Quick answer: in 2026, you cannot submit a new application under the special procedure established by Law 12/2015. The Ministry of Justice confirmed that the deadline ended on 1 October 2019 and that it will not be reopened. If you can prove that you are Sephardic, the Civil Code still allows you to apply for Spanish citizenship by residence after two years of legal, continuous residence immediately before applying.
Law 12/2015: deadline has passed
The special procedure for Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin stopped accepting new applications on 1 October 2019.
2 years of residence
Article 22 of the Civil Code provides for a reduced two-year residence period for Sephardic Jews applying for Spanish citizenship by residence.
No renunciation required on the basis of Sephardic origin
Article 23 of the Civil Code exempts Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin from declaring that they renounce their previous nationality.
Can you still apply for Spanish citizenship under Law 12/2015?
Not through a new application. Law 12/2015 established a specific procedure for granting citizenship by naturalisation to Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin who could prove their Sephardic status and a special connection with Spain. The deadline was extended and ended on 1 October 2019.
The Ministry of Justice also expressly clarified that the deadline cannot be reopened and that no equivalent new procedure has been established. Therefore, any information stating that this route is currently open is out of date.
What happens if you submitted your application before the deadline?
If the application was submitted within the legal deadline, the fact that it ended in 2019 does not mean the application file disappears. Applications validly submitted remain subject to processing, verification of requirements and a decision.
In that case, you should review the communications from the Ministry of Justice and any requests to provide missing or corrected documents relating to your specific application.
Spanish citizenship by residence for Sephardic Jews: the 2-year period remains in force
The end of the extraordinary procedure in 2015 did not eliminate the ordinary route to Spanish citizenship by residence. Article 22.1 of the Civil Code maintains a reduced period of two years for Sephardic Jews.
Simply living physically in Spain is not enough: the period must count as legal residence.
Absences and possible interruptions should be reviewed before submitting the application.
The required two years must be completed immediately before applying.
This must be proven to qualify for the shorter period provided for in the Civil Code.
In addition to meeting the residence period, you must satisfy the other requirements for citizenship by residence, such as good civic conduct, an adequate level of integration and the documentation applicable to your case.
How can Sephardic status be proven?
To benefit from the reduced two-year period, you must prove your Sephardic status. The Instruction of 16 May 1983 states that this may be proven by appropriate means demonstrating membership of the Sephardic cultural community.
Important: the detailed list of certificates, surnames, Ladino, ketubah and other elements included in Law 12/2015 applied to the special procedure, which has now closed. It should not be presented as a single, automatic list for a current residence-based application; the evidence must be prepared for the procedure you actually intend to use.
Do you have to renounce your previous nationality?
Article 23.b of the Civil Code expressly provides an exception for Sephardic Jews originating from Spain: they are not required to declare that they renounce their previous nationality, as is generally required for the acquisition of Spanish citizenship to be valid.
What to do depending on your situation
Check your application status and any communications or requests issued in your case.
You can no longer open a new case under Law 12/2015. Consider whether you meet the requirements for the two-year residence route or another route to Spanish citizenship.
Depending on your ancestry and personal circumstances, a route other than Sephardic status may be available. You should review your specific situation before choosing a procedure.
Frequently asked questions about Spanish citizenship and Sephardic heritage
Recommended official sources
Continue with the guide relevant to your case
If you are applying for Spanish citizenship through a current route, first check the requirements, documents and deadlines to avoid starting the wrong procedure.