Very important citizen of spain: Spain Profile – Important Facts, People and History
Top 15 most famous Spanish people
There have been many influential and illustrious Spaniards throughout history. Take a look at the list of our top 15 most Famous Spanish People.
Famous Spanish People alive today have made our top 15, along with other prominent painters, politicians, writers and poets from days gone by.
15. Diego Velázquez
Diego Velázquez was one of the most distinguished Spanish painters from the Spanish Golden Age (El Siglo de Oro) of Art & Literature (approximately 1556 – 1659).
This worldwide famous Spanish painter was born in Andalucía in 1599 and died in 1660.
He painted many historically and culturally significant scenes and portraits of the Spanish royal family.
Las Meninas is considered his masterpiece and can be seen in Madrid’s El Museo del Prado.
14. Francisco Goya
Francisco Goya was greatly influenced by Velázquez.
He was born near Zaragoza in 1746 and died in 1828 and is one of the most significant artists of the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Goya was mainly a portrait artist and painted many portraits of the Spanish royal family and aristocracy.
13. Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso was born in 1981 and is a famous Formula 1 racing driver worldwide, being the most famous Spanish driver.
He is from Oviedo in Asturias in northern Spain. As a Renault driver, he won the Formula 1 world championship in both 2005 and 2006.
More recently he has also won the Le Mans 24 hours race and the Daytona 24 hours race.
Fernando Alonso came back to Formula 1 in 2021 as an Alpine driver.
12. Federico García Lorca
Federico García Lorca was a Spanish poet, born in Andalucía in 1898.
He published many volumes of poetry including Impresiones y paisajes (1918) and Romancero Gitano (1928).
Federico García Lorca explored love and tragedy and was influenced by Gypsy culture, Flamenco, and Spanish folklore.
This Spanish poet was arrested and executed in 1936 by Franco’s soldiers for his political views and homosexuality.
11. Julio Iglesias
Julio Iglesias is now 76 years old and still one of the most famous Spanish people in the world.
This Spanish singer was born in Madrid in 1943.
Julio Iglesias is one of the most successful European singers ever, with sales of more than 300 million records, has won Grammys, and is a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
10. Paco Rabanne
Paco Rabanne is a fashion designer from the País Vasco in northern Spain.
He is now 86 and known all around the world for his perfumes and fashion designs.
Paco Rabanne originally studied architecture before moving into a career in fashion which began with him making jewelry for Givenchy and Dior.
His real name is Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo.
9. Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola is considered one of the best football managers ever.
He was born in Barcelona in 1971. He began playing as a midfielder for Barcelona and played 47 times for the Spanish national team.
Guardiola went on to manage Barcelona in 2008 and currently manages Manchester City.
This Spanish coach has had a huge influence on Spanish football.
8. El Cid
El Cid lived from 1045 to 1099 and was a Spanish knight.
His real name was Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar and he was born near Burgos.
The title El Cid comes from the Arabic word Al-Sayyid, which means Master or Lord.
El Cid is a Spanish national hero who fought for Spain under the reign of Alfonso VII against the Arab conquistadors.
7. Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal was born in 1986 and has won 19 Tennis Grand Slam singles titles, the second-most in history (Roger Federer has won 20).
Nadal was born in Mallorca and has won the Roland-Garros French Open a record 12 times along with 4 US Opens, 2 Wimbledons, and 1 Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal is by far the most famous tennis player in Spain.
6.
Antoni Gaudí
Antoni Gaudí was a Spanish architect born in Barcelona in 1852.
Many of his famous buildings can be seen in Barcelona such as Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and of course La Basílica de la Sagrada Familia.
Gaudí died in 1926 while still working on La Sagrada Familia and the building remains unfinished to this day.
5. Antonio Banderas
Antonio Banderas was born in Málaga in 1960 and is a Spanish actor known all around the world for his Hollywood movies that include Desperado, Interview with a vampire, Evita, and The Mask of Zorro.
His real name is José Antonio Domínguez Bandera and is now also a producer and director.
4. Francisco Franco
Francisco Franco ruled Spain between 1939 and 1975.
