Spanish Passport: How to Get, Requirements & More

The Iberian peninsula is a magical part of the Mediterranean, so it’s no wonder that thousands of people are looking into obtaining a Spanish passport.

In this guide, we’ll explain how you, too, can get your hands on one of the world’s most powerful passports that open up many opportunities for work, education, and visa-free travel. It instantly gives you visa-free access to 187 and the automatic right to live, work, or study in any country in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.

Here’s all you need to know about obtaining a Spanish passport, the benefits of being a Spanish national, and the various types of passports available.

About the Spanish Passport

Types of passports

There are several types of passports: biometric passports, regular passports, diplomatic passports, and service passports. Each of them is designed to cater to specific needs and circumstances.

• Regular: The regular passport is the most common passport issued to Spanish citizens. All passports currently issued are electronic passports, also known as biometric passports. The electronic passport contains an RFID chip embedded in its back cover, capable of identifying its holders without the need for contact with the readers.
• Diplomatic: A diplomatic passport is issued to Spanish diplomats and high-ranking government officials for use on official trips. In contrast, service passports are provided to Spanish nationals working in specific government departments or public organizations on assignments abroad. Both a diplomatic passport and a service passport are valid only for the duration of the specific mission or assignment.

Global passport ranking

The Spanish passport is presently ranked second on the Global Passport Index, granting visa-free access to 192 countries. It’s seen as one of the world’s most coveted passports thanks to its exceptionally high mobility score.

Holders of a passport enjoy the convenience of visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, including Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

This privilege enables almost immediate global travel. However, Spanish citizens need a visa for about 37 destinations worldwide, with countries like India and Russia being notable examples of where a visa is necessary.

10 Spanish Passport Benefits

In addition to travel benefits, Spanish citizens enjoy the privileges of being part of the European Union. As an EU citizen, you have the right to live, work, and study in any EU member state, granting you access to a diverse job market, world-class education, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultures and histories of various European countries.

Since joining the EU in 1986, Spanish citizens have enjoyed numerous benefits, which include:

Exceptional travel mobility

to live in Europe" width="500" height="500" />

The right to live in Europe

Access to high-quality healthcare

Safe Investments

Cultural Opportunities

Spanish Passport Ranking

Consular benefits

Spanish culture and language

Retirement in Spain

Spanish Passport Ranking

1. Exceptional travel mobility: Spain’s passport ranks second globally on the Enhanced Mobility Index, granting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 174 countries worldwide.
2. Live and work in the European Union: Spain is a member of the European Union (EU), and so the passport grants individuals free movement and the right to live, work, and study in European Union countries without the need for additional visas or permits.
3. Access to high-quality healthcare: As an EU citizen, you can access public healthcare throughout Europe using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
4. Safe Investments: With a stable economy and political neutrality, Spanish citizens have access to a secure and reliable investment landscape.
5. Voting rights: Spanish citizens have a right to vote in elections, and if you want to make a difference in Spain, this is the way.
6. Educational opportunities: All Spanish citizens have access to a rich and comprehensive educational system, including preschool, primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
7. Consular benefits: All Spanish citizens can reach out to Spanish consulates and embassies across the world in case of any issues during their travels.
8. Spanish culture and language: Owning the passport opens up opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich Spanish culture and language.
9. Retirement in Spain: If you get the passport, you have an opportunity to retire in Spain later on with almost no hassle.
10. Spanish Passport Ranking: The Spanish passport has one of the highest passport rankings in the world. Ranked 21st in the Global Passport Index, the passport guarantees visa-free access to 174 countries to Spanish citizens, including on-arrival visa access to 31 countries. Additionally, you can access 24 countries with electronic visas.

Global Visa Requirements for Spanish Passport Holders

Spanish passports offer their holders numerous advantages, chief among them being the ability to travel to a wide range of countries without needing a visa. Below is an in-depth look at the entry conditions to various countries.

Spanish Passport Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Spanish passport, you must first become a Spanish citizen. There are several pathways to obtaining Spanish citizenship, typically involving ten years of being a Spanish resident.

Under the Spanish system, acquiring Spanish nationality (whereby you can get a passport) through four different routes is possible. We’ll explore all of them below.

1. By descent

If you have a close family connection with a Spanish citizen, you can choose to become a Spanish national. This includes individuals born to a Spanish mother or Spanish father, and having a Spanish grandparent (specifically grandchildren of Spanish women born in Spain and married to non-Spanish citizens before 1978). This process is called Spanish Citizenship by Descent, and includes not only people who have Spanish parents but also those who are in care under the care of a Spanish national or were adopted and are over 18 years old.

2. By discretionary conferral

The nationality is granted at the discretion of the Government by Royal Decree. The person concerned must prove that there are exceptional circumstances warranting the granting of nationality, such as reasons relating to culture, sport, science, solidarity, etc.

3. By possession of status

This is an unusual route for acquiring nationality based on the person who possessed and used Spanish nationality for ten years. The person concerned must have possessed and used Spanish nationality in good faith, and a record of nationality must be held in the Civil Register, even if that record is annulled.

