Spain was once known as one of the world’s largest empires, with an influence spanning across oceans. With its rich cultural and historical background, visitors from countries all around the world love visiting this beautiful country.
Some love it enough to stay permanently, seeking to apply for Spanish citizenship which entitles them to a Spanish passport. With that said, learn everything you need to know about citizenship in Spain as well as the requirements of applying for a Spanish passport.
Acquiring Citizenship in Spain
Aside from being a natural-born Spanish citizen, there are other ways you can acquire citizenship in Spain. For example, residing in the country for a certain number of years can make you eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship.
Read on to learn more about how to acquire Spanish citizenship.
Citizenship in Spain by Residency
This usually requires an applicant to reside in the country for at least 10 years prior to the application. However, in some cases, applicants can acquire citizenship in less than that time frame as long as they meet the necessary criteria.
Regardless, before an interested applicant can become eligible for a Spanish passport, they need to meet the entry requirements for Spain and determine whether they’re going to stay for a short time or the long-term.
Long-term visas can entitle you to temporary or permanent residence in Spain. Temporary residence means requiring a stay in the country for more than 90 days but less than 5 years. If you have stayed in Spain for 5 consecutive years, then you will be entitled to a long-term residency which is a condition for acquiring permanent residency or even citizenship.
Citizenship in Spain by Investment
Another way a non-EU citizen can acquire Spanish citizenship by investment and passport is by investing in Spain’s economy. This entitles them to a residence visa, or a Spain Golden Visa, which allows them and their family to reside in Spain as well as travel to other Schengen Zone countries visa-free.
This requires a hefty investment on an interested applicant’s part as they need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Invest in Spain’s public debt by at least €1,000,000.
- Purchase real estate properties in Spain that amount to at least €500,000.
- Invest in a business that can offer innovation and impact the local economy positively.
- Purchase shares in a Spain-based company or deposit an amount of at least €1,000,000 to a Spain-based bank.
Citizenship in Spain by Naturalization
Another way is by becoming a naturalized Spanish citizen, but this will be granted according to the discretion of the Spanish government. They will receive it via a Royal Decree and only under special circumstances.
Everything about having a Passport from Spain
Discover general information about Spanish passports such as their validity period, requirements, and benefits.
The Validity of a Spanish Passport
The validity of a Spanish passport varies, depending on your age. For children aged 5 and below, their passports are only valid for 2 years. Meanwhile, persons who are aged below 30 can enjoy a valid Spanish passport for 5 years starting from its issuing date.
Meanwhile, citizens aged 30 and above enjoy up to 10 years of validity starting from the date it was issued.
Requirements to Get a Passport from Spain
If you’re already a Spanish citizen and would like to apply for a Spanish passport for the first time, you will need to prepare the following requirements:
- A complete application form
- Two photos 32×26 mm– must be recently taken and have a white background
- A valid national ID/your Spanish ID
- The necessary fees for processing the application
If you’re renewing your passport, you will need to add your expired passport to the list.
Benefits of Having a Passport from Spain
There are many reasons why a person would be interested to apply for Spanish citizenship and receive a Spanish passport such as:
- Traveling to over 180 countries visa-free
- Traveling to other Schengen Zone countries visa-free
- Receiving the right to live, study, and work in Spain
Click here to see the list of visa-free countries for Spain Passport
Final Thoughts
Spain is a country that has a lot to offer both its citizens and visitors, especially in terms of history and culture. Acquiring Spanish citizenship is a worthwhile endeavor, and the process is fairly easy as long as you meet the application requirements.
If you’re wondering “how long is the required validity period for my passport so I can travel to Spain,” the answer is it should be valid for at least 6 months during your trip.
Once you see the awe-striking beauty and rich culture of Spain, you will never want to leave again.
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