Can you become a Spanish citizen without giving up your original nationality?
The answer is yes—but not in every case. In this article, we explain which countries allow dual citizenship with Spain, the legal requirements, and how to apply step-by-step.
At Legal Allies, we help hundreds of people obtain Spanish nationality—without endless paperwork or stress.
What is Dual Citizenship?
Dual citizenship means that a person holds the legal nationality of two countries at the same time. In other words, you can be both Spanish and a citizen of another country simultaneously.
Spain doesn’t allow dual citizenship with every country, but it does have special agreements—especially with Latin American countries.
Which Countries Allow Dual Citizenship with Spain?
Currently, Spain allows dual citizenship (without giving up your original nationality) with the following countries:
Countries with a dual citizenship agreement:
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Dominican Republic
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Philippines
- Equatorial Guinea
- Andorra
- Portugal
- France (since 2022)
Note: If your country doesn’t have an agreement with Spain, you’ll be required to formally renounce your original nationality when acquiring Spanish nationality—although in practice, many countries don’t recognize the renunciation and you may still keep it unofficially.
Requirements to Obtain Spanish Citizenship
Requirements vary depending on your country of origin and how long you’ve lived in Spain:
General requirements:
- Legal and continuous residence in Spain
- Good civic conduct (no criminal record)
- Pass the following exams:
- CCSE (constitutional and cultural knowledge)
- DELE A2, if Spanish is not your native language
- Submit required personal and supporting documents
- Pay administrative fees
Minimum residence time required:
- 2 years for citizens of countries with a dual nationality agreement
- 1 year in special cases (e.g., marriage to a Spanish citizen, born in Spain, children or grandchildren of Spanish nationals)
- 10 years for all other nationalities
What Documents Do You Need?
The list varies by individual case, but generally includes:
- Valid NIE and passport
- Certificate of registration (empadronamiento)
- Criminal records from both your home country and Spain
- Residence card (TIE)
- Exam certificates (CCSE and DELE)
- Marriage or birth certificates (if applicable)
- Official translations and legalizations for foreign documents
What if I already have another nationality?
If you’re from a country without a dual citizenship agreement, you’ll need to renounce your original nationality before a Spanish notary. But in many cases, your country won’t officially recognize that renunciation—so you might still keep it in practice.
That’s why it’s essential to check with both embassies or consulates and get legal advice to avoid losing rights or making costly mistakes.
How Can Legal Allies Help?
At Legal Allies, we guide you through the entire dual citizenship process—step by step, and stress-free:
- We check if your country has an agreement with Spain
- Help you gather and translate documents
- Prepare you for the CCSE and DELE exams
- Represent you before the Civil Registry and other Spanish authorities, if needed
Dual citizenship in Spain is legal and possible—if you meet the requirements and come from a country with an agreement. If not, you can still become a Spanish citizen… just with a few more steps.
Do you have any doubts?
At Legal Allies, we help you cross every legal border—with the right papers and without losing your identity.
