Jure Sanguinis Citizenship (Article 17 & 20)

Eligibility is determined by how and when your ancestors held Spanish citizenship. Under the current Civil Code, you generally fall into one of two categories:

1. Nationality by Origin (Nacionalidad por Origen)

This is considered the highest form of citizenship and is usually automatic. You qualify if:

• Direct Descent: You were born to at least one parent who was a Spanish citizen at the time of your birth, regardless of where you were born.
• Birth in Spain: You were born in Spain to foreign parents, and at least one of those parents was also born in Spain (the "double birth" rule).
• Adoption: You were a foreign minor (under 18) adopted by a Spanish citizen.

2. Nationality by Option (Nacionalidad por Opción)

This allows you to "opt-in" to citizenship if you didn't receive it automatically at birth. You qualify if:

• The "Spanish-Born Parent" Rule: Your mother or father was "originally Spanish" and born in Spain, even if they later lost their citizenship or moved away before you were born. This specific pathway under Article 20.1.b is unique because it has no age limit.
• Parental Naturalization: Your parent acquired Spanish citizenship while you were still a minor (under 18). In this case, you have the right to opt for citizenship until you turn 20 years old.

Key Limitations

• The Grandparent Gap: Since the expiry of the Democratic Memory Law in 2025, grandchildren can no longer apply directly based solely on a grandparent's citizenship. You generally only qualify now if your parent is currently a Spanish citizen or if your parent was born in Spain.
• The Age 21 Deadline: If you are a Spaniard born abroad to a Spanish parent who was also born abroad, you must formally declare your "will to conserve" Spanish nationality at a consulate between the ages of 18 and 21. If you fail to do this, you may automatically lose your citizenship.