He was born in Galicia in 1892 and died in 1975 aged 82.
Franco rose to power after the Nationalist military rebellion overthrew Spain’s democratic republic after the Spanish Civil War and governed Spain as a conservative and monarchist general and dictator.
3. Miguel De Cervantes
Miguel De Cervantes wrote the hugely famous novel Don Quijote which is the most translated book in the world after the Bible.
He was born in 1547 near Madrid and died in 1616.
Don Quijote is thought of as the world’s first-ever ‘novel’ and considered the most influential of all Spanish literature.
2. Salvador Dalí
Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali was born in Cataluña in 1904 and died in 1989.
He is undoubtedly one of the most famous Spanish people in history.
Dalí was a painter, sculptor, writer, filmmaker, and photography, but is best known for his imaginative paintings such as The Persistence of Memory.
1. Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso makes the number one spot in our list of most famous Spanish people.
Who hasn’t heard of Picasso?!
This Spanish painter is one of the most influential artists ever and pioneered the avant-garde Cubism movement.
Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881 and died in France where he spent most of his life in 1973.
He is best known for his paintings but was also a sculptor, poet, playwright, print-maker, and ceramicist.
Famous Picassos include Guernica and Girl before a mirror.
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Top 15 Famous Spanish people
Spain in-depth: practical information
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Famous Spanish People
Spain has been one of the most influential countries of modern history. For 120 years, Spain was the largest empire on earth, spanning from the Americas to the Philippines.
Over the centuries there have been many famous Spanish people: kings and queens, actors, generals, artists, etc. that have helped build the world as we know it today.
If you are interested in Spanish culture we believe this article on what is Spain famous for will also be of interest for you.
Here is our list of the top 15 famous Spanish people. We have included some more current figures and some more historic, but all have left their mark on the world, in one way or another. We hope you enjoy our list of the most famous Spaniards.
Table of Contents
Famous Spanish People in Sports
Spanish soccer / David de Gea
Instead of mentioning just one player we think it appropriate to highlight Spanish soccer as a whole. Spain is a hotbed of soccer talent, producing some of the best players to ever lace up a pair of cleats. From Raúl,- Real Madrid– to Guardiola to Iniesta (FC Barcelona) there are almost too many players to mention.
The Spanish national team has long been considered one of the strongest national teams in Europe. In European competition, Spain has claimed gold 3 times and has one world cup back in 2010. They also boast a silver medal in the Olympics.
But one of the best and more current players Spain has is David de Gea, current goalkeeper for Manchester United and the Spanish National team.
David de Gea Quintana started off his career with Atlético de Madrid and became one of the top goalies in European soccer. In 2011 de Gea signed a record breaking deal with Man U and went on to dominate the Premier League. He is the only Manchester United player to win three consecutive Sir Matt Busby player of the year awards, and was one of the key players in Manchester United’s FA Cup victory in 2016.
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol is a Spanish Basketball player born in Sant Boi de Llobregat, outside of Barcelona. Pau is the most successful Spanish export in the NBA.
Gasol started his career on FC Barcelona’s Basketball team. He burst onto the scene as an 18 year old during his second season playing on a pro level. FC Barcelpona would go on to win the copa del Rey and the Liga ACB and Gasol was named MVP of both tournaments, attracting a lot of attention from NBA scouts.
In 2001 Pau was drafted nº3 overall by the Atlanta Hawks, but was inmediatly traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. As a member of the Grizzlies he was named NBA rookie of the year in 2002 and became an NBA all star in 2005. The 7-footer would then go on to play for the LA Lakers and, alongside the late-great Kobe Bryant, wining 2 NBA titles in 2009 and 2010. He would also be named to the All Star team 3 more times during his stint with the Lakers and twice more as a Chicago Bull.
But Pau’s is beloved in Spain for his contributions to the Spanish National team. Pau is the team’s all time leading scorer and rebounder and has led the team to numerous medals in international competition including a gold medal in the 2006 Basketball World Cup and a silver medal in the 2012 Olympics in London.
