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Spanish citizenship by simple presumption

The citizenship granted to children of foreign parents born in Spain when the law of their parents' country of origin does not automatically confer a nationality on them, or when both parents have none, so that the child is not left stateless. In Spain citizenship is not granted simply by being born on Spanish territory, but according to the parents' nationality and the laws of their countries; that is why it is granted only in specific cases and must be proven before the Civil Registry.

Only children born in Spain whose parents are nationals of countries whose laws do not automatically confer nationality on children born outside their territory: Argentina, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and Uruguay, among others. Both parents must be nationals of one of these countries, although not necessarily the same one.

  • A simpler and faster procedure than citizenship by residence.
  • The minor acquires Spanish citizenship with all its rights and obligations from the moment it is granted.
  • The parents can then obtain a residence and work permit through family arraigo or as family members of an EU citizen.
  • The minor will be able to pass Spanish citizenship on to their minor descendants.

  1. Proof of the minor's parentage.
  2. Proof of the parents' nationality and that their national laws do not require the direct transmission of their nationality to their descendants.
  3. Proof of residence in the place where the application is filed.
  4. Identification of the applicant's legal guardians.
An adult and a young child, backs to the camera, walk hand in hand down a path opening onto a sunlit shoreline, trees framing both sides

With an application addressed to the Judge in charge of the relevant Civil Registry, requesting the grant of Spanish citizenship by simple presumption.

Documentation

  1. The parents' municipal registration certificate.
  2. Certificate of the parents' nationality.
  3. The minor's birth certificate.
  4. Certificate that the parents' nationality is not conferred on the minor.
  5. Consular certificate stating that the minor is not registered in the parents' country of origin.
  6. Residence card, where applicable.
  7. Passport in force.

GRAS International Mobility accompanies families throughout the procedure so that the case is handled correctly before the Civil Registry.

What is included

  • Obtaining an appointment at the relevant Civil Registry.
  • Legal advice throughout the process.
  • Detailed information on the documentation required and its review.
  • Accompaniment to the Civil Registry to file the case.
  • Follow-up of the case until the decision granting citizenship.

What is not included

  • The cost of translating documents, where applicable.
  • Obtaining foreign documents and their legalisation or apostille.

Let’s discuss your case.

Tell us where you are and what you want to achieve. We will start by understanding which route makes sense for you.

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