Acquisition of citizenship by a child in Spain: rules for foreigners in 2025

Having a child in Spain does not automatically grant citizenship. It is important for foreign parents to know the rules of Spanish law, the procedure for obtaining residency, and how to apply for citizenship after one year of legal residence. Learn about the key steps and tips to ensure that your child obtains Spanish and Ukrainian citizenship legally

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The issue of citizenship for children born in Spain is one of the most important for foreigners living in this country. Many parents mistakenly believe that being born in Spain automatically entitles them to a Spanish passport, as is the case in some countries. However, Spanish law has its own peculiarities and clearly defines who can be recognized as a citizen by origin and who must go through the naturalization process.

In fact, there is a simplified procedure for children of foreigners to obtain citizenship, but it requires several important steps to be followed: from registering residence after birth to living in the country for a specified period of time. At the same time, parents should remember about the procedures related to registering their child as a citizen of Ukraine if they plan to retain Ukrainian citizenship for their child.

In this article, we will look at the rules that apply in Spain, what needs to be done after the birth of a child, and what the process of acquiring Spanish citizenship looks like step by step.

Who is considered Spanish by origin?

According to Article 11 of the Constitution and the Civil Code of Spain, the following are considered Spanish by origin:

- children born in Spain, if at least one of their parents was also born in Spain;

- children of Spanish citizens, regardless of their place of birth.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship by a child of foreigners

There is a simplified procedure for children of foreigners born in Spain. They can apply for citizenship after one year of legal and continuous residence in the country.

Mandatory conditions:

- at least one of the parents must be legally resident in Spain;

- after the child is born, a residence permit is issued for them;

- only after one year of legal residence can an application for citizenship be submitted.

Important: this procedure is not automatic. You must first obtain residency and then initiate the process of obtaining citizenship.

👉 If you have difficulties with documents or procedures, Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you prepare the necessary applications, check the accuracy of translations, apostilles, and accompanying documents. Consulting with a specialist will help you avoid rejection due to formal errors and significantly reduce the time it takes to process your case.

Stages of the procedure

1. Birth of a child and registration with the Spanish Civil Registry (Registro Civil).

Parents receive a birth certificate (Certificación de Nacimiento) and Libro de Familia.

2. Obtaining a residence permit.

The child must obtain a NIE (foreign identification number) and residence. To do this, the following documents must be submitted: birth certificate, parents' documents, and the child's passport.

3. Residence in Spain for one year.

Residence must be legal, continuous, and confirmed by relevant documents.

4. Submission of an application for citizenship.

This can be done at any time after one year of legal residence. There are no age restrictions, but the child must remain in legal immigration status.

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Registration of a child as a citizen of Ukraine

Being born in Spain does not deprive a child of the right to Ukrainian citizenship. To obtain it, you need to:

1. Obtain a Libro de Familia and a birth certificate from the Registro Civil.

2. Have the certificate apostilled by the Spanish Ministry of Justice.

3. Have it translated into Ukrainian by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).

4. Submit the documents to the Ukrainian consulate or embassy to register the child as a Ukrainian citizen.

Important: Re-registration of birth at the Ukrainian embassy is not possible. The Spanish certificate, certified with an apostille and translated into Ukrainian, is an official document in Ukraine.

👉 Visit Ukraine specialists also provide advice on dual citizenship and help you correctly prepare documents for Ukrainian consular offices. With the assistance of lawyers, you will be confident in the legality of all actions and save time that is usually spent on bureaucratic procedures.

We remind you! Obtaining a visa without returning to Ukraine is possible, but certain conditions must be met. We will explain all the nuances, requirements for obtaining a visa, and types of visas for Ukrainian citizens abroad. Read how to apply and obtain a visa in a third country without unnecessary difficulties in our previous article.

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