Best Citizenship Lawyers in Spain

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1 person in their team
English
Abogada Tamara Domínguez Cruz is a legal practice based in San Isidro de Abona, Tenerife, offering private and personalized legal services to individuals and businesses across Spain. The office provides both judicial and extrajudicial representation in matters spanning administrative law, civil...
López & Asociados (VEGUETA)
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Founded in 2015
English
López & Asociados, located in the historic Vegueta district of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, specializes in immigration law, offering comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses navigating Spain's immigration system. Led by attorney Milagros Carolina López Dávila, the firm brings...
Ramallo Abogados
Marbella, Spain

English
Ramallo Abogados is a Spain-based law firm with offices in Marbella and Malaga, providing focused guidance on real estate transactions, civil litigation, immigration matters and related legal needs for individuals and businesses.The firm emphasizes a people-centric client service approach,...

Founded in 2013
10 people in their team
Spanish
English
Our law firm provides services in several languages; English, Arabic, French,Chinese, and of course, Spanish and Catalan.Our highly skilled team of lawyers & economists are here to provide you with the most responsive and effective solutions.After years of experience working exclusively with...

English
The firm is led by Maria Cinta Marcos and Mariola Revilla and is recognized as one of the most veteran legal practices in Palencia, with more than 30 years of experience serving clients across the province. The partners bring decades of insight and a track record of resolving thousands of cases for...
Mariscal & Abogados
Madrid, Spain

Founded in 2001
50 people in their team
Spanish
English
OUR MISSIONMiguel Mariscal‘s vision for founding Mariscal & Abogados was to offer exceptional legal advice to companies, particularly those with an international presence in Spain. To achieve this goal, he gathered a team of exceptionally skilled lawyers fluent in Spanish, English, French,...

Founded in 1766
English
Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Las Palmas, known as ICALPA, is a historic and modern bar association serving the legal community in Las Palmas and maintaining a delegation in Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura. Founded in 1766, the organization has evolved from its late colonial origins to a...

English
Abogado Miguel Domínguez, located in Adeje, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including criminal law, family law, labor law, immigration, insurance, real estate, and social security. With over 15 years of experience, the firm is led by...

English
Caro Lechuga Abogados, located in Salamanca, Spain, is a multidisciplinary law firm specializing in Labor Law, Social Security, and Immigration Law. The firm offers comprehensive legal services to both individuals and businesses, emphasizing a personalized and client-focused approach. Their...
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Founded in 2000
English
Berdion Abogados is a Las Palmas de Gran Canaria based law firm specializing in civil, criminal, administrative, labor and corporate law. The practice serves individuals and businesses with targeted advice across disputes and transactional matters, driven by a focus on practical solutions and...
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About Citizenship Law in Spain

Citizenship law in Spain is governed by the Spanish Civil Code and is primarily based on the principles of jus sanguinis (right of blood) and residency. This means that Spanish citizenship can be obtained through descent, marriage, or naturalization processes. The process is overseen by the Ministry of Justice and includes certain legal requirements and documentation. Spain recognizes dual citizenship with a few countries and allows for multiple pathways to citizenship, including for those with Sephardic Jewish ancestry.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Seeking legal advice can be particularly beneficial in several situations related to Spanish citizenship. These include intricate situations like applying for citizenship through descent, changes in regulations, resolving legal disputes regarding documentation, or dealing with rejection of citizenship applications. Lawyers specialized in this field can provide guidance on the requirements specific to your circumstances, assist in compiling necessary documentation, and represent you in any legal proceedings.

Local Laws Overview

Spanish citizenship laws are multifaceted and include various stipulations for different categories of applicants. Key aspects include:

  • Naturalization: Typically requires a residency period of 10 years, though this can be shortened to one, two, or five years in certain situations (e.g., refugees, nationals of Ibero-American countries).
  • Citizenship by Descent: Children born to at least one Spanish parent are eligible for citizenship, regardless of their birthplace.
  • Sephardic Jewish Heritage: Descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain in the 15th century are eligible for citizenship, following a specific legal process.
  • Dual Citizenship: Spain has agreements with certain countries allowing for dual nationality, but citizens from other countries may need to renounce previous citizenships.
  • Military Service: Foreign nationals who serve in the Spanish military are eligible to apply for citizenship after a year of service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to live in Spain to apply for citizenship?

Typically, a 10-year residency is required, but this period is reduced for individuals from certain countries, refugees, or other specific categories.

Can I hold dual citizenship with Spain?

Spain allows dual citizenship with certain countries, primarily Latin American nations, and an applicant may need to renounce their previous citizenship if their country is not included in these agreements.

What is the process for obtaining Spanish citizenship through marriage?

A foreign national married to a Spanish citizen can apply for citizenship after one year of legal residency in Spain.

Are children born in Spain automatically granted citizenship?

Children born in Spain to foreign parents may obtain Spanish citizenship if their country of origin doesn’t grant them citizenship, to prevent them from being stateless, or if one of the parents has legal residence in Spain.

What are the language requirements for Spanish citizenship?

Applicants typically need to demonstrate an adequate knowledge of the Spanish language, often validated through an official language exam.

Do I need to renounce my original citizenship when acquiring Spanish citizenship?

This depends on your original nationality. Spain has dual nationality agreements with some countries that do not require renunciation of previous citizenship.

Can my application for Spanish citizenship be rejected?

Yes, applications can be rejected due to incomplete documentation, not meeting residency requirements, or failing to demonstrate good civic conduct.

How can I prove my Sephardic ancestry for citizenship purposes?

You must provide documentation of your Sephardic Jewish heritage and a special connection to Spain, often verified through historical or genealogical research.

Is there a fee for applying for Spanish citizenship?

Yes, there are application fees involved, and these can vary depending on the type of citizenship application.

What documents are necessary for a Spanish citizenship application?

Required documents typically include passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of residency, language proficiency certificates, and other specific documentation depending on the citizenship pathway.

Additional Resources

Consult the following resources for additional guidance and assistance:

  • The Ministry of Justice website for official guidelines and updates on legal requirements.
  • Spanish consulates for assistance with overseas applications.
  • Legal and immigration forums that provide community support and shared personal experiences.
  • Nonprofit organizations and legal aid services that offer advice to immigrants and expats.

Next Steps

If you seek legal assistance for Spanish citizenship, you can take the following steps:

  • Consult with a specialized immigration lawyer who understands the intricacies of Spanish law.
  • Gather all necessary documentation early in the process to avoid delays.
  • Contact Spanish consulates or embassies for local guidance on the application process, requirements, and submission.
  • Participate in any recommended workshops or seminars that provide insights into the citizenship process.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Spain through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Citizenship, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.