Children's Spanish nationalityArticle 3 of 5 · 4 min read
Do children become Spanish when a parent naturalises?
When you become Spanish by residence, your children do not become Spanish automatically. This page explains the option route that lets children under your parental authority claim nationality, how long it takes and what happens if they turn 18 first.
Key rules
- Automatic nationality: Your naturalisation does not make your children Spanish; they must claim nationality themselves.
- Residence requirement: The option route has no minimum residence period for your child.
- Oath: From age 14, your child must take an oath and renounce their previous nationality, with exceptions for some countries.
- Processing time: Expect roughly 3 to 12 months or more, and longer through a consulate abroad.
Short answer: no, not automatically
If you naturalise, your children do not become Spanish with you. Each child has to claim nationality separately. The simplest route is usually the option, which is a declaration that your child wants to be Spanish.
The option route
A child who is, or once was, under the parental authority of a Spaniard can opt for Spanish nationality. This works when you became Spanish after the child was born. Your child does not need to have lived in Spain for any minimum time.
You make the declaration at the Registro Civil. If you live abroad, you make it at a Spanish consulate. The documents are listed in the documents section below.
Once the option is registered, your child is Spanish. They are not Spanish "by origin", which matters only in a few special cases.
Oath and previous nationality
From age 14, your child must take an oath of loyalty and renounce their previous nationality. The usual exceptions apply, including for citizens of Ibero-American countries and some others. Check with the Registro Civil whether your child's country is exempt.
How long it takes
Expect several months. Many files take 3 to 12 months or more from filing to registration, and consulates abroad are usually slower. Ask the Registro Civil or consulate that will handle your file for the current waiting time.
The deadline
The option stays open while your child is under your authority. After that, it closes two years after they turn 18. If the deadline passes, the option is gone.
If the option is no longer open
Your child can still become Spanish through residence. A child born in Spain may qualify after one year of residence. Ask a lawyer or the Registro Civil which route fits your child.
Plan ahead
Start the declaration soon after you become Spanish. This is especially important if your child is close to 18.
Timeline and deadlines
-
Parent becomes Spanish by residence; the child does not become Spanish automatically: before you start the child's option
-
Make the declaration of option at the Registro Civil, or at a consulate if abroad: any time while the child is under your parental authority, with no minimum residence
-
Wait for the option to be registered: often 3 to 12 months or more after filing; consulates are usually slower
Processing times vary by office; check the current time with the Registro Civil where you file.
Documents you need
-
Your child's birth certificate, needed for the declaration of option at the Registro Civil or consulate.
-
Proof that you are Spanish, such as your registered Spanish nationality, showing you became Spanish after your child was born.
-
Proof of the parent-child link, such as a family record or the birth certificate if it names you as the parent.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need to live in Spain before opting for Spanish nationality?
No, your child does not need any minimum period of residence to opt for Spanish nationality. It is enough that you became Spanish after your child was born and your child is, or was, under your parental authority. The option is a declaration made at the Registro Civil, or at a consulate if you live abroad.
Will my child be Spanish by origin after opting?
No, a child who opts after a parent naturalises is Spanish, but not Spanish by origin in most cases. The exception is where the rules on nationality by origin also apply to your child. Ask the Registro Civil which category applies to your family.
Does my child have to take an oath when opting?
Yes, your child must take the oath and renounce the previous nationality if aged 14 or over, with the usual exceptions for Ibero-American countries and some others. Children under 14 are exempt from the oath.
What can my child do if the option route is no longer open?
Your child can apply through residence instead. If your child was born in Spain, one year of legal residence can be enough. Ask the Registro Civil whether your child qualifies.
More in Children's Spanish nationality
Need certainty before you act?
For important relocation decisions, speak with a qualified human specialist.
Always verify important information with the relevant official authority or a qualified adviser before acting. This website uses large language models together with various public data sources, official government documents and other established sources. Due to the amount of data on this website, some information might be wrong. Information may also be incomplete or outdated.