Citizenship by descent · Spain
Spanish citizenship for your children
If you or your partner hold Spanish nationality, your children can be Spanish too. The procedure takes place at the Spanish Consular Civil Registry in Santiago, and registration at the consulate is free of charge.
The path depends on one key detail, whether the parent was already Spanish when the child was born or obtained the nationality later. We review your case, tell you which procedure applies and prepare the full file so you only need to attend the appointment.
Who qualifies?
These are the cases we handle most often.
- Children of a parent who was already Spanish when they were born. The birth is registered at the Consular Civil Registry.
- Children of parents who obtained Spanish nationality after the birth, for example under the Democratic Memory Law (Grandchildren's Law). It is processed through the right of option, which can be exercised until the child turns 20.
- Children aged 14 or older, who sign the declaration together with their parents.
If your children are already registered in the Spanish Civil Registry, or if neither parent is Spanish, this procedure does not apply. We will tell you honestly during the consultation.
How we manage it
Step 01
We review your case
In a free meeting we check when the Spanish parent obtained the nationality and tell you which procedure and appointment type applies.
Step 02
We build the file
We review every document, tell you what is missing and prepare the full file according to the consulate's requirements.
Step 03
You attend with everything ready
We guide you through booking the appointment and send the file to your home. If you need it, we also help with the passport.
Timelines and key facts
- Where it is processed
- At the Spanish Consular Civil Registry in Santiago. Your children do not need to travel to Spain.
- Consulate fee
- Registration at the consulate is free of charge.
- Option deadline
- If the parent obtained the nationality after the birth, the child can opt until turning 20.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Grandchildren's Law still open?
No. The deadline to apply for nationality under the Democratic Memory Law ended in October 2025. If you obtained it that way, your children can still become Spanish through the right of option, and that is the procedure we handle.
My child is already 18. Can they still become Spanish?
It depends on the case. Through the option route, the deadline runs until the child turns 20, and once of age the child makes the declaration personally. We review it in the consultation.
We got married in Chile. Does that matter?
Usually the marriage must first be registered in the Spanish Civil Registry. If it is not, we handle it as part of the procedure.
How long does it take?
It depends on your family's documents and on the consulate's appointment availability. In the consultation we give you a realistic estimate for your case.
How much does it cost?
Registration at the consulate is free. Our fee depends on how many children we register, and we share it clearly after the free consultation.
Already Spanish, but your children are not yet?
Tell us about your case and we will tell you which procedure applies. The initial consultation is free.
Review your casePrefer to talk it through directly? Book your free consultation