You can find more information about Spain´s best basketball players in this post.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal was born in Manacor, in the Balearic Islands in 1986. He was born into a family of athletes: one of his two uncles, Miguel Angel Nadal, played soccer professionally for FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca. His other uncle, Toni Nadal, played tennis professionally and was who mentored Rafa when he was starting out in the sport.
Rafel Nadal is constantly in the conversation for the best tennis players EVER. Rafael “Rafa” Nadal Parera has won 19 Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal, making him only the second player to earn the Career Golden Slam, at only 24 years old! Rafa is particularly dominant on clay courts, but has won Grand Slam titles on grass and hard court as well.
Rafa is a great source of pride for Spaniards as he has always proven to be a great ambassador for the country and the sport of tennis world wide.
Rafa has founded several youth tennis schools and has helped children across the globe through his charity the Rafa Nadal Foundation.
Famous Spanish People in Cinema
Penelope Cruz
The Spanish cinema industry has always produced some very influential movies, actors, directors, etc. outside of hollywood. From Luis Buñuel, to Almodovar, to Antonio Banderas, Spaniards have a long and fruitful relationship with the “big screen”. Many of the famous movies that take place in Spain have been very important holywood productions.
Spain also hosts some of the most important international film festivals. In particular, the San Sebastián Film Festival and the Sitges Film Festival are two of the most famous and prestigious.
Perhaps the most famous Spaniard in the movie business right now is Penelope Cruz. The Spanish actress has starred in dozens of Spanish and Hollywood Films, often preferring difficult roles and complex characters.
Penélope Cruz’s first feature film was the 1992 film “Jamon, Jamon”, co-starring her now husband, Javier Bardem.
Cruz has been nominated for the Golden Globes for her roles in “Nine” and “Volver” and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
Pedro Almodóvar
Pedro Almodóvar Caballero is a Spanish filmmaker, director, screenwriter and producer. He is well known for his particular directorial style characterized by his casting of only certain actors and creative personnel and his use of complex narratives, pop culture, melodrama, irreverent humor, and highly stylized esthetics.
Almodóvar gained fame during the Movida Madrileña, a sort of cultural revolution that followed the end of Francoist Spain.
Almodóvar reached international fame after the realese of his 1988 comedy-drama “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown”, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
He would gain even more notoriety after his 1999 film All About My Mother and his 2002 film Talk to Her both earned him the Oscars for Best Original Screenplay.
Almodóvar is one of the most internationally successful Spanish filmmakers, and he has developed a fervent cult following over the years. In total, he has won two Academy Awards, five British Academy Film Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, four prizes at the Cannes Film Festival, six European Film Awards, and nine Goya Awards.
Famous Spanish Artists
Salvador Dali
Salvador Dali is easily one of the most famous painters, and all around characters, of the modern era.
Dali, born on the Catalonian coast in the beautiful village of Cadaques, is famous for his surrealist style and bizarre imagery. Dali came up at the Real Academia de las Bellas Artes in Madrid where he became a proficient technical painter. It was later on when he was introduced to the works of Miro, when he began delving into surrealism.
It was this clash that defined his style where Dali would take traditional painting styles and archetypes and distort them to create his own avant-garde style. Dali was also a sculptor, a filmmaker, and photographer. Some of his most important works can be found at the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid.
Pablo Picasso
Picasso was born in Málaga, Andalucía. Like Dalí, Picasso began as a very technical artist. Once he was able to establish his own style, he became one of the most influential (if not THE most) artist of the 20th century.
He is the creator of Cubisim, three-dimensional constructed sculpture and collage. Picasso’s inquisitive nature led him to explore different art movements and techniques over his long career. The influence of these different movements on Picasso are evident as they created very unique phases in his career such as the Blue Period, Rose Period, African influenced Period, and Cubism. His most famous paiting, El Guernica, is exposed at the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid.
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Julio Iglesias
Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva is perhaps the most famous and successful singer and composer to ever come out of Spain. He was born in Madrid in 1943 and took no time to jump to international stardom.
