Spain Extends Citizenship by Descent Law Until 2025

Spain has extended citizenship by descent until October 2025.

In October 2022, the so-called “Grandchildren's Law” (Ley de Nietos) came into force. The extension aims to enable a larger number of applicants to complete their applications and integrate into Spanish society, thus strengthening ties between Spain and its citizens dispersed worldwide due to historical events.

Obtaining Spanish citizenship by descent is possible for those with a family connection to Spain. If you have Spanish grandparents or parents, you may qualify for citizenship through jus sanguinis, meaning the right of blood.

This law lets you claim citizenship based on your Spanish lineage. Once granted, you will have the same rights and responsibilities as any other Spanish citizen, including the ability to live, work, and study in Spain and other EU member countries.

Spain is especially enticing for its rich culture, good healthcare system, high standard of living, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is also one of the sunniest countries in Europe, with a lower cost of living than many other Western European nations.

Eligibility For Spanish Citizenship Under the Grandchildren Law

The Grandchildren Law allows individuals born outside Spain to parents or grandparents who were originally Spanish or who lost or renounced their nationality due to political, ideological, or religious reasons to recover Spanish nationality.

You can be eligible for citizenship in Spain by descent if:

One of your parents is a Spanish national
Your parents were both born in Spain
You were adopted by a Spanish national before you turned 18 years old
You have grandparents who are Spanish
You are a Latin American with a grandparent born in Spain
You have Spanish ancestors with citizenship in Spain

Rights and Benefits of Spanish Citizenship

Travel Freedom within the EU:

Visa-Free Travel: Spanish passport holder can travel visa-free to countries within the EU/Schengen Area and many other countries worldwide.
Long-term Residence: You can live, work, and study in any EU country indefinitely without needing additional permits or visas.

Opportunities for Work and Education:

Employment Opportunities: You can work in any EU member state without a work permit, enjoying the same rights as EU citizens.
Education Advantages: Access to world-class educational institutions and eligibility for scholarships and grants reserved for EU citizens.

Access to Healthcare and Social Security:

Healthcare: Entitlement to comprehensive healthcare services provided by Spain’s universal healthcare system, applicable even when residing in another EU country.
Social Security: Benefits from Spain's social security system, including pensions, unemployment benefits, and additional welfare support.

Once you have determined that you are qualified to apply for Spanish citizenship, you can begin the process. If you are in Spain, you can file your application with the Central Civil Registry. Applicants outside Spain can apply to the Spanish consulate in their home country.

When you obtain citizenship under the “Grandchildren's Law,” you gain full citizenship for life, which can be passed down to subsequent generations by descent.

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