Dual nationality in Spain (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Spanish naturalisation requires renouncing the previous nationality, except for nationals of listed countries. Spanish nationals living abroad who acquire another nationality lose Spanish nationality after three years unless they declare otherwise.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Naturalisation: giving up the previous nationalityNationality rules | Required, with exceptions [1] |
| Naturalisation: exceptions to giving up the previous nationalityNationality rules | Exempt are nationals of the countries named in Article 24(1) (Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal) and Sephardim of Spanish origin. [1] |
| Voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationalityNationality rules | Loss, with exceptions [1] |
| Loss of nationality on acquiring a foreign nationality: detailsNationality rules | Emancipated Spanish nationals who habitually reside abroad and voluntarily acquire another nationality lose Spanish nationality after three years, unless they declare before the Civil Registry that they wish to keep it. Acquiring the nationality of an Ibero-American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal does not by itself cause this loss. [1] |
Notes
- The loss rule applies to emancipated Spanish nationals who habitually reside abroad. Residents of Spain are not covered.
Sources
- BOE: Real Decreto de 24 de julio de 1889 por el que se publica el Código Civil (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.