The Spanish government has announced a new fast-track citizenship route for nationals of 23 countries, allowing them to apply for citizenship after just two years of legal residency. This is a significant reduction from the standard ten-year waiting period that applies to most foreign nationals. The move is seen as a reflection of Spain's deep historical and cultural connections with these nations.
The 23 eligible countries include 19 Latin American nations, as well as Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. Persons of Sephardic origin are also eligible for the two-year provision. The list of countries was published on the official website of the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts, outlining Spain's full naturalisation framework.
The shortened pathway is a major advantage for eligible citizens, who will no longer have to wait ten years before applying for citizenship. Refugees, on the other hand, must complete five years of legal residency before they can apply. The new rules also outline the requirements for obtaining Spanish nationality, including swearing an oath of allegiance to the King of Spain and committing to uphold the Spanish Constitution and its laws.
One of the key benefits of the new rules is that nationals from the 23 eligible countries and persons of Sephardic origin are permitted to hold dual nationality under Spanish law. This means that they will not have to renounce their previous nationality as part of the process. The move is seen as a way to strengthen ties with these countries and to attract more foreign investment and talent to Spain.
The Spanish government has highlighted the four official routes that foreigners can use to obtain Spanish citizenship through naturalisation. These include family ties, exceptional contributions, legal residency, and long-term possession of Spanish nationality in good faith. The residency route remains the most accessible path to a Spanish passport for many non-EU nationals.
The new rules are part of a broader effort to make it easier for foreigners to obtain Spanish citizenship. The Spanish government has also introduced a number of other measures aimed at attracting more foreign talent and investment to the country. These include a new visa program for entrepreneurs and a range of tax incentives for foreign investors.
The move has been welcomed by many in the business and expat communities, who see it as a way to simplify the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship. According to Jeffrey Owusu-Mensah, a journalist with Yen.com.gh, the new rules reflect Spain's deep historical and cultural connections with the eligible countries.
Key points
- Spain offers 2-year citizenship route to nationals of 23 countries.
- Eligible countries include 19 Latin American nations, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal.
- Persons of Sephardic origin are also eligible for the two-year provision.
