Best Citizenship Lawyers in Spain

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English
Ibiza Solicitor JOSE ROBLES - Abogado delivers comprehensive legal services, with specialized focus in criminal justice and immigration matters. The firm is recognized for its detailed knowledge of Spanish law, ensuring that clients receive tailored solutions for complex legal situations. Whether...
Nockolds Lawyers Spain
Estepona, Spain

Founded in 2023
English
Nockolds Lawyers Spain provides bilingual Spanish-English legal services from Estepona, focusing on cross-border matters between Spain and the United Kingdom. It operates as a subsidiary of Nockolds Solicitors, a historic firm established in 1831, bringing UK regulated standards to Spanish law...
Best Legal Abogados
Adeje, Spain

English
Best Legal Abogados, headquartered in Tenerife, Spain, is a multidisciplinary law firm led by attorney Sergio García Valenta, a graduate of the University of La Laguna with a Master's in Legal Practice from the University of Granada. The firm collaborates with various legal professionals across...
Daemi Zabalza & Asociados
Marbella, Spain

English
Daemi Zabalza & Asociados is a Marbella-based law firm known for focused work in immigration and employment law, supported by complementary tax, accounting and administrative advisory services under one roof. The team assists a large international client base and coordinates practical needs such as...
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...
Katibi Abogados
Cáceres, Spain

Founded in 2022
English
Katibi Abogados is a distinguished law firm with offices in Cáceres and Madrid, specializing in labor law, banking law, immigration and Spanish nationality law. The firm is committed to delivering high-quality legal services, safeguarding the interests of both individuals and businesses across...
Icod de los Vinos, Spain

English
Tomás Velázquez is a distinguished law firm in Spain, renowned for its comprehensive legal services tailored to both individuals and businesses. With a team of highly qualified lawyers and economists, the firm offers expertise across various legal domains, including commercial law, tax law,...
DUGUECH & DIP LAWYERS
Madrid, Spain

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Spanish
English
At Duguech & Dip our main objective is to support multinational companies to take care of one of their most valuable assets: their Human Capital.Gustavo Duguech and María Fernanda Dip, founders of the Duguech & Dip office, have been joining together for more than 9 years, in their desire...

Founded in 1986
8 people in their team
English
Izquierdo y de la Cueva Abogados is a Lanzarote based law firm with a multilingual team that has 40 years of experience navigating Canary Islands law. Since opening its doors in 1986, the firm has operated from a central Arrecife location, building a reputation for practical, results-oriented...
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain

Founded in 2012
English
Yadira González Rueda is a distinguished law firm based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, specializing in immigration law. Founded in 2012 by Yadira González Rueda, who earned her law degree from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2011, the firm has become a trusted resource for...
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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.