Spanish Passport: How to get one and What the Requirements Are

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 travel, work, and education. 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.

Key Facts about the Spanish Passport

Schengen privileges

Holding a Spanish passport comes with several privileges including traveling within the Schengen Area. As a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Agreement, Spain grants its citizens the right to travel freely across the Schengen zone. This means Spanish passport holders can enter and travel to other Schengen countries without the need for a visa.

One of the key advantages is the ability to cross borders within this area with minimal formalities. Spanish citizens can travel to other Schengen countries for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period, without having to undergo border checks. This makes travel for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends much easier and more seamless.

In addition to ease of travel, Spanish passport holders also have the right to reside in another Schengen country for up to three months without any formal requirements. For stays longer than three months, they may be required to register or fulfill certain conditions depending on the host country’s regulations.

Moreover, this privilege extends to more than just tourism and short visits. Spanish citizens have the right to seek employment, study, and even reside permanently in other Schengen countries under certain conditions, enjoying the same rights as nationals of those countries in many respects.

It’s important to note that these privileges are a result of Spain’s membership in the European Union and the Schengen Agreement, and they apply to the Schengen Area, which includes most EU countries along with a few non-EU countries. However, it does not include all EU countries, as some are not part of the Schengen Agreement.

Types of passports

There are several types of Spanish 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 Spanish Passport is the most common passport issued to Spanish citizens. All Spanish 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 entry 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 Spanish 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 do need a visa for about 37 destinations worldwide, with countries like India and Russia being notable examples where a visa is necessary.

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: Spain’s passport ranks second globally on the Enhanced Mobility Index, granting its holders visa-less or visa-on-arrival access to 174 countries worldwide.

Live and work in the European Union: Spain is a member of the European Union (EU), and so Spanish passports grant individuals the right to live, work, and study in any European country without the need for additional visas or permits.

Access to high-quality healthcare: As an EU citizen, you can access public healthcare throughout Europe using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Safe Investments: With a stable economy and political neutrality, Spain offers a secure and reliable investment landscape.

Cultural and Linguistic Opportunities: Being a Spanish passport holder opens up opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich culture and language of Spain, providing a unique and enriching experience.

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 access to 174 countries without the need for a visa, 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 for holders of a Spanish passport.

