Conservation of Spanish Nationality

Preserving your Spanish nationality is crucial, especially if you reside abroad or acquire another citizenship. Here’s what you need to know to maintain your status as a Spanish national.

What Is the Conservation of Spanish Nationality?

Conservation of Spanish nationality involves formally declaring your intent to retain Spanish citizenship when you acquire another nationality or under specific circumstances while living abroad. This declaration is typically made before the Consular Civil Registrar in your place of residence.

Who Needs to Declare Conservation?

• Voluntary Acquisition of Another Nationality: If you acquire a foreign nationality after reaching adulthood, you must declare your desire to retain Spanish nationality within three years of the acquisition.
• Dual Nationals Since Childhood: If you’ve held both Spanish and another nationality since childhood, you should declare your intent to retain Spanish nationality within three years after turning 18 or becoming emancipated.
• Second-Generation Spaniards Born Abroad: If you were born abroad to Spanish parents who were also born abroad, and you reside in a country that grants you its nationality before you turned 18, you must declare your intent to retain Spanish nationality within three years of reaching adulthood or emancipation.

How to Declare Conservation

To declare your intent to preserve Spanish nationality, follow these steps:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the Spanish Consulate General or Consular Office corresponding to your place of residence to schedule an appointment.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents: Bring the following original documents and two photocopies of each to your appointment:
   • Application Form: Completed and signed.
   • Literal Birth Certificate: Issued within the last 12 months. Spanish citizens can request birth certificates through the Ministry of Justice website.
   • Foreign Naturalization Certificate: Only if applicable.
   • Passports: All current and previous passports held.
   • Marriage Certificate: If there has been a name change due to marriage.
3. Submit Your Declaration: Appear in person at the Consular Civil Registry to submit your declaration and documents.

Important Considerations

• Timely Action: Ensure you make your declaration within the specified three-year period to avoid the risk of losing your Spanish nationality.
• Legal Residence Requirement: Generally, you must be legally residing in Spain to recover Spanish nationality if lost. However, exceptions exist for emigrants and their children.

Need Assistance?

If you’re unsure whether you need to declare conservation or have questions about the process, reach out and let us know. We can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.