Spain
Spain captivates with its passionate spirit, from the flamenco rhythms of Andalusia to Gaudí's surreal architectural masterpieces in Barcelona. This vibrant nation offers more than just its renowned tapas culture and lively fiestas—it provides a gateway to a life where "sobremesa" (lingering conversations after meals) and evening "paseos" (social strolls) replace the constant rush. As you explore your heritage through Second Pass, you may discover Spanish roots that connect you to this beautiful collection of 17 autonomous regions that each preserve their distinct cultural identities while sharing the same warm Spanish hospitality.
The Spanish lifestyle embraces community and connection, with evenings spent sharing tapas at local markets or strolling through historic plazas where generations mingle. While Spanish is the primary language, regional languages like Catalan and Basque reflect Spain's cultural diversity, and English proficiency continues to grow, especially in major cities and coastal areas. Spain's central European location and excellent transportation infrastructure make it an ideal base for European adventures, with Portugal, France, and Morocco all within easy reach.
Pathways to Spanish Citizenship
By Descent
One of the following family members must hold Spanish citizenship for you to qualify:
Parent
Grandparent
Special Cases:
Great-grandparent: Direct applications aren't possible if your Root is a great-grandparent or beyond. However, if your parent or grandparent obtains Spanish citizenship first, you may then qualify through them.
Sephardic Jewish ancestry: A special law allows those with verifiable Sephardic Jewish ancestry to claim Spanish citizenship, even without a direct Spanish ancestor.
Citizens of Ibero-American countries: Nationals of most Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal can apply for citizenship after just two years of legal residency in Spain, rather than the standard ten years.
Disqualifications:
Serious criminal convictions may prevent citizenship approval.
If your Root ancestor explicitly renounced their Spanish citizenship, this may affect your eligibility.
Golden Visa
For those without Spanish ancestry, the Golden Visa program offers a pathway to residency and eventual citizenship through investment. To qualify, you must make one of these investments:
Real estate: €500,000 minimum investment in Spanish property
Business investment: €1 million in shares of Spanish companies
Government bonds: €2 million in Spanish public debt
Bank deposit: €1 million in a Spanish bank account
Business project: Investment in a business project considered of special economic interest
The program requires maintaining your investment for the duration of your residency. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency, and after ten years of residency (including one year of permanent residency), you can apply for citizenship. Spanish language proficiency and cultural integration are required for citizenship.
Life as a Spanish National
Living in Spain means embracing the distinctive 'horario español' – a daily schedule unlike anywhere else in Europe. While most Europeans finish work by 5pm, Spaniards often work until 8pm, with businesses reopening after siesta hours when temperatures cool. This later schedule pushes dinner to 9-10pm and extends social life well past midnight, even on weeknights. The Spanish approach to timing reflects a culture that prioritizes socialization and family connection over rigid productivity metrics – exemplified by practices like the Sunday 'sobremesa,' where multi-generational family lunches stretch for hours of animated conversation.
Spain's healthcare system consistently ranks among Europe's best, providing comprehensive coverage at a fraction of American costs. Housing offers outstanding value outside of Madrid and Barcelona, with charming renovated apartments in historic centers of smaller cities like Valencia, Seville, or Málaga available from €200,000. Coastal properties along the Costa del Sol or Costa Brava provide Mediterranean living with modern amenities and established international communities.
Digital innovation has transformed Spain into a magnet for remote workers and entrepreneurs, with Madrid and Barcelona emerging as tech hubs while smaller cities like Bilbao and Valencia offer creative environments with lower costs. Spain's Beckham Law provides significant tax advantages for new residents with high-value skills, potentially reducing income tax burdens substantially for the first six years.
Spain's 300+ days of sunshine annually transform daily life, supporting year-round outdoor activities from pilgrimages along the ancient Camino de Santiago to sailing Mediterranean waters and skiing the Sierra Nevada—sometimes all possible within the same day in regions like Granada. The country's AVE high-speed train network, among Europe's most extensive, whisks travelers between Madrid and Barcelona in under 3 hours. For families, Spain offers excellent international education alongside its consistently high-ranking public school system, while retirees settle into a country with Europe's highest life expectancy. The country's calendar overflows with distinctive celebrations like Valencia's Las Fallas, Pamplona's Running of the Bulls, and Andalusia's enchanting Semana Santa processions—expressions of regional pride not found anywhere else.
Benefits of Spanish Citizenship
Spanish citizenship offers powerful advantages that enhance your global opportunities and quality of life. Spain permits dual citizenship for nationals from certain countries, including most Latin American nations, while others may need to navigate specific bilateral agreements.
Key benefits include:
The Spanish passport ranks among the world's most powerful, offering visa-free access to over 185 countries
Full access to Spain's world-class public healthcare system
Education opportunities at Spain's prestigious universities with minimal tuition costs
Comprehensive social security benefits including unemployment protection and retirement pensions
Spanish citizens benefit from Spain's extensive diplomatic presence globally, providing valuable support during international travel. Property ownership in Spain comes with fewer restrictions for citizens, while entrepreneurs gain streamlined access to Spain's growing startup ecosystem and innovation incentives.
The Spanish language—spoken by over 500 million people worldwide—becomes a powerful professional asset, opening doors across Latin America and beyond. For those seeking tax optimization, Spanish residency combined with careful planning can create significant advantages, particularly for international income sources.
Benefits of EU Citizenship
Because Spain is part of the European Union (EU), you're granted access to a wide array of benefits across all 27 EU member countries in Europe:
Freedom to live, work, study, and retire anywhere within the EU without visa requirements
Access to healthcare coverage across the European Union through the EHIC system
Ability to vote and stand as a candidate in European Parliament and municipal elections
Streamlined business operations across the EU single market
Consular protection from any EU member state while traveling internationally
Access tuition rates for EU citizens at universities in any country
Next Steps
If you believe you may qualify for Spanish citizenship by descent, here's how to begin your journey:
Take the Second Pass eligibility quiz to receive a personalized assessment of your citizenship options based on your family history.
Start tracing your Spanish ancestry through resources like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, or Spain's Civil Registry (Registro Civil) and parish records.
Gather initial documentation including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates for you and your Spanish ancestors. Original Spanish documents or properly apostilled copies may be required.
Create a family tree focusing on your Spanish lineage, noting birth locations and dates to establish your connection to Spain.