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Spanish citizenship by descent (children of Spanish citizens)

Spanish law provides for several circumstances in which a child may acquire Spanish citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis), as well as through the simplified procedure of ‘por opción’ (by choice), if their parents have become Spanish citizens.
Assess the chances
  • Personal manager
    Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
  • Preparation of documents
    We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
  • Case audit
    If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Personal manager
Your personal manager will accompany you every step of the way, monitoring all stages and resolving any issues that arise.
Preparation of documents
We take care of the entire document preparation process, including checking them to eliminate errors and delays.
Case audit
If your situation is complex, we will conduct a detailed audit and offer customised solutions to increase your chances of success.
Who is it suitable for?
Non-EU foreign nationals who:
Children born in Spain, provided that at least one of their parents is a Spanish citizen.
Children adopted by a Spanish citizen.
Children born abroad, provided that their father or mother is Spanish (conditions depend on the registration of the birth).
Children whose parents became Spanish citizens after their birth (right of option).
Key legislation
    • Civil Code (Articles 17, 18, 20).
Requirements
Citizenship is granted for life.
Birth/Adoption: Documents proving kinship or adoption.
Parents’ nationality: Documents confirming the parents’ nationality (birth certificates, identity cards).
Registration: Registration of a birth with the Spanish Civil Registry (Registro Civil).
Required documents
Main list
Child's birth certificate.
A declaration filed with the Civil Registry.

Application procedure

Submit an application to the Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería) 60 days before or within 90 days after the expiry of your current residence permit.
  • Gathering documents:

    Collection and legalisation (where necessary) of all documents, including the child’s and parents’ birth certificates.
  • Proof of citizenship:

    Proof of Spanish nationality of one or both parents (possession of a DNI or registration in the Consular Register).
  • Submission of an application (by right):

    Submission of an application to the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in the child’s place of residence, provided that at least one of the parents was Spanish at the time of the child’s birth.
  • Submission of an application (by choice):

    A declaration by the parents (or by the child themselves if aged 14 or over) regarding the choice of Spanish nationality, if the parents acquired Spanish nationality after the child’s birth.
  • Registration:

    Registration of a child’s birth and nationality with the Spanish Civil Registry (Registro Civil).
  • Obtaining documents:

    Applying for a child’s first Spanish passport and DNI.
Citizenship by descent: Recognition of affiliation.
Obtaining citizenship by descent or by choice (opción) is the most straightforward and quickest route to legal status for children of Spanish citizens, requiring no exams or a long period of residence.
What does the service include?
Suitable for most applicants. We provide full support throughout the entire process and see your application through to the granting of a residence permit.
  • Case assessment: Checking documents for compliance with Spanish immigration regulations.
  • Preparing the application: Compiling a complete set of documents for the consulate or immigration authorities.
  • Health insurance: Finding a competitive policy and taking out insurance with a Spanish company.
  • Medical certificate: Arranging for the issue of a standard-format medical certificate.
  • Certified translation: Official translation (2 pages included in the price).
  • Technical translation: Preparation of translations (3 pages included in the price).
  • Application process: Booking an appointment at the Consulate and obtaining access codes.
  • Completing forms: Preparing all forms, applications and receipts for the payment of fees.
  • Submission by a solicitor: Electronic submission of documents via the solicitor’s official portal.
  • since €2300
    On behalf of the main applicant.
    No hidden fees.
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  • Payment procedure
    First, we sign a contract.
    50%
    before the provision of services begins;
    50%
    on the day the documents are submitted
Not included and charged separately:
  • State fees and charges: Payable in the country where the application is submitted (medical certificates, certificates of good conduct).
  • Personal expenses: Private health insurance, tuition fees or the cost of drawing up a business plan (depending on the type of residence permit).
  • Important: All government fees within Spain are already included in the service fee.