SPANISH NATIONALITY LAW 12/2015

Spanish nationality by Sephardic origin

Law 12/2015 (finalized in October 2019)

Spanish law 12/2015 allowed descendants of Sephardim to apply for nationality. According to the Spanish Ministry of Justice, more than 120,000 people have applied for nationality in this way. The period of validity of the law ended on October 1, 2019, although it is allowed to finalize the process to all those who had initiated their application. Therefore, if you started the process before this date, you can finish it.

01

Regulations

Law 12/2015, on the granting of nationality to Sephardim originating in Spain.
The norm makes it possible for the descendants of the Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 to acquire Spanish nationality, without the need for them to renounce their previous nationality and without the requirement of residence in Spain.
This law was born with the objective of amending a historical debt with the Jews expelled from Spain.
Allows you to maintain dual nationality.

02

Requirements

1. Prove the condition of Sephardic originating in Spain
2. Prove the special link with Spain
3. Test of Knowledge of Spain (CCSE)
4. DELE language test in the case of citizens of non-Spanish speaking countries.

03

Process

1. Online submission of the application
2. Collection and contribution of the necessary documentation on the platform
3. Selection of notary
4. Signature in Spain before a notary, presenting the original documentation
5. Concession of nationality notified by the corresponding consulate
6. Swear or promise
7. Obtaining a Spanish passport

Frequently asked questions

See below some of the most common questions about the process of Spanish nationality by Sephardic origin Law 12/2015.
  • With Law 12/2015 on Spanish nationality by Sephardic origin, do I have to renounce my current nationality?

    No, article 23 paragraph b) of the Spanish Civil Code establishes that Sephardim originating in Spain are safe from renouncing their previous nationality.

  • What is the validity period for the birth certificate and criminal record certificate?

    According to Instruction 29 / September / 2015 DGRN On application of Law 12/2015. I.7. the term of validity is the one that appears 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 finished, on the day of the signature before a notary, both passports must be brought.

  • Is the FCJE certificate mandatory?

    The Law does not indicate that said certificate is mandatory, but it does indicate that it has special relevance.

  • Does the applicant have to sign before a notary in Spain or can they grant a power of attorney for another to sign on their behalf?

    Those over 14 years old have to come and sign together with their parents or one of the parents with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney from the other, translated if necessary. Children under 14 should not travel to sign, their two parents will do so or one of them with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney representing the other party and translated where appropriate.

  • Until when can Spain be signed before a notary?

    Due to the exceptional circumstances of a COVD-19 pandemic, the term was extended to make it easier for applicants to sign before a notary public. Currently, it is possible to travel to Spain for the signature with authorization from the consulate. Consult us the restrictions and requirements to travel from your country.

  • Is it possible for me to be denied Spanish nationality?

    Obtaining Spanish nationality by this means is configured as a right, so, in the case of having signed with the FCJE certificate, having passed the CCSE exam, lacking a criminal record and providing the rest of the necessary documentation, giving the notary attests that all documentation is correct, Spanish nationality will be granted.

  • Do minors have to sign the notarial deed?

    Those over 14 years old have to come and sign together with their parents or one of the parents with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney from the other, translated if necessary. Children under 14 should not travel to sign, their two parents will do so or one of them with a notarized and apostilled power of attorney representing the other party and translated where appropriate.

How COVId-19 is affecting the Sephardic nationality process
The state of Alert decreed by the Government due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has meant a delay in the nationalization process due to Sephardic origin since, on the one hand, the institutions are paralyzed and global mobility has been affected, preventing Applicants go to Spain for the signature before a notary.
The deadline for signing before a notary has been established on September 1, 2021, and may be extended to facilitate these people the completion of their process.
The second most powerful Spanish passport 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 in European universities, with the fee for EU citizens.
  3. Visa-free entry to countries that do not require a Spanish visa. 165 countries without the need to apply for a visa or additional documents.
  4. Right to Public Health, in case of not having medical coverage in the country of habitual residence.
  5. Protection in Spanish Consulates in other countries.
  6. Access to certain competitions to which 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.

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