Spanish nationality by Sephardic origin

Law 12/2015 (finalized in October 2019)

Spanish law 12/2015 allowed descendants of Sephardim to apply for citizenship. According to the Spanish Ministry of Justice, more than 120,000 people have applied for citizenship through this means. The law's term of validity ended on October 1, 2019, although all those who had started their application are allowed to complete the process. Therefore, if you started the process before this date, you will be able to complete it.

01

Normative

Law 12/2015, on granting nationality to Sephardic Jews originating in Spain. The law makes it possible for descendants of Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 to acquire Spanish nationality, without the need for them to renounce their previous nationality and without requiring residence in Spain.

This law was created with the aim of redressing a historic debt owed to the Jews expelled from Spain.

Allows you to maintain dual nationality.

02

Requirements

1. Prove the status of Sephardic Jew originally from Spain
2. Prove the special connection with Spain
3. Spanish Knowledge Test (CCSE)
4. DELE language test in the case of citizens of non-Spanish speaking countries.

03

Procedure

1. Electronic submission of the application
2. Compilation and submission of the necessary documentation to the platform
3. Selection of notary
4. Sign in Spain before a notary presenting the original documentation
5. Granting of nationality notified by the corresponding consulate
6. Oath or promise
7. Obtaining a Spanish passport

Most frequently asked questions

Please see below some of the most frequently asked questions about the process of obtaining Spanish nationality based on Sephardic origin, Law 12/2015.
  • Under Law 12/2015 on Spanish nationality due to Sephardic origin, do I have to renounce my current nationality?

    No, Article 23, paragraph b) of the Spanish Civil Code establishes that Sephardim originally from Spain are exempt from renouncing their previous nationality.

  • What is the validity period of birth certificates and criminal record certificates?

    According to Instruction 29/September/2015 DGRN On the application of Law 12/2015. I.7. the validity period is the one stated in the document itself.

  • What happens if I have renewed my passport after starting the process?

    We recommend keeping both passports until the entire process is complete. Both passports must be brought on the day of signing before the notary.

  • Is the FCJE certificate mandatory?

    The Law does not indicate that such a certificate is mandatory, but it does indicate that it is of special relevance.

  • Does the applicant have to sign before a notary in Spain or can he/she grant a power of attorney for another person to sign on his/her behalf?

    Those over 14 years of age must come to sign with their parents or one of the parents with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney from the other party, translated if necessary. Minors under 14 must not travel to sign; both parents or one of them with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney representing the other party and translated if necessary must do so.

  • Until when can you sign before a notary in Spain?

    Due to the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline has been extended to make it easier for applicants to sign before a notary. Currently, it is possible to travel to Spain for the signing with authorization from the consulate. Please consult us for restrictions and requirements for traveling from your country.

  • Is it possible that I will be denied Spanish nationality?

    Obtaining Spanish nationality in this way is configured as a right, so, if you have signed with the FCJE certificate, have passed the CCSE exam, have no criminal record and provide the rest of the necessary documentation, with the notary certifying that all the documentation is correct, Spanish nationality will be granted.

  • Do minors have to sign the notarial act?

    Those over 14 years of age must come to sign with their parents or one of the parents with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney from the other party, translated if necessary. Minors under 14 must not travel to sign; both parents or one of them with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney representing the other party and translated if necessary must do so.

How COVID-19 is affecting the Sephardic nationality process
The state of alert declared by the Government due to the COVID-19 pandemic has meant a delay in the naturalization process for Sephardic origin since, on the one hand, the institutions are paralyzed and global mobility has been affected, preventing applicants from going to Spain to sign before a notary.
The deadline for signing before a notary has been set for 1 September 2021, and may be extended to make it easier for these people to complete their process.
The Spanish passport is the second most powerful in the world
according to the PASSPORT INDEX 2020

Advantages of obtaining Spanish nationality

  1. Right to reside and work in any country of the European Union, extendable to spouses and dependent children.
  2. Take undergraduate or postgraduate courses at European universities, at the rate for EU citizens.
  3. Visa-free entry to countries that do not require a visa for Spaniards. 165 countries without the need to apply for a visa or additional documents.
  4. Right to public health care, if you do not have medical coverage in your country of habitual residence.
  5. Protection in Spanish Consulates in other countries.
  6. Access to certain competitive examinations such as national police, civil guard or army.
  7. Access to public places for nationals, as in the case of the MIR.
  8. Right to participate in General Elections.