SERVICES

Spanish Citizenship by Option

Spanish citizenship by option is a right to choose, a unique opportunity granted to those with close ties to Spain. It's not an automatic right, but a formal declaration to claim your heritage. We specialize in helping you exercise this option, ensuring you meet the strict deadlines and requirements to successfully become a Spanish citizen.

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Book your Appointment Now

The best way to start solving your doubts is to schedule a call with one of our professionals.

All prices are final and include VAT. We have interpreters from French, Portuguese, Arabic (Moroccan variant), Russian and Ukrainian. Other languages may be available on request

€80

30’

video call

Immigration Consultation

Unsure of the requirements to immigrate to Spain? We provide a clear path forward and manage the entire process for you.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€185

45’

video call

Tax Consultation

Perfect for individuals and companies in Spain who require expert guidance on complex tax matters.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€250

60’

video call

Immigration and Tax Planning

A comprehensive session to make informed decisions before moving to Spain. We analyse your legal residence, the potential tax impact of your relocation and the obligations you should anticipate.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

About the service

What is the Spanish Citizenship by Option?

Spanish Citizenship by Option offers a privileged path to nationality for individuals who, due to their close family ties, are given the chance to opt for Spanish nationality. Unlike citizenship by origin, which is an innate right, this is a conscious choice you can make, a powerful way to formalize your connection to Spain.

This right is designed for specific circumstances, creating bridges for families linked to Spain.

The most common case is for individuals who are or have been subject to the parental authority of a Spanish citizen. If one of your parents became Spanish while you were a minor, this option is your pathway.

Another crucial group are those whose father or mother was originally Spanish and born in Spain. This is a vital route for the children of Spaniards who may have lost their nationality before their child’s birth, preserving the family connection to its Spanish roots.

The law also extends this right to individuals whose filiation is determined after the age of 18. If legal proof of you being the child of a Spaniard is established late, you have two years from that determination to opt for citizenship.

The same two-year window applies to individuals adopted by a Spaniard after turning 18.

Understanding and acting upon the deadlines is the most critical factor for the nationality by option. In most cases, you must make the declaration before you turn 20, or within two years of a specific event (like an adoption or determination of filiation). Missing this window means losing the right forever.

Our role is to ensure you don’t miss this time-sensitive opportunity. We determine your eligibility, clarify your specific deadline, and meticulously prepare the documentation for your declaration at the Spanish Civil Registry. We turn a complex legal choice into a clear, secure, and successful process.

Enjoy all the Benefits it has to offer

The benefits of Spanish Citizenship by Option

A Direct Path to Your Roots

Formally claim the Spanish heritage that belongs to you.

No Residency Required

You don't need to live in Spain to exercise this right.

Full European Citizenship

Gain all the rights to live and work across the EU.

Clear & Objective Process

The procedure is based on clear facts, not subjective tests.

Are you eligible?

Requirements to apply for a Spanish Citizenship by Option

These are requirements for Spanish Citizenship by Option applicants:

Subject to Parental Authority of a Spaniard

You are eligible if you are or have been under the legal parental authority (patria potestad) of a Spanish citizen. You must apply before turning 20 or within 2 years of emancipation.

Child of an Originally Spanish Parent Born in Spain

You may apply for Spanish citizenship if your father or mother was originally Spanish and born in Spain, regardless of the reason they may have lost their citizenship.

Adoption by a Spaniard after 18

If you were adopted by a Spanish national after turning 18, you have two years from the date of adoption to apply for citizenship.

Filiation or Birth Determined after 18

You may apply for citizenship if your parent-child relationship with a Spanish national or your birth in Spain is legally recognized after you turn 18. You have two years from that date to apply.

Do you have any questions about the immigration process to Spain?

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Necessary documentation for theSpanish Citizenship by Option

This is the necessary documentation for the Spanish Citizenship by Option

Applicant's Literal Birth Certificate: Legalized or apostilled and officially translated into the Spanish language.
Spanish Parent's Birth Certificate: The literal birth certificate of the parent who provides the right.
Parent's Marriage Certificate (If applicable): The official document, which must be legalized and officially translated.

Our numbers speak for themselves

Our track record

On average, we tell good news about their immigration cases to 9-10 people each day. A real perk of the job.