Country	Spain
Afghanistan	visa required
Albania	visa free (90 days)
Algeria	visa required
Andorra	visa free
Angola	visa free (30 days)
Antigua and Barbuda	visa free (180 days)
Argentina	visa free (90 days)
Armenia	visa free (180 days)
Australia	e-visa
Austria	visa free
Azerbaijan	e-visa
Bahamas	visa free (90 days)
Bahrain	visa on arrival
Bangladesh	visa on arrival
Barbados	visa free (90 days)
Belarus	visa free (30 days)
Belgium	visa free
Belize	visa free
Benin	e-visa
Bhutan	e-visa
Bolivia, Plurinational State of	visa free (90 days)
Bosnia and Herzegovina	visa free (90 days)
Botswana	visa free (90 days)
Brazil	visa free (90 days)
Brunei Darussalam	visa free (90 days)
Bulgaria	visa free
Burkina Faso	visa on arrival
Burundi	visa on arrival
Cambodia	visa on arrival
Cameroon	e-visa
Canada	e-visa
Cabo Verde	visa free (30 days)
Central African Republic	visa required
Chad	visa required
Chile	visa free (90 days)
China	visa free (15 days)
Colombia	visa free (90 days)
Comoros	visa on arrival
Congo	visa required
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the	e-visa
Costa Rica	visa free (180 days)
Côte d'Ivoire	e-visa
Croatia	visa free
Cuba	visa required
Cyprus	visa free
Czechia	visa free
Denmark	visa free
Djibouti	e-visa
Dominica	visa free (180 days)
Dominican Republic	visa free
Ecuador	visa free (90 days)
Egypt	visa on arrival
El Salvador	visa free (90 days)
Equatorial Guinea	e-visa
Eritrea	visa required
Estonia	visa free
Eswatini	visa free (30 days)
Ethiopia	visa on arrival
Fiji	visa free (120 days)
Finland	visa free
France	visa free
Gabon	visa free (30 days)
Gambia	visa free (90 days)
Georgia	visa free (360 days)
Germany	visa free
Ghana	visa on arrival
Greece	visa free
Grenada	visa free (90 days)
Guatemala	visa free (90 days)
Guinea	e-visa
Guinea-Bissau	visa on arrival
Guyana	visa free (90 days)
Haiti	visa free (90 days)
Honduras	visa free (90 days)
Hong Kong	visa free (90 days)
Hungary	visa free
Iceland	visa free
India	e-visa
Indonesia	visa on arrival
Iran, Islamic Republic of	e-visa
Iraq	visa on arrival
Ireland	visa free
Israel	visa free (90 days)
Italy	visa free
Jamaica	visa free (90 days)
Japan	visa free (90 days)
Jordan	visa on arrival
Kazakhstan	visa free (30 days)
Kenya	e-visa
Kiribati	visa free (90 days)
Kuwait	visa on arrival
Kyrgyzstan	visa free (60 days)
Lao People's Democratic Republic	visa on arrival
Latvia	visa free
Lebanon	visa on arrival
Lesotho	visa free (14 days)
Liberia	visa required
Libya	visa required
Liechtenstein	visa free
Lithuania	visa free
Luxembourg	visa free
Macao	visa free (90 days)
Madagascar	visa on arrival
Malawi	visa on arrival
Malaysia	visa free (90 days)
Maldives	visa on arrival
Mali	visa required
Malta	visa free
Marshall Islands	visa free (90 days)
Mauritania	visa on arrival
Mauritius	visa free (90 days)
Mexico	visa free (180 days)
Micronesia, Federated States of	visa free (90 days)
Moldova, Republic of	visa free (90 days)
Monaco	visa free
Mongolia	visa free (30 days)
Montenegro	visa free (90 days)
Morocco	visa free (90 days)
Mozambique	visa free (30 days)
Myanmar	e-visa
Namibia	visa free (90 days)
Nauru	visa required
Nepal	visa on arrival
Netherlands	visa free
New Zealand	e-visa
Nicaragua	visa free (90 days)
Niger	visa required
Nigeria	e-visa
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of	visa required
North Macedonia	visa free (90 days)
Norway	visa free
Oman	visa on arrival
Pakistan	e-visa
Palau	visa free (90 days)
Palestine, State of	visa free
Panama	visa free (90 days)
Papua New Guinea	e-visa
Paraguay	visa free (90 days)
Peru	visa free (90 days)
Philippines	visa free (30 days)
Poland	visa free
Portugal	visa free
Qatar	visa on arrival
Romania	visa free
Russian Federation	e-visa
Rwanda	visa on arrival
Saint Kitts and Nevis	visa free (90 days)
Saint Lucia	visa free (90 days)
Samoa	visa free (90 days)
San Marino	visa free
Sao Tome and Principe	visa free (15 days)
Saudi Arabia	visa on arrival
Senegal	visa free (90 days)
Serbia	visa free (90 days)
Seychelles	visa free (90 days)
Sierra Leone	visa on arrival
Singapore	visa free (90 days)
Slovakia	visa free
Slovenia	visa free
Solomon Islands	visa free (90 days)
Somalia	visa on arrival
South Africa	visa free (90 days)
Korea, Republic of	visa free (90 days)
South Sudan	e-visa
Sri Lanka	e-visa
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	visa free (90 days)
Sudan	visa required
Suriname	visa required
Sweden	visa free
Switzerland	visa free
Syrian Arab Republic	visa required
Taiwan, Province of China	visa free (90 days)
Tajikistan	visa free (30 days)
Tanzania, United Republic of	visa on arrival
Thailand	visa free (30 days)
Timor-Leste	visa free (90 days)
Togo	visa on arrival
Tonga	visa free (90 days)
Trinidad and Tobago	visa free (90 days)
Tunisia	visa free (90 days)
Turkmenistan	visa required
Tuvalu	visa free (90 days)
Turkey	visa free (90 days)
Uganda	e-visa
Ukraine	visa free (90 days)
United Arab Emirates	visa free (90 days)
United Kingdom	visa free (180 days)
United States	e-visa
Uruguay	visa free (90 days)
Uzbekistan	visa free (30 days)
Vanuatu	visa free (90 days)
Holy See (Vatican City State)	visa free
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of	visa free (90 days)
Viet Nam	visa free (45 days)
Yemen	visa required
Zambia	visa free (90 days)
Zimbabwe	visa on arrival

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.

Spanish Passport Requirements

Applying for a Spanish passport requires following steps and fulfilling specific requirements. Before starting the application process, ensure you meet the Spanish 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 a Spanish 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
• That this right is not limited by the Ministry of Interior due to states of alarm, exception, and siege

To start the process:

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.

Submit your Spanish 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.

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.

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 Spanish Passport is €30. This fee must be paid at the time of the passport application.

Collect your Spanish 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 Spanish passport application process and enjoy the many benefits of being a Spanish national.

How To Get a Spanish Spanish Passport

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 legal residency in Spain.

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

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.

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.

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.

By Residency

This is, without doubt, the most common naturalization procedure foreign nationals use. This route requires that the applicant is a resident in Spain 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.

For Sephardic Jews

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.

To become a Spanish citizen, you’ll also have to take a Spanish citizenship test proving that you have knowledge of the Spanish constitution, as well as the Spanish culture and history. Having a clean criminal record is also necessary.

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.

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 Spanish 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.

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

• You must have been a resident of Spain 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

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.

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 find yourself in Spain and it’s time to renew your passport, head over to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your local Garda station for the task. But if you’re abroad, in some other country, you’ll need to find and visit a Spanish embassy or consulate.

Waiting time

It generally takes about a month to renew your Spanish passport, so don’t leave it until the last minute, especially if you’ve travel plans on the horizon. Start by popping into a Spanish 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.

You’ll need your current passport and a valid Spanish D.N.I., that’s your national identity card. Also, bring along three passport photos (size 3 x 4 cm). They should be fresh, not older than six months, and follow the usual passport photo guidelines. That means a clear, full-frontal view of your face against a white backdrop. Keep your eyes visible – if you wear glasses, make sure there’s no glare hiding your eyes.

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 countries in Europe, 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 travel and 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.

Talk to a Global Citizen Solutions Specialist

Interested in getting a second passport? Talk to one of our professional team members at Global Citizen Solutions. As a boutique investor immigration firm, we have a 100 percent success rate in citizenship by investment applications.

We offer a service tailored to your specific needs and requirements. Our team of experts will work diligently from start to finish, ensuring a successful application. Professionalism and integrity are at the core of everything we do.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Spanish Passport

What are the benefits of having a Spanish passport?

The benefits of having a Spanish passport are numerous:

• Visa-free travel to 174 countries,
• The right to live, work, and study in Spain and other EU countries
• The entire family is eligible to move, get permanent residency, and eventually get a passport

How long does it take to get a Spanish passport?

It takes ten years to get Spanish citizenship through residence, or two years for if you’re from a Latin American country or a former Spanish colony.

How to renew a Spanish passport in the USA?

To renew your Spanish passport in the USA, you need to follow these steps:

• Schedule an appointment with the Spanish Consulate that has jurisdiction over your area of residence. You can typically book an appointment online or by phone
• Gather the required documents, including your current Spanish passport, Spanish ID card (DNI), and two recent passport-size photos with a white background
• Attend your appointment and submit the required documents, pay the application fee, and have your biometric data (digital photo and fingerprints) taken
• Once your application is approved, you will be notified when your new passport is ready for collection at the Spanish Consulate.

How to get a Spanish passport by descent?

If you have Spanish ancestry, you can apply for a Spanish citizenship by descent and a Spanish passport by following these steps:

• Obtain proof of your Spanish heritage, such as a birth certificate or other official documents showing your parent’s or grandparent’s Spanish nationality
• Gather any additional required documents, such as your current passport, proof of residency, and a clean criminal record
• Schedule an appointment with your local Spanish consulate or the civil registry in Spain if you reside there
• Attend your appointment, submit your documents, and pay the application fee
• Upon approval, you will be granted Spanish citizenship, allowing you to apply for a Spanish passport

Can a US citizen get a Spanish passport?

A US citizen can get a Spanish passport only if they obtain Spanish nationality first. This can be achieved through naturalization, marriage to a Spanish citizen, or by proving Spanish descent. Once Spanish citizenship is acquired, the individual can apply for a Spanish passport.

Does Spain allow dual citizenship?

Spain allows dual citizenship for individuals 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 maintain their original nationality while obtaining Spanish citizenship.

How hard is it to get a Spanish passport?

The difficulty of obtaining a Spanish passport depends on your circumstances and eligibility. Generally, the process requires meeting specific criteria such as residency, language proficiency, and a clean criminal record. The process can be more straightforward for individuals with Spanish ancestry or those married to a Spanish citizen as you can apply for citizenship after one year of marriage and joint residency.

Can I get a Spanish passport without living in Spain?

In most cases, you need to live in Spain for a certain period to obtain Spanish citizenship and, subsequently, a Spanish passport. However, if you have Spanish ancestry, you might be eligible for citizenship by descent without living in Spain.

Can a US citizen get a Spanish passport?

Yes, a US citizen can get a Spanish passport provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

How long is a Spanish passport valid for?

In general, the passport will have a non-extendable validity of:

• Two years when the applicant has not reached five years of age.
• Five years if the holder is under thirty on the date of issue.
• Ten years when the holder has reached the age of thirty.

Is the Spanish passport stronger than the USA one?

The Spanish passport is one of the strongest passports in the world and currently ranks 3rd place on the Guide Passport Index. It allows visa-free access to 190 countries. The US passport comes in the 4th place, allowing visa-free access to 186 destinations.