In his youth, Julio Iglesias actually pursued a career in sports. He played goaltender for Real Madrid’s farm team and was even called up to play professionally. But before he had time to make a name for himself on the pitch, Juli suffered a devastating car accident that put an end to his athletic career. The car accident would leave him semi-paralyzed for over a year and he wondered if he would ever be able to walk again. It was in this time that one of his nurses would gift him a guitar and a young Julio Iglesias would start to learn how to play and write songs.
Iglesias burst on to the music scene after finishing 4th in the 1970 Eurovision music competition. He had already released his first CD and had some local success in Spain, but it was the Eurovision competition which gave him international recognition.
By 1983, at the age of 40, he was recognized as the artist who had sold the most amount of albums in the widest range of languages in the world. In 2013 he became the bestselling Hispanic artist ever and the most successful European artist to date. He has sold over 300 million Cd’s which puts him in the top ten for most albums ever sold by an artist.
Julio Iglesias has put out 80 albums in 14 different languages which have earned 2600 gold and platinum records and is the highest-selling musical artist in the history of Spain.
Diego Velazquez
Another painter on the list. Diego Velazquez is the great master of the Baroque period, and one of the most famous portrait artists in history. Born in Seville, Andalucía, Velazquez became the court painter for King Philip IV, and only produced about 120 canvases in his lifetime. Velazquez was tremendously influential but Edouard Manet was particularly affected by the works of the spanish painter, who he described as “the painter of painters.
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You will be able to enjoy some of the most interesting paitings from Velazquez (including Las Meninas) at the Prado Museum in Madrid.
Antoni Gaudí
Antoni Gaudí i Cornet, born in 1852, was a Spanish architect known as the greatest Catalán Modernist. Gaudí’s style is very particular to him and can be defined as sui generis. Most of his most important works can be found in Barcelona, including his uber-famous magnum opus, the church of the Sagrada Família.
Gaudí’s work reflect his three great passions: architecture, nature, and religion and every detail is thought out and chosen with intention from the ceramics to the glasswork, all the way down to the ironwork and carpentry. He also pioneered new techniques such as trencadís which repurposed broken ceramic pieces which would discarded otherwise.
Gaudí was part of the Modernist movement, which reached the height of it’s popularity in Spain in the late 19th and early 20th century.
His work, however, transcended the movement resulting in his afore mentioned unique style. His organic style developed among other reasons because he rarely drew detailed plans of his works, and preferred creating three-dimensional scale models and molding the details as they came up.
Seven of Gaudi’s creations have been declared world heritage sitesby UNESCO and the Sagrada Familia, which still has not been completed, is the most visited monument in all of Spain.
Miguel de Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes is the author behind the classic tale of Don Quixote. This masterpiece is considered to be the first modern novel, and it has influenced the culture over 400 years. From music, to film to, obviously, literature Don Quixote is perhaps the most influential book of the modern era. The image of and old Don Quixote in his weak horse moving towards the old wind mills of Spain is universal.
A survey among current influential authors was done to determine which was the best book of fiction ever written, and Don Quixote won overwhelmingly, by over 50 percent.
Today, The Institute Cervantes brings the study of Spanish language and culture all over the world.
Famous Spanish Chefs
Arzak
Juan María Arzak Arratibel is one Spains greatest chef. He is one of the most famous and successful chefs in the world. He was born in San Sebastián in 1942. He leaned to love cooking from his mother, who notoriously didn’t want her son to become a chef.
He was sent to study at Alfonso XII school in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, to become a mecanic. He soon changed gears and went to study at the “Escuela Superior de Gastronomía de Madrid”, Madrid’s top culinary school at the time. his grandfathe had opened a restaurant in 1897, and he wanted to continue the gastronomic traditions of his family.
Before heading off to run the kitchens at Arzak, the young Basque chef took some time to travel the world and study different cuisines from around the world. He worked at Sandersens in Paris, Girarder in Switzerland y was mentored by Paul Bocuse, from whom he learnt how to navigate the restaurant business, Arzak however, would take that knowledge and would create his own concept: cooking a an art form.
When he finally returned to San Sebastián, he had a clear visión of what he wanted to achieve with the restaurant: re-imagine Basque cuisine, staying true to its roots.