4. By residency

This is, without doubt, the most common naturalization procedure foreign nationals use. This route requires that the applicant is a Spanish resident for the length of time and under the legal conditions provided for. In other words, it is founded on a physical link to the country.

5. For Sephardic Jews

The Spanish Nationality Law enables individuals of Sephardic Origin (descendants of those expelled from Spain in the 15th century) to obtain Spanish citizenship without renouncing their current citizenship and requiring residency in Spain. It’s important to note that additional requirements must be met to obtain Spanish citizenship, such as taking a Spanish language test to demonstrate basic proficiency in Spanish. Please note that if you’re from a Spanish-speaking country, you won’t have to take the language exam. Having a clean criminal record is also necessary.

6. By investment

Spain does not offer a direct citizenship-by-investment program. Unlike some other countries, Spain doesn’t grant citizenship purely based on a financial investment. However, Spain does have a residency-by-investment program, commonly referred to as the “Golden Visa” program. This program can eventually lead to citizenship, but it requires a longer process, including a period of residency.

Spanish Passport Requirements

Applying for a Spanish passport requires following steps and fulfilling specific requirements. Before starting the application process, ensure you meet the passport requirements. To be eligible for a passport, you must be a Spanish citizen by birth, naturalization, or other means.

Required documents

To apply for the passport, you will need to provide several documents, including:

• A valid Spanish ID card (DNI) or, if you don’t have one, your Spanish nationality certificate
• Proof of payment of the passport application fee, which is €30 for the regular passport
• For minors or individuals under legal guardianship, additional documentation will be required, such as parental consent or a court order granting permission to apply for a passport.
• Two recent, identical passport-size photos (32 x 26 mm) with a white and smooth background. The face must be fully frontal and without dark glasses or any other clothing that could prevent the identification of the person (the photograph must clearly show the oval of the face, which includes eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, and chin, and must be in high resolution and on good quality photographic paper).

All Spanish citizens have the right to obtain an ordinary passport as long as any of the following circumstances do not apply:

• Having been sentenced to penalties or security measures that entail the deprivation or limitation of their freedom of residence or movement
• When the judicial authority has prohibited its issuance or departure from Spain
• This right is not limited by the Ministry of Interior due to states of alarm, exception, and siege

How to Get a Spanish Passport: Step-By-Step Process

1. Schedule an appointment: You must schedule an appointment at your local police station or the nearest Spanish Consulate or Embassy if you are living abroad. Appointments can typically be booked online or by phone. Ensure you arrive on time and bring all the required documents with you.
2. Submit your passport application: A government official will review your documents and take your biometric data (digital photos and fingerprints) during your appointment. You will also be asked to verify your personal information before submitting your application.
3. Pay the application fees: You must pay the passport application fee at the time of submission. The fee can be paid in cash or by credit/debit card, depending on the location. Ensure you keep the receipt as proof of payment. The cost of a passport is €26. This fee must be paid at the time of the passport application.

Collect your passport

You will be notified once your application has been approved and your passport is ready for collection.

You may need to return to the location where you submitted your application to collect your new passport. Bring your receipt and any identification documents required for collection.

By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documentation, you can successfully navigate the passport application process and enjoy the many benefits of being a Spanish national.

Fast-track application for former Spanish colony citizens

Citizens of former Spanish colonies are eligible for an accelerated path to Spanish citizenship. Suppose you are from an Ibero-American country (which includes most former Spanish-speaking colonies in South America), Andorra, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea. In that case, you only need two years of residency in Spain to obtain citizenship.

The Spanish government has recently updated its guidelines, allowing applicants to exit Spain multiple times while still fulfilling the stay requirements for citizenship. The revised rule permits a maximum of three consecutive months outside of Spain.

Spanish Passport Cost

At present, the Spanish government charges a standard fee of €26 for issuing a first passport, as well as for replacing or renewing an existing one. This fee can be paid in cash directly at the passport issuing office, or alternatively, it can be paid online using the “Telematic” service.

Take a look at our Spain Golden Visa Ultimate Guide by Local Experts

CLICK HERE

Process of Getting the Spanish Passport through Investment

Launched in 2013, the Spain Golden Visa Program gives investors and their families the incredible opportunity to get long-term residency in the country.

After living in the country for five years, you can apply for permanent residency, and you can obtain citizenship (and a passport) after 10 years.

Several investment routes are available to investors, such as:

• Investing a minimum of €500,000 in Spanish real estate (you are free to invest in multiple properties)
• Making a bank deposit of at least €1m into a Spanish bank account
• Investing at least €1m in shares of Spanish businesses
• Contributing €2m towards government bonds
• Starting a business in Spain that generates employment, contributes to technological/or scientific innovation, or has a strong socioeconomic impact.

The initial visa is valid for one year. After this, the residence permit is valid for three years. The person can choose whether to apply for the Golden Visa from the Consulate or apply directly for the residence permit if they are already in Spain with a Schengen Visa.

This residence permit can then be renewed every five years. After you’ve been domiciled in the country for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. Permanent residence is an important step towards citizenship. Note that applicants are required to visit Spain to submit their biometric data.

