Spanish nationality by option

The option allows Spanish nationality to be acquired by declaration, without a period of residence. The most frequent case is that of the child of an Italian citizen where the other parent acquires Spanish nationality. The Firm verifies the time limits and handles the declaration before the Registro Civil.

Who may exercise the option

• persons who are or have been subject to the parental authority of a Spanish citizen;
• persons whose father or mother was originally Spanish and born in Spain, without age limits;
• persons whose parentage or birth in Spain was established after the age of eighteen, and persons adopted as adults, within two years.

Time limits

In the case of parental authority the option lapses on reaching the age of twenty; if at eighteen the person concerned is not emancipated under their personal law, the time limit is two years from emancipation. A person who does not exercise the option within the time limits may nevertheless apply for nationality by residence after just one year of lawful residence.

Who makes the declaration

• for a minor under fourteen, the legal representative;
• between fourteen and eighteen, the person concerned assisted by the legal representative;
• the person concerned, if of full age or emancipated.

A person who has reached the age of fourteen swears the oath or makes the promise and makes the declaration of renunciation of their previous nationality, as provided for by art. 23 of the Código Civil.

Costs

The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote, which may also be combined with the parent's nationality application.

Immigration procedures in Spain

Sources: Código Civil, arts. 20, 22.2 and 23. Information only, updated September 2026.