The restaurant slowly gained fame and notoriety, offering avant-guarde yet accessible cuisine. Arzak would end up earning 3 Michelin stars and it is considered the best restaurant in Spain.
Arzak, who is now 78, has passed the torch to his equally talented daughter Elena, who currently runs the restaurant.
Ferran Adrià (El Bulli)
Ferran Adrià Acosta is one of the most creative and influencial chefs living today and the mastermind behind one of the greatest restuarants in the world: El Bulli.
Adrià was born on the 14th of May of 1962 in Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona. He revolutionized the culinary world and marked a new era in the industry. Times magazine named Adrià one of the 10 most innovative figures in the world in 2004.
The restaurant that launched Adrià into superstardom was el Bulli, that closed its doors in 2011. El Bulli was considered be the best restaurant in the world by all the main industry publications and the only restaurant to recieve the S. Pellegrino award 4 years straight, the only restaurant to ever achieve said feat.
Since the closing of his flagship restaurant, Adrià has dedicated his life to educating future chefs and to investigating and developing new culinary techniques. El Bulli still operates, but as an investigation center and as a very exclusive culinary school where the best of the best upcomming chefs go to perfect their skills and learn from the worlds top chefs.
Famous Spanish Historical Figures
Hernán Cortes
Hernán Cortes was the military leader of the colonization of the Americas and, notoriously, responsible for the downfall of the Aztec Empire. Cortes was born in Spain but moved to Cuba to seek his fortune, and came to serve under the governor.
Once he had made a name for himself he was commissioned to lead an expedition into Mexico. At the last minute however, the mission was cancelled, but Cortes in an act of defiance rallied his armies and set off to conquer the Yucatan peninsula and the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan.
Queen Isabel I – Isabella
Queen Isabel I of Castile, wife of Ferdinand II of Aragon, was the leading force behind the reconquering of Spain back from the moors. Between Isabel and Ferdinand they were able to reconquer and unify Spain. They were also the monarchs that funded Christopher Columbus’s 1492 expedition to the new world, resulting in the discovery of the America’s. Isabel laid the groundwork for Spain to become the most powerful empire on the planet for over 100 years.
Spain has given the world immensely talented painters, writers, athletes, and leaders. These amazing individuals have influenced billions of people through power, sport, and culture
More in-depth posts
6 ways to obtain a Spanish passport
To obtain Spanish citizenship, you will need to live in the country for 10 years.
Naturalization takes place in two stages: first, a foreigner receives a temporary residence permit, or residence permit, and then a permanent residence permit.
The law provides opportunities to simplify and speed up the procedure. We will tell you the fastest way to get a Spanish passport.
Method No. 1
Citizenship of Spain after obtaining a residence permit for investment
It will not be possible to immediately obtain a passport for investment: a cosmopolitan first receives a temporary, and then a permanent residence permit. After ten years, you can apply for a Spanish passport.
This method is suitable for wealthy people who want to move to Spain or travel around the European Union without a visa with the whole family.
First stage: residence permit. In Spain, you can get a residence permit in exchange for investment – a “golden visa”. An investor invests money in the country’s economy, confirms the reliability and compliance with the conditions of the program, and in return receives a status according to a simplified procedure.
How to get a Spanish Golden Visa for the purchase of real estate
The Spanish Golden Visa program offers several investment options to choose from:
- buy residential, commercial real estate or land in the amount of 500,000 €;
- purchase government bonds in the amount of €2,000,000 or more;
- invest in assets of Spanish companies from €1,000,000;
- open a deposit in a Spanish bank in the amount of 1,000,000 or more.
The most popular purchase of real estate. Although all options for obtaining a residence permit in Spain involve a return on investment over time, buying a home is the most traditional way to save money.
A residence permit is issued for a year, then extended twice for 2 years. To confirm the status, you need to live in the country 7 days a year. After 5 years, the property can be sold and the investment returned.
1
is valid for the year
residence
2
in a year
The first extension of the residence permit
3
after 3 years
The second extension of the residence permit
4
after 5 years
can be sold housing and return investments
To maintain status and further progress towards citizenship, you can buy or rent other housing.
There are no legal requirements for its value.
