Residence for Children of Spaniards by Origin in 2025: Complete Guide to Obtain the 5-Year Card in Spain

Monday, August 25, 2025

Learn how to obtain residence in Spain in 2025 as the child of a Spanish national by origin. Requirements, advantages, and steps explained by Visal Immigration Lawyers.

The new residence permit for children of Spaniards by origin has generated enormous interest among thousands of foreigners who wish to live and work in Spain. Since the entry into force of the new Immigration Regulation on May 20, 2025, this pathway has become one of the most advantageous and straightforward options for foreigners with Spanish roots.

In the past, children of Spaniards by origin could only apply for a residence permit through the so-called “arraigo familiar” (family roots) procedure, which required being already in Spain and filing the application locally. Now, everything has changed: applicants can request a visa directly at the Spanish Consulate in their country of residence and enter Spain as legal residents with a 5-year card that grants immediate work authorization.

In this comprehensive guide, prepared by Visal Immigration Lawyers, immigration lawyers in Spain, we will explain step by step how this residence works, its advantages, the challenges we are detecting at certain consulates, and the legal situation of family members. We will also answer the most frequent questions and provide practical advice so you can avoid mistakes that might delay your file.

If you are considering applying for this residence permit or are already facing difficulties with your application, you can book a consultation with our immigration lawyers here:

reserve your consultation here or contact us directly on WhatsApp at 618 702 253.

What is the residence for children of Spaniards by origin?

It is a residence authorization that grants a five-year residence card to children of Spanish nationals by origin, allowing them to live and work legally in Spain under the same conditions as any other resident.

The main novelty compared to the previous regulation is the creation of a specific visa that can be requested at Spanish consulates abroad. This means applicants no longer need to be in Spain in an irregular situation to apply — they can arrive directly as legal residents.

This legal change provides greater stability, transparency, and security for those wishing to settle in Spain.

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Who qualifies as a child of a Spaniard by origin?

To benefit from this residence permit, you must prove that one of your parents is a Spaniard by origin.

Spanish nationals by origin include, among others:

Those born to a Spanish father or mother.
Those who acquired Spanish nationality of origin under the Historical Memory Law or the current Democratic Memory Law.

For example, if your father or mother obtained Spanish nationality through these laws, you can now apply for this residence as their child.

It is important to highlight that the Spanish parent does not need to live in Spain or hold a Spanish ID (DNI) or passport. The proof of nationality is provided through the Spanish birth certificate, even if the parent never lived in Spain or is deceased.

Main advantages of this residence permit

This residence card is one of the most beneficial options currently available under Spanish immigration law:

Five-year initial card, unlike other permits which are granted for one or two years.
Immediate right to work in Spain, both as an employee or self-employed.
No requirement to prove financial means or work contract when applying.
Does not depend on living together with the Spanish parent.
Can be processed abroad through a visa, avoiding irregular stays.

This makes it one of the most stable and straightforward ways to start a new life in Spain.

Challenges at Spanish consulates

Despite the law being clear, in practice we have seen certain consulates create obstacles that are not legally required, especially in places like Cuba.

Some of the unjustified requirements we have encountered include:

Requiring the Spanish parent to accompany the applicant to the consulate.
Demanding that the Spanish parent must reside in Spain.
Insisting that the Spanish parent must hold a DNI, when nationality is proven with the Spanish birth certificate.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we have already reported these cases, as they go beyond what the regulation requires. Fortunately, consulates are gradually adapting and processing applications more consistently.

If you have been asked for extra documentation that does not apply to your case, we recommend booking a consultation so we can assist you: reserve your consultation here

What about spouses and children of the applicant?

This is one of the most common concerns. The residence permit for children of Spaniards by origin is personal and individual. It is granted only to the applicant, not to their spouse or children.

That means family members cannot move to Spain under this visa at the same time. The solution is the family reunification procedure, which can be initiated after the main applicant has resided legally in Spain for at least one year.

To bring your family through reunification, you must prove:

Adequate housing.
Stable and sufficient economic means.
In many cases, a work contract or self-employment income.

Until then, family members could explore other permits (e.g., study visas), but in general they must wait for the reunification procedure.

Basic documentation required

Although requirements can slightly vary depending on the consulate, the standard documents include:

Applicant’s birth certificate.
Spanish parent’s birth certificate issued by the Spanish Civil Registry.
Proof of family relationship (family book or certificates).
Visa application form.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
Valid passport.

Unlike other permits, applicants do not usually need to show proof of income or health insurance, since the basis is the family link to a Spaniard by origin.

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Step-by-step procedure

Visa application at the Spanish Consulate.
The applicant submits the required documents and undergoes the interview.
Visa approval and entry into Spain.
Once granted, the applicant may travel directly to Spain as a legal resident.
Issuance of the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card).
In Spain, the applicant must book an appointment at the police station to obtain the physical card, valid for five years.

Practical advice from immigration lawyers

Double-check all civil registry documents: inconsistencies in birth certificates are one of the main causes of delays.
Do not provide documents that the law does not require just because a consulate asks for them — get legal advice first.
Plan ahead for family reunification: you will need a housing contract and proof of stable income.
Book your TIE appointment in Spain as soon as possible, since waiting times vary widely between cities.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we have helped many families successfully process this residence. If you want our team to handle your case, you can reserve your consultation here

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if my Spanish parent is deceased?
Yes. What matters is that your parent was a Spaniard by origin. The Spanish birth certificate is sufficient proof, regardless of whether your parent is alive.

Does my Spanish parent need a DNI or passport?
No. The key document is the Spanish birth certificate. A DNI or passport is not required to prove nationality.

Can I bring my spouse and children immediately?
No. Only you will be granted the initial residence. After one year in Spain, you may begin the family reunification process, provided you meet the housing and financial requirements.

What if the consulate asks for additional documents not required by law?
This happens in some countries. It is important to get legal advice before complying. Our lawyers can prepare written responses or appeals to prevent unlawful rejections.

How long does the whole process take?
On average, consulates resolve the visa in around three months. Once in Spain, the TIE is typically issued within 30 to 45 days after your police appointment.

Conclusion and next steps

The residence permit for children of Spaniards by origin is one of the most favorable immigration pathways in 2025. It provides a 5-year card, immediate work rights, and a secure legal status. The main limitation is that family members must wait for reunification, but overall it is a fast and stable way to start a life in Spain.

If you want to make sure your application is successful, at Visal Immigration Lawyers we are ready to help you. You can book a reserve your consultation here or send us your questions directly by WhatsApp at 618 702 253. Our team of immigration lawyers will review your case and guide you step by step.