How to Get Spanish Residency as the Child of a Spanish Citizen: The 2025 Permit You Need to Know About

Monday, May 19, 2025

Are you the child of a Spanish citizen? Discover the new 2025 residency permit that lets you live and work legally in Spain. Step-by-step guidance from immigration experts.

The new Spanish Immigration Regulation, coming into force on May 20, 2025, introduces a groundbreaking residency permit: the residency for children of Spanish citizens by origin. This new category creates a legal and accessible pathway for thousands of people of Spanish descent to live and work in Spain—legally and without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we specialize in helping individuals like you navigate the Spanish immigration system. In this article, we explain who qualifies, how the process works, what documents are needed, and why this permit is an exceptional opportunity for many.

What is the new residency permit for children of Spanish citizens?

This is a new legal residence authorization included in the updated Spanish Immigration Regulation. It grants the right to live and work in Spain—whether employed or self-employed—to individuals who are children of Spanish citizens by origin.

Unlike the previous “exceptional circumstances” residence permits, this new figure includes a specific entry visa for foreign applicants. It offers legal clarity, accessibility, and a direct path to residence without needing to be in Spain unlawfully beforehand.

The permit is valid from day one and includes the right to work. It can also serve as a stepping stone toward Spanish nationality in the future.

Who can apply?

This permit is aimed at foreign nationals who are the children of Spanish citizens by origin, regardless of where they were born. It is especially beneficial for applicants from countries where migration to Europe has traditionally been difficult, such as:

Dominican Republic
Cuba
Venezuela
Argentina
And other Latin American countries with large Spanish-descendant populations.

It is also ideal for adult children of individuals who gained Spanish nationality through the Historical Memory Law (2007) or the Democratic Memory Law (2022), but who themselves could not opt for nationality due to timing or other barriers.

What documents are required?

To qualify for this permit, the most important thing is to prove your family link to a Spanish citizen by origin. The required documentation includes:

Your full birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Spanish if needed).
Birth certificate of your Spanish parent, issued by a Spanish Civil Registry.
A valid passport.
Proof of family relationship and, if applicable, civil status.
Medical insurance coverage.
Health certificate proving you do not suffer from serious contagious diseases.

Depending on your country of origin, additional documents may be requested, particularly for proof of identity or family ties.

How does the application process work?

Unlike other permits, this one can be initiated from your country of origin. Starting May 20, 2025, applicants may request a special visa for children of Spanish citizens at the Spanish Consulate in their home country.

The steps are as follows:

Schedule an appointment at the Consulate.
Submit the completed application form with all required documents.
Wait for the visa to be approved.
Once granted, travel to Spain and complete the registration process.
Apply for the foreigner identity card (TIE) and begin living and working legally.

The initial permit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed. It also lays the foundation for acquiring permanent residence and eventually Spanish nationality.

Why is this permit such a game changer?

For many years, people with Spanish ancestry struggled to find legal pathways to settle in Spain, especially if they had not previously lived there. This permit represents a significant shift. It recognizes the historic and legal connection that children of Spanish citizens maintain and offers them a dignified route to regularize their status.

Thanks to the dedicated visa and the structured legal framework, the new permit makes it much easier to plan your relocation, meet the requirements, and enjoy a stable legal status from day one.

Main benefits of this residency permit

Immediate right to live and work in Spain.
Application can be started from abroad.
Easier family reunification options later on.
A clear path to permanent residency and nationality.
Avoids irregular entry or lengthy overstays.

What should I do if I think I’m eligible?

If your mother or father was a Spanish citizen by origin, start by gathering your birth certificate and theirs. Then, request a literal birth certificate from the Spanish Civil Registry if needed. Once you’ve verified the relationship and gathered all necessary documents, book your consular appointment.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we can help you review your eligibility, gather the documents, handle translations and legalizations, and accompany you through every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply if my parent became Spanish through the Historical or Democratic Memory Laws?
Yes. If your parent is now a Spanish citizen by origin under these laws, you may apply for the new residence permit—even if you didn’t get nationality at the time.

2. Do I have to be in Spain to start the application?
No. This permit includes a special visa you can apply for from your home country, through the Spanish Consulate.

3. Will I be allowed to work in Spain with this permit?
Yes. The permit includes both residence and full work authorization (as an employee or self-employed).

4. What if my documents are in another language?
They must be officially translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled, depending on the country of issuance.

5. Can I bring my spouse or children?
Not with the initial application, but once you're a legal resident, you can request family reunification for your partner or children under standard immigration procedures.

Need help? We’re here for you

If you believe you may qualify for this new residency option, don’t wait. At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we specialize in helping applicants with Spanish ancestry start their new life in Spain — legally, confidently, and with expert support.

Whatsapp today at +34 618 702 253 or
Visit www.visalimmigration.com to schedule your consultation.

Let us help you turn your Spanish roots into a real opportunity for your future.