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Many foreigners who choose to make Spain their permanent home will consider obtaining Spanish citizenship at some point, which gives rise to a very important consideration: can UK citizens obtain dual nationality?

 

The topic is understandably a delicate one, especially if becoming a Spanish citizen requires Britons to give up their original nationality. But first, let’s take a look at the requirements for becoming a Spanish national and some of the pitfalls applicants may encounter along the way.

 

 

Before applying for citizenship, you must first obtain permanent residency in Spain. This requires a separate application process, which may involve proving that you have the means to support yourself.

 

Most UK expats who move to Spain obtain their citizenship through a process of naturalisation. For this option, the applicant must have been legally resident in Spain for more than 10 years and have a clean criminal record. In addition, the person must pass two separate exams – a Spanish language proficiency test and an exam on Spanish culture.

 

A British person who marries a Spanish citizen and has been resident in Spain for a year can also apply, as can anyone born to a Spanish parent or who was born on Spanish soil. For this last option, the applicant doesn’t have to prove residency status at all.

 

 

Unfortunately, Spain does not allow dual citizenship with the UK, and individuals who wish to become Spanish citizens are required to renounce their original nationality. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have to physically surrender your British passport – it’s more of a symbolic gesture.

 

However, if you do decide to go ahead with Spanish citizenship, you’ll have to pledge your allegiance to the Spanish constitution in front of a judge and formally give up your British citizenship.

 

And while you can hold onto your UK passport as a memento, it will no longer be valid in Spain.

 

Ultimately, becoming a Spanish citizen while retaining British citizenship is not a straightforward matter, and it’s advisable to seek guidance from both British and Spanish authorities to determine the best course of action for your individual circumstances.

 

For the best advice on all legal matters in Spain, contact the English-speaking team at Abad Abogados. This law firm is based in the most popular expat areas of Murcia and Alicante has over 25 years’ experience.

 

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