SERVICES

Spanish Citizenship by Origin

Spanish nationality by origin is not something you acquire; it is a right you have by blood. If you were born to a Spanish parent, this is your direct and indisputable path to citizenship. We help you formally declare what is already yours, ensuring the recognition process is swift, seamless, and successful.

Spanish Citizenship by Origin

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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.
What is the Spanish Citizenship by Origin

About the service

What is the Spanish Citizenship by Origin?

Being a Spanish citizen by origin means you are considered Spanish from the moment of your birth. This is the strongest and most fundamental link to Spanish nationality, a right that cannot be taken away and that sets you apart from all other forms of acquisition.

It’s not a status you apply for, but a reality you formalize. This blood right or ius sanguinis is your birthright.

This right belongs to you automatically if you fall into one of these core groups. Primarily, if you were born to a Spanish father or mother, regardless of where in the world you were born. Your connection is direct and absolute, making you eligible for Spanish nationality as the child of a Spaniard.

Additionally, if you were born in Spain to foreign parents, but at least one of them was also born in Spain, you are also a citizen by origin. This protects families with deep, multi-generational roots in the country.

The law also protects the most vulnerable, granting Spanish Citizenship by Origin to children born in Spain to stateless parents or those whose parents’ nationality is not passed on, preventing anyone from being stateless.

Understanding this process is about shifting your mindset from “applying” to “declaring.” You are simply requesting the official recognition of your Spanish nationality.

This is a crucial distinction, as it doesn’t require subjective integration tests or long residency periods. The entire process hinges on providing unquestionable proof of your lineage or circumstances through precise documentation.

For the many children of Spanish citizens born abroad, the process typically involves a consular birth registration. This means presenting your case at the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence.

Navigating the specific requirements of each consulate, from legalizing foreign documents with the Hague Apostille to official translations, is a critical step where professional guidance prevents years of delays and frustration.

Our expertise is in building an irrefutable case for your recognition as a Spaniard. We navigate the complexities of both the Spanish Civil Registry and various consulates worldwide.

We handle the intricate task of gathering historical birth certificates, legalizing documents across borders, and presenting your file so that your rightful citizenship is officially inscribed and recognized without setbacks.

Enjoy all the Benefits it has to offer

The benefits of Spanish Citizenship by Origin

An Absolute & Lifelong Right

This nationality cannot be lost against your will.

Direct EU Citizenship

You automatically gain full access to all European Union rights.

Simplified Process

No exams or residency periods are required for this process.

Transmit Your Heritage

You can easily pass this powerful right on to your descendants.

Are you eligible?

Requirements to apply for a Spanish Citizenship by Origin

These are requirements for Spanish Citizenship by Origin:

Born to a Spanish Parent

The most common requirement is having at least one parent, father or mother, who was Spanish at the moment of your birth. This applies regardless of your place of birth.
You are eligible if you were born in Spain and at least one of your foreign parents was also born in Spanish territory (diplomats’ children are excluded).
If you are born in Spain to parents who are stateless (apatridas), or whose country’s legislation does not grant you their nationality, you are considered Spanish by origin.
If you are adopted by a Spanish citizen before turning 18, you automatically acquire Spanish nationality by origin from the moment of the adoption.

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Necessary documentation for the Spanish Citizenship by Origin

This is the necessary documentation for the Spanish Citizenship by Origin

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

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Givago Dias Mendes profile picture
Givago Dias Mendes
27/03/2026
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Muy educado, eficientes, organizados. También rápidos. Mejor experiencia posible!
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Anastasia Danilova
26/03/2026
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Awesome service, got my permanent residency quickly and without any issues
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Anastasiia Sizova
10/03/2026
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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
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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
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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 Origin

I was born abroad to a Spanish mother. Am I Spanish by origin?

Yes, absolutely. Spanish law does not differentiate between the father or the mother. If at least one of your parents was Spanish when you were born, you are Spanish by origin, regardless of your birthplace.
No. Unlike nationality by residency, the process to recognize your status as a Spaniard by origin does not require passing the DELE or CCSE exams. It is a direct recognition of an existing right, not an acquisition based on integration.
In this specific case, you would not be a citizen by origin, as the Spanish link was broken. However, depending on the circumstances of your parent or grandparents, you might be eligible for citizenship through other paths, like the nationality by option.
No, there is no deadline. Being Spanish by origin is an intrinsic condition. You can request the registration of your birth at the corresponding Spanish Civil Registry or Consulate at any point in your life, whether you are a minor or an adult.
No, it does not affect your right. Filiation (the legal parent-child relationship) is the only thing that matters. As long as you can legally prove you are the child of a Spanish citizen, their marital status is completely irrelevant to your right to nationality by origin.

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