I missed the grandchildren’s law. Is there any way back?
Not through that law: it closed to new applications on October 22, 2025. The main route left for grandchildren is to live legally in Spain for 1 year, then apply for nationality by residence.
I requested an appointment before the deadline. What now?
Your application is still processed. The consulate sends you details to book a date to hand in your documents. Bring the proof that you requested your appointment by October 22, 2025.
Can I keep my British, American or Canadian passport?
If you’re Spanish by origin through a parent, generally yes, as long as you make the declaration to keep Spanish nationality where it applies. If you get nationality by option or by residence, Spain normally asks you to give up your previous nationality, unless you’re from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal. French nationals are also exempt, under the Spain–France nationality convention in force since April 1, 2022, and so are Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin. Ask your own country’s government how it treats that.
How does the 1-year route for grandchildren work?
If you were born abroad and a parent or grandparent was originally Spanish, you need only 1 year of legal, continuous residence in Spain, immediately before applying, instead of the usual 10. You still need permission to live in Spain for that year, and you take the standard language and culture tests.
What about the Sephardic route?
The special route for descendants of Sephardic Jews closed to new applications in 2019.
Will I have to do military service?
No. Spain has had a professional army since 2001.
Living there
A Spanish passport lets you live and work in any EU country, and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.