A measure that has been discussed and negotiated since 2019 has become now a reality. Finally, on the 29th of March, the dual nationality agreement between Spain and France was officially published in the BOE, a measure that came into force on the 1st of April, 2022. In this article you will find all the details about this agreement, including who will be able to benefit from it and the requirements that must be met.
We have already detailed in many of our articles how in the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship, the foreigner must first renounce his original nationality in order to acquire the Spanish one.
And this is something she did during the oath of allegiance phase, at the very end of the process.
For unless this foreigner is a national of a country with an agreement with Spain in that sense, the general rule says that she cannot hold two nationalities at the same time.
These countries with an agreement are mainly Latin American countries, as they do possess historical ties with Spain.
However, there was no country in the European Union with this type of agreement signed, and now France will become the first one.
What is this dual nationality agreement about?
This agreement aims to strengthen the ties between Spain and France, making it easier for citizens of both countries to obtain citizenship.
On the one hand, all French citizens wishing to acquire Spanish nationality will not have to renounce their nationality of origin.
And, on the other hand, the same applies to Spaniards: they will not have to renounce their Spanish nationality in order to obtain French nationality.
Thus, from now on citizens from both countries will be able to hold and maintain the two nationalities simultaneously.
Who will be able to benefit from it?
One of the main upsides of this measure is that those who apply for Spanish or French nationality from now on will not be the only ones benefiting from it.
There is another group that will also be able to benefit from the measure.
Those who, prior to the publication and entry into force of this agreement, had to renounce their nationality (Spanish or French) will also be able to benefit from the dual citizenship agreement.
That is to say, those who in the past lost their original nationality will now be able to recover it by registering it again on their birth certificate. And that is thanks to his new citizenship agreement.
Requirements are still the same
This measure does not imply, however, that the requirements to obtain Spanish or French nationality become simpler for nationals of both countries.
Let us remember that, in order to apply for Spanish nationality (in this case as a French citizen), it is necessary to comply with the following:
- To have resided in Spanish territory legally and continuously for at least 10 years
- To accredit an A1 level (both oral and written) of Spanish, something that can be done by passing the DELE A2 exam
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Spanish culture and its institutions, through an exam (CCSE)
- The applicant can’t have criminal records
And, to obtain the French nationality (being Spanish):
- To reside in France continuously and legally for 5 years
- Demonstrate a minimum French language level (in this case, a B1)
- To prove the possession/receipt of a stable income during the 3 years prior to the application.
- Again, no criminal records
Remember that if you need help applying for Spanish nationality, our team of immigration lawyers is at your complete disposal.
Get in touch with our lawyers and let us guide you step by step:
