People with dual nationality are, at the same time, nationals of two countries, enjoying the full legal status of being a national of both States.

However, this does not mean that these people may be subject simultaneously to the laws of both countries, but, on the contrary, measures are taken to "give preference to one of the nationalities" of the person with dual nationality, so, in this way, he/she has a reference point regarding State-Citizen relations.

To achieve this, most of the dual nationality agreements take, as a point of reference, the domicile of the person and thus prevent citizens with dual nationality from being constantly subject to both laws , but only to the country in which they have their domicile established.

The granting of a passport, diplomatic protection, the exercise of civil and political rights, right to work, social security and military obligations, are some of the cases where it is applicable.

How to obtain dual citizenship?

Dual nationality is obtained by achieving Spanish status using the different modes of acquisition of nationality or without renouncing your previous nationality However, this only applies if your previous nationality is from a country that has an agreement on this regard with Spain.

Which nationalities is possible to share with Spanish?

According to the Spanish Civil Code, it is not necessary to renounce nationality for those who are natives of Latin American countries, of Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal. Ibero-American countries are considered, for this purpose, those in which Spanish or Portuguese is one of the official languages.

For the purpose of acquiring dual citizenship, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana are not considered Latin American while Puerto Rico is considered Latin American.

Links of interest

You may also be interested in the following resources. The procedures to obtain Spanish citizenship are not something simple, so receiving advice can guide you throughout the process to make it easier and less tedious. 

• Work in Spain: Visa and work permit
• Invest in Spain: Visa and investment permit
• Emprender en España: Preguntas más frecuentes
• Main Civil Registries
• List of signatory States of the Apostille Convention
• Other agreements that exempt from legalization
• List of Legalization Units in the Communities Autonomous
• List of Notary Associations of Spain
• List of the High Courts of Justice in the autonomous communities
• List of headquarters of the Bank of Spain
• List of Medical Associations of Spain
• General Council of Veterinary Colleges of Spain
• List of foreign representations, which issue C.A.P. and registration documents
• General Council of Official Medical Associations of Spain
• General Council of Veterinary Colleges of Spain
• Ministry of Employment and Social Security of Spain
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain

The process of legalization of documents can in some cases be complicated, lengthy and cumbersome for the people involved. Aware of this problem, we have enabled a telephone number (+34) 943-425-726 and an email address help@echeverriaabogados.es to answer questions. If you write an email, please include first name, last name and contact phone number.