It is not necessary to obtain Spanish citizenship – you can continue to live in a country with a residence permit status.
Residence permit can be obtained for investing from 500,000 € in Spanish real estate
Second stage: permanent residence. After 5 years, the investor can obtain a permanent residence permit. This status gives practically the same rights as citizenship. You can live in Spain without restrictions, work, do business, get an education. You can also stay in other EU countries for up to 90 days without registration or obtain a permanent residence permit in a simplified manner.
The main requirement for obtaining permanent residence is to live permanently in Spain for 5 years before applying for this status. Additionally, you will need medical insurance, proof of financial security, documents on the ownership of real estate or a lease agreement. When issuing a permit, law-abidingness and the degree of integration into Spanish society are taken into account.
Permanent residence status can be maintained for life. It must be renewed every 5 years.
Third stage: citizenship. 5 years after receiving permanent residence, you can apply for Spanish citizenship. You will need to live continuously in the country for 10 years, be integrated into society and know Spanish.
All family members can be included in the application. If the investor complied with the conditions for the entire time after obtaining a residence permit, the government will approve the application.
Pros and cons of Spanish citizenship by investment
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast registration of a residence permit: within 2 or 3 months. The right to live in the country for an unlimited time The entire family of the applicant can immediately obtain a residence permit Easy conditions for obtaining a residence permit, no exams and tests banks All investment options are returnable. After 5 years with permanent residence status, you can legally work and do business in Spain work first 5 years Property must be owned for at least 5 years First citizenship must be renounced – Spain does not allow dual citizenship. Citizens of France, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and a number of Latin American countries fall under the exceptions |
No additional contributions need to be madeHow to get to the USA and the European Union without visas with a Russian passport?
None. But with a residence permit and second citizenship – without visas and problems.
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Method No. 2
Spanish citizenship by naturalization
Naturalization consists of the same steps as the golden visa investor route. To obtain citizenship, you will first need to obtain a residence permit and permanent residence. The whole process takes at least 10 years.
The main difference is more stringent requirements: for example, integration into society.
The naturalization path is associated with many inconveniences:
- during the entire period, you must constantly confirm the specific purpose of your stay in Spain, for example, work or study;
- Second spouse and children will need separate permits;
There are a lot of people who want to get a residence permit in Spain, so the government determines the annual quota. The process can take much longer than 10 years.
Foreigners can acquire Spanish citizenship through naturalization. You will need to legally reside in the country for more than 10 years
Method no. 3
Spanish citizenship through family reunification
The path to family reunification begins with a Spanish residence permit. This means that family members – for example, the spouse of a Spanish citizen, her or his parents, their common children – can receive a residence permit in a special manner without a quota.
Documents to confirm kinship may be different. For example, the applicant’s husband or wife will need a marriage registration certificate: official or civil. Elderly parents need to prove their financial dependence on the applicant, for example, with money transfer receipts for 12 months.
In the future, family members may apply for citizenship. Usually – after 10 years of continuous life in the country. For children and spouses of a Spanish citizen, this period is shorter – up to 1 year.
Method No. 4
Spanish nationality by origin or choice
Spain has a “law of blood”. This means that a child is considered to be of Spanish origin if:
- at least one of the parents has Spanish citizenship;
- one of the parents was born in Spain;
90,023 children are adopted by a Spanish citizen.
Adult foreigners can also acquire Spanish citizenship if they meet these conditions. This option is called citizenship by choice.
Only in rare cases does the “law of the soil” apply. For example, if a child was born in a country and his parents are unknown.
Method No. 5
Spanish citizenship through marriage
Upon marriage, citizenship can be obtained after a year of living together in Spain. It is important to be in the country legally – on the basis of a visa or residence permit.
This rule applies to widows and widowers if the spouses were living together at the time of death.
Citizenship can be obtained in a year if you live permanently in the country.
Method No. 6
Spanish citizenship based on guardianship
A Spanish passport can be obtained by a person who is under the guardianship of Spanish citizens or institutions. To obtain the status, you will need to continuously live in the country for a year instead of the standard 10 years.
Main requirement: guardianship must last 2 years prior to application.
