Spain offers a unique, expedited pathway to Spanish citizenship for individuals from Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, and Portugal. This special two-year pathway differs significantly from the standard ten-year residency requirement for most nationalities. In this blog post, we unpack the details, eligibility requirements, and key steps to benefit from this pathway, as shared in our insightful interview.
Why Does Spain Offer a Two-Year Pathway?
Spain provides a fast-track citizenship process for nationals of countries with historical or cultural ties to Spain, such as Ibero-American nations, the Philippines, and Portugal. This initiative aims to foster stronger cultural connections by attracting individuals who share common values, language, or heritage with Spain.
Notably, while most Ibero-American countries share the Spanish language, exceptions like Portugal, Brazil or Philippines also qualify, requiring applicants to take a Spanish proficiency test to meet the criteria.
Key Benefits of Dual Nationality
If you’re a a citizen, or dual citizen of an Ibero-American country and another nation, this pathway offers significant advantages. Instead of residing in Spain for ten years to qualify for citizenship, you only need two years of legal residency.
Preparing for the Two-Year Pathway
Before moving to Spain, specific documents, such as a birth certificate from your Ibero-American country and updated criminal records, will be required when applying for Spanish citizenship. Here’s a quick guide:
- Birth Certificate: Ensure it is from your Ibero-American country to benefit from the 2 year fast-track.
- Criminal Records: Must be recent, typically valid for three to six months depending on your country.
Remember, these documents should be prepared shortly before your application to ensure they remain valid.
Who Qualifies for the Two-Year Fast Track?
Ibero-American Nationals by Origin
To qualify, you must hold Ibero-American nationality by origin. This means:
- Born in the Country: If you were born in an Ibero-American country, you qualify.
- Parental Heritage: If your parents are nationals of an eligible country, you must obtain that nationality (birth certificate and passport) to benefit.
Nationality acquired through residency in an Ibero-American country does not qualify for the fast track.
What Visas Count Toward Residency?
Legal residency in Spain is essential for the two-year pathway, but not all visas count. Here’s what qualifies (some examples):
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Golden Visa (only if you convert it into residency in Spain)
Note: A student visa does not count toward the two-year requirement but can transition into a work permit, which does.
Can Dual Citizens Avoid Renouncing Other Nationalities?
Spain requires most applicants to formally renounce their non-Ibero-American nationality, for example U.S. citizenship. However, particulary with the U.S. citizenship, this renunciation is in practive largely symbolic. For instance:
- The U.S. does not recognize Spain’s renunciation declaration.
- Practically, you retain dual citizenship, acting as a Spanish citizen in Spain and as a U.S. citizen in the United States.
Additional Pathways Through Ancestry
If you have Spanish ancestry, additional pathways may be available. For example, the Law of Democratic Memory allows individuals with Spanish parents or grandparents to obtain citizenship without residency. This law is temporary (until october 2025), so act quickly if you qualify!
Conclusion
The two-year fast-track pathway to Spanish citizenship is a golden opportunity for nationals of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, and Portugal. Whether you’re leveraging dual nationality, exploring alternative pathways through ancestry, or transitioning your visa status, the process is manageable with proper guidance.
If you need expert assistance with your Spanish citizenship application, contact us at info@sternaabogados.com.