Dual nationality and renunciation

It is for anyone thinking about, planning or already going through a move to Spain. After reading, you should know whether you can hold both nationalities and what renouncing really does.

Start with "Can you keep your nationality when you become Spanish?" It tells you whether renunciation applies to you. From there, the other pages cover how the oath works, your home country's rules, and the specific situations of US, UK and EU citizens. Later pages cover using two passports and avoiding accidental loss of Spanish nationality.

Tax residency effects are not covered here.

Key rules

• When nationality starts: Spanish nationality takes effect only once it is entered in the Civil Registry, after the oath and renunciation.
• Oath window: You must take the oath and make the renunciation within 180 days of being notified of the grant, or the grant is lost and you must apply again.
• Renunciation: Naturalising by residence normally means renouncing your previous nationality, unless you are from an exempt country.
• Option and Democratic Memory Law: If you become Spanish by option or through the Democratic Memory Law, you do not have to renounce.
• Irrevocable: Once made, the renunciation cannot be withdrawn under Spanish law.
• Home law decides: Your home country's law, not Spain's, decides whether you lose your original citizenship.

Dual nationality and renunciation: the whole process, step by step

• Check your home country's rules on dual nationality: before you apply (read: Check your home country's dual-nationality rules before you apply)

• Find out whether you must renounce your previous nationality: before you apply (read: Can you keep your nationality when you become Spanish?)

• Get notified that your nationality has been granted: this starts your 180 days

• Take the oath and make the renunciation before the competent official: within 180 days of being notified of the grant, or the grant is lost and you must apply again (read: How renouncing your previous nationality works at the oath) Deadline: 180 days from notification.

• Have your nationality entered in the Civil Registry: right after the oath; Spanish nationality takes effect only once it is entered

• Start using your passports and meet the obligations of each: after registration (read: Using two passports and the obligations that come with them)

• Avoid losing Spanish nationality later: if you were born and live abroad, declare you wish to keep it within 3 years of coming of age or of acquiring another nationality (read: Can you lose Spanish nationality later?)

• Know the fraud limit: nationality gained by residence can be annulled for fraud or false information up to 15 years after the grant

Documents you may need

• Spanish DNI or Spanish passport — Using two passports and the obligations that come with them
• The passport you will travel — Using two passports and the obligations that come with them
• Your other country's passport — Using two passports and the obligations that come with them

Dual nationality and renunciation: questions that cross several articles

Does Spain check that my home country accepts my renunciation?

No, Spain does not check whether your home country accepts your renunciation. The declaration is valid for Spain either way, so your home country may still treat you as its national. Read "Check your home country's dual-nationality rules before you apply" and "How renouncing your previous nationality works at the oath".

Do I have to renounce if I become Spanish by option or under the Democratic Memory Law?

No, you do not have to renounce if you gain Spanish nationality by option or under the Democratic Memory Law. Renunciation applies to residence and carta de naturaleza, except for exempt countries. Read "Can you keep your nationality when you become Spanish?" next.

Which treaties let Latin Americans keep both nationalities?

Spain has dual-nationality treaties with countries including Chile, Peru, Paraguay, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Argentina, which let you hold both nationalities while living in the other country. Colombia and Ecuador have revised arrangements. Read "Can you keep your nationality when you become Spanish?" and "Using two passports and the obligations that come with them".

Can my home country take away my citizenship when I become Spanish?

Yes, some countries, such as India and China, end citizenship when you voluntarily acquire another nationality, while many Latin American countries, the US, the UK and Canada generally allow dual nationality. Check your own country's law before applying. Read "Check your home country's dual-nationality rules before you apply", then the page for US, British or EU citizens if it fits you.