Minimum stay requirements

To be eligible for Spanish citizenship through the Spanish Golden Visa program, an applicant must hold a residence permit and spend at least 183 days per year for ten years in Spain.

To obtain Spanish nationality through the Spain Golden Visa program, you need to fulfill a few stay requirements.

• You must have been a Spanish resident for ten years
• Applicants must have resided in Spain for at least six months per year throughout that time to qualify

However, for individuals from former Spanish colonies and territories, Spanish citizenship can be obtained within two years by meeting the minimum stay policy of the Spanish government.

Residency

The Golden Visa grants you and your family members residency in Spain. Initially, the residency visa is issued for two years and can be renewed for five-year periods as long as the investment is maintained.

Understanding the different types of residence permits and Spanish ID cards is crucial for those seeking Spanish citizenship. A residence permit is necessary for individuals who plan to live in Spain for over three months. The type of residence permit required depends on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study, or family reunification.

For residents in Spain, the document is the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). The Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) is a unique and exclusive document intended to provide documentation to foreigners in a situation of legal permanence in Spain. This document certifies the legal residence of foreigners in Spain, their identification, and that the authorization or recognition of the right to remain in Spanish territory for a period of more than six months has been granted.

There’s also the DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad), which is only for Spanish citizens or foreigners who were granted Spanish citizenship. It is an identification document, tax identification number, and proof of residence. Once you have obtained your citizenship, you can apply for a Spanish ID card.

The civil registry plays a critical role in the citizenship process, as it is responsible for maintaining records of all vital events (such as births, marriages, and deaths) for Spanish nationals and residents. When applying for Spanish citizenship, you will need to submit the required documents, such as your birth certificate, to the civil registry. Upon successful completion of the process, you will be granted citizenship.

Citizenship through the Spain Golden Visa

While the Golden Visa does not directly lead to citizenship, it can start you on the path. To apply for citizenship, you generally need to have been a legal resident in Spain for 10 years. However, this period can be shorter for refugees or nationals from specific countries.

You must also maintain the investment for the duration of your residency. Additionally, you need to spend a certain amount of time in Spain each year to renew the residency permit. Apart from the investment, there are application fees, legal fees, and processing fees. These can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the professionals you engage with.

Thinking about obtaining a Spanish passport?
Get in touch with our team of specialists today!

Contact Us

Dual Citizenship in Spain

Spain allows dual citizenship for nationals from specific countries, such as Ibero-American countries (most Latin American countries, including Brazil), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. Citizens of these countries can keep their original nationality while obtaining Spanish citizenship.

However, Spain generally does not permit dual citizenship for citizens of other countries not mentioned above. In these cases, individuals may be required to renounce their original citizenship when obtaining Spanish citizenship.

Spanish Passport Renewal

If you need to renew your passport, go to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your local Garda station for the task. It’s important to schedule an appointment online.

But if you’re abroad, in some other country, you’ll need to find and visit a Spanish embassy or consulate.

Required documents

When renewing your passport, you’ll need the following documentation:

• Current or expired passport (in case your passport was stolen, you need to provide a police report too from a police station)
• Valid Spanish D.N.I
• Three photographs of 3 x 4 cm that aren’t older than six months
• Renewal fee which is €26

Waiting time

It generally takes about a month to renew your passport. Start by popping into a passport office if you’re in Spain. If you’re elsewhere, an embassy or consulate will do. Fill out your application with great care and gather all the necessary documents.

Renewing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport

If your passport’s gone missing, been nicked, is about to expire, or has seen better days, you can sort out a new one at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bring your valid national ID and the passport you need to replace. If you lack these papers, the consular office might be able to confirm your Spanish citizenship by contacting the authorities back home. Just a heads-up, though: if it goes down this route, your new passport might only be good for three weeks. This short window gives you a chance to round up the proper documents.

Renewal cost

Renewing your Spanish passport costs €26.

Do I Need to Live in Spain?

To obtain Spanish citizenship through the Spanish Golden Visa program, you generally do not need to maintain a continuous or long-term physical presence in Spain. However, there are specific residency requirements that you should be aware of:

• Initial visa period: The Golden Visa initially allows you to live in Spain for one or two years.
• Renewals: You can renew this visa for two additional five-year periods.
• Physical presence requirements: Unlike other residency programs, the Spanish Golden Visa does not require you to live in Spain for a minimum number of days each year. This flexibility is a key advantage of the Golden Visa program.
• Path to permanent residency and citizenship: If you aim to acquire permanent residency or Spanish citizenship, the requirements change. For permanent residency, you must live in Spain for five years. For citizenship, you generally need to be a resident for ten years. However, this period can be shorter in some specific cases (like for refugees or nationals from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal).

Is It Worth Having a Spanish Passport?

It is absolutely worth it to have a second passport from Spain. Not only will you and your family members be able to live, work, and study in one of the best European countries, but your worldwide opportunities will broaden with visa-free access to 174 countries worldwide.

Becoming a Spanish citizen not only provides practical advantages such as visa-free access to a high standard of living within the EU but also opens doors to cultural experiences, business opportunities, and a stable political environment. Additionally, the option for dual citizenship allows for flexibility.