If your father or mother was already Spanish when you were born, you are Spanish by origin: you just need to register your birth at the consular Civil Registry.
Routes to consider
Note: if your parent was also born outside Spain and you hold the citizenship of the country where you live, you may have lost Spanish citizenship if you did not declare that you wished to keep it within three years of reaching adulthood. If your parent acquired it after your birth, we look at the right of option or one-year residence. The special window under the Democratic Memory Law ended on 21 October 2025. Spanish citizenship by option
A point to check carefully
Obtain your parent’s Spanish birth certificate: it is the key evidence for registering your birth.
Documents to get started
- Full passport and current authorisation, if any.
- Residence history, civil status certificates and personal documentation.
- Integration or exemption evidence and criminal records, depending on the route.
- Timeline of entries, departures, applications and notifications.
How we proceed
- Assessment: confirm the route and competent authority.
- Preparation: collect and review evidence specific to your case.
- Filing: check forms, fees and representation.
- Follow-up: monitor notices and explain the decision and next formalities.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start?
As soon as you meet the period of legal, continuous residence that applies to you. If it has been granted, you have 180 days to take the oath; if refused, one month for an administrative appeal or two months for a court appeal.