Refusals overrulled in appeals

+ 0

Immigration cases solved and in process

+ 0

Appeals efficiency

0 %

Join a Community of Satisfied Customers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 501 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Givago Dias Mendes 
 27/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy educado, eficientes, organizados. También rápidos. Mejor experiencia posible!
  
 
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   Anastasia Danilova 
 26/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to sincerely thank Marc and Soundous for all the support they gave me and my mom in obtaining our residence. You are an amazing team, and I feel very lucky to have found your company to guide us through this process.
  
 
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   Camryn Jones 
 25/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience working with Dario and his team throughout my visa process. They made everything completely stress-free and were incredibly helpful every step of the way. Dario speaks excellent English, which made communication easy and comfortable, and he was always responsive, patient, and clear in explaining everything. He and his colleagues handled every detail with care, efficiency, and in a very timely manner, which gave me a lot of confidence and truly made my life so much easier throughout the entire process. By far the best lawyer I’ve worked with in Barcelona. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend Dario and his team to anyone needing help with visas or immigration.
  
 
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   Marc Ovalle 
 22/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been working with Marc and his team and the experience has been truly remarkable! From day one, their professionalism has been outstanding. The depth and breadth of knowledge across the entire team have consistently impressed us and given us complete confidence in our partnership. They are reliable, insightful, and truly committed. Thank you Marc!
  
 
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   Karen Oelrich 
 20/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. He tenido una muy buena experiencia, nos ayudaron en la resolución de dudas y consultas desde el primer contacto. El proceso fue muy rápido, claro y expedito.
  
 
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   Abs Ka 
 19/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A friend recommended Illay Legal  to help obtain my permanent residency in Spain. Exceptional service! Marc explained every part of the process clearly and precisely. Once I provided all the necessary details, the team did all the work: pre-completed the necessary paperwork, helped retrieve padron and digital tax certificate, secured appointments in my preferred neighbourhood and checked in with me before and after both appointments. I subsequently switched both my tax and business accountancy contracts to Marc's firm and have enjoyed the same very high level of service. Communication via email and WhatsApp, and extremely responsive to answering any small or large questions/concerns. A huge endorsement to the whole team - I would highly reccomend. Regards Ismail
  
 
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   Dean 
 11/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome service, got my permanent residency quickly and without any issues
  
 
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   Anastasiia Sizova 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lawyers I truly trust and genuinely enjoy working with. Huge thanks to Marc and Soundous for guiding me through a very stressful documentation process over the past few years. Together we managed to resolve a complicated situation I ended up in because of a bureaucratic issue with my previous paperwork. They have well-organized processes and a lot of experience with different kinds of cases — even the tricky ones. Whenever I was stressed or freaking out, they were always there to reassure and support me. That human approach means a lot. With them, you are in very good hands 💚
  
 
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   MRI. Emran 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ILLAY Legal handled my immigration case in Spain very professionally and completed it on time. Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Adriana Garzon 
 09/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente asesoría y muy oportunos los tiempos. El acompañamiento en todo el proceso es de gran calidad.
  
 
  
  
 
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Spanish Citizenship by Option

What is the main difference between citizenship by Option and by Origin?

Origin is an automatic right you have from birth (e.g., born to a Spanish parent). Option is a right you must choose to exercise within a specific timeframe, granted due to your close ties to a Spaniard, but it is not automatic.

Is there an age limit to apply for citizenship by Option?

Yes, and this is critical. For children of Spaniards, the deadline is typically before your 20th birthday (two years after the age of majority). For other cases like late adoptions, the deadline is two years from the event. Missing this window means losing the right.

My mother was born in Spain but lost her nationality. Can I apply?

Yes, this is a key scenario for the option route. Because your mother was originally Spanish AND born in Spain, you have the right to opt for Spanish citizenship, even if she is no longer Spanish herself.

Do I need to live in Spain to apply for citizenship by Option?

No. You do not need to have ever resided in Spain to exercise this right. The declaration can be made at the Spanish Consulate corresponding to your place of residence abroad, making it accessible globally.

Do I need to pass the DELE or CCSE exams for this process?

No. Just like nationality by origin, the process to opt for Spanish citizenship is a right based on family ties and does not require passing any language or cultural integration exams.

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