mother who was Spanish by origin and born in Spain
This is one of the most important cases, because exercising this right is not subject to an age limit .
Parentage or birth in Spain established after the age of 18
If parentage or birth in Spain is established after the person turns 18, they may be entitled to opt for Spanish citizenship by origin.
Adoption by a Spanish citizen after the age of 18
If a person is adopted by a Spanish citizen as an adult, they may opt for Spanish citizenship by origin within the period established by law.
Age limits and deadlines for exercising the right of option
One of the main sources of misinformation online is the claim that all applications for Spanish citizenship by option must be submitted before the applicant turns 20. This is not true in every case.
Up to the age of 20
In certain cases, the right of option expires when the person turns 20. If, under the person’s national law, they are not emancipated at the age of 18, the deadline may be extended until two years after emancipation.
Father or mother who was Spanish by origin and born in Spain
Article 20.3 of the Civil Code expressly states that this right of option is not subject to any age limit .
Two years from the date it is established
If parentage or birth in Spain is established after the age of 18, the deadline to exercise the right of option is two years from the date it is established.
Two years from the adoption
If the adoption by a Spanish citizen takes place after the age of 18, the right may be exercised during the following two years.
Is the option under the Democratic Memory Law still open?
The eighth additional provision of the Democratic Memory Law created exceptional grounds for certain descendants of Spanish nationals to acquire citizenship by option. The application period ended in October 2025 .
This does not mean that Spanish citizenship by option has disappeared. The ordinary option under Article 20 of the Civil Code remains in force in 2026.
Who submits the declaration of option?
Under 14 years old
Their legal representative makes the declaration. If the legal representatives disagree, the corresponding voluntary jurisdiction proceedings are initiated.
Over 14 years old
The applicant makes the declaration with the assistance of their legal representative.
Emancipated or over 18 years old
They may exercise the option themselves within the time limit applicable to their case.
Person with a disability
They may exercise the right with the support and procedural adjustments they need.
Where is the process carried out, and what documents may be required?
The option is formalised before the competent Civil Registry . The Ministry indicates that this is generally the Civil Registry for the applicant’s or their representative’s place of residence, depending on the case.
The specific documents required depend on the grounds for exercising the option. For example, proving that a Spanish national has parental authority is not the same as proving that a parent was originally Spanish and born in Spain.
Applicant’s identity established using the relevant document.
Full birth certificate of the applicant.
Certification relating to the Spanish parent when the right derives from a father or mother.
Documents relating to parental authority when this is the applicable ground.
Adoption decision or registration when the right derives from an adoption.
Documents relating to representation or support when required.
Requirements for the acquisition to be valid
Article 23 of the Civil Code establishes common requirements for acquiring Spanish citizenship by option, by grant of citizenship by naturalisation, and by residence.
Oath or pledge
Where required based on the person’s age and capacity to make the declaration, they must swear or pledge allegiance to the King and obedience to the Constitution and the laws.
Previous nationality
As a general rule, a declaration of renunciation is required, with exceptions for certain countries and Sephardic Jews originally from Spain.
Registration
The acquisition must be registered with the Spanish Civil Registry.
Option, residence and Spanish nationals by origin: how to tell them apart
A right in specific circumstances
It depends on the family relationship or circumstances set out in Articles 17, 19 and 20 of the Civil Code.
You are reading about this routeBased on years of legal residence
You must meet the applicable residence period and the other legal requirements.
See the guide to citizenship by residence →May apply from birth
In certain cases, the person is already a Spanish national by origin and does not need to use the standard option procedure.
See official information ↗Frequently asked questions about Spanish citizenship by option
Is Spanish citizenship by option still available in 2026?
Do you always have to apply before the age of 20?
Do you have to live in Spain to apply?
Does a child of a Spanish national always have to apply by option?
Can people adopted by Spanish nationals apply by option?
Do you need to take the CCSE or DELE exams?
Official sources
First, check which option category applies to you
Having a connection to a Spanish national does not always lead to the same outcome. Correctly identifying the applicable category determines the deadline, who must submit the declaration and which documents you will need to provide.