The benefits of Spanish citizenship
All methods give the same rights and obligations – exactly the same as for all Spanish citizens.
The country is a member of the European Union, so the Spanish passport is also a pan-European one. This opens up new opportunities for cosmopolitans and lovers of Spain:
- a comfortable life in an economically developed, stable country of the European Union. Spain ranks second in the list of the best European countries for retirement;
- the ability to move to any EU country for permanent residence;
- study at the best European universities;
- the right to conduct business or work in prestigious European companies. Spain is among the top five countries for foreign specialists;
- quality medicine;
- loans at favorable interest;
- possibility of tax optimization;
- keeping funds in reliable European banks;
- travel across Europe without visas;
- purchase and registration of transport and real estate in your name.
Individual calculation of the cost of a residence permit in Spain
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The easiest way to obtain Spanish citizenship
Universal ways – citizenship through naturalization or by investment.
A Spanish passport can be obtained by a person who has permanently lived in the country for 10 years and complies with its laws. Investments make the procedure comfortable and almost eliminate the risk of being rejected. The remaining methods are private in nature and are suitable only in certain circumstances.
Immigrant Invest lawyers will help you figure out if Spanish citizenship is right for you and tell you about alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do foreigners choose Spain for immigration?
Spain has a warm climate, stable economy, high income and security, quality education and medicine. These are the main reasons why immigrants choose Spain to live in. Every foreigner also has personal motives. In the article “History of immigration to Spain: why choose the country of bullfighting?” our clients told us what benefits they received when they obtained a residence permit in Spain.
How to get citizenship in Spain?
Spanish citizenship can be obtained by naturalization and origin, upon family reunification and marriage, as well as under the state residence permit program for investment.
It is important that Spain does not recognize second citizenship. Therefore, in order to obtain a Spanish passport, a foreign citizen renounces the passport of his country. Naturalization. Any foreigner can apply, but the state does not guarantee citizenship. The process takes at least 10 years – first, a foreigner receives a D visa, then the status of a residence permit and permanent residence, and then can apply for citizenship. At the same time, it is necessary to fulfill the requirements for living in the country, pass exams for knowledge of the language and history. Family reunion. Citizenship can be obtained by close relatives of those who live in Spain:
- Spouse or spouse of a citizen of the country.
- Children of a citizen of Spain.
- Children of foreign pensioners who have been living in the country with the status of a residence permit or permanent residence for at least 5 years.
Origin. Children who were born in Spain receive citizenship if:
- One of the parents was born in the country or has Spanish citizenship.
- Parents live at least 1 year in the territory of the state and have the status of a residence permit.
Marriage with a Spanish citizen. If one of the spouses has Spanish citizenship, then the second is entitled to apply for a passport after 1 year of cohabitation. This year, the spouse must live in a country with a residence permit status or have a valid visa. Guardianship. If the guardian or adoptive parent is a Spanish citizen or a guardian organization, after 2 years the child is granted citizenship. Residence permit for investment. In Spain, there is a state investment program for residence permit Golden Residence Permit Program. A foreigner invests in the country’s economy and receives a temporary residence permit. Subject to the conditions of the program, after 5 years he issues a permanent residence permit, and then after another 5 years he applies for citizenship. The minimum investment amount is 500,000 €. Registration takes about 2 months.
What are the benefits of Spanish citizenship?
With Spanish citizenship you get all the rights of an EU citizen.
A Spanish passport is an opportunity to travel freely around the world and visit more than 159 countries of the world, including the Schengen states. With a Spanish passport, you can live, work and study in any EU country. Citizenship is issued indefinitely. They can deprive citizenship for false information about themselves that a foreigner provides to the migration service. And also if a citizen enters military service or applies for a political position in another country. In addition, citizenship can be revoked for serious crimes.
How is Spanish citizenship obtained for participants of the residence permit investment program?
The path to Spanish citizenship begins with participation in the Golden Residence Permit Program for investment. In two months, the investor receives the status of a residence permit. To do this, he needs to choose one of the investment options. The most popular way to invest is buying property in Spain. The minimum cost of the object is 500,000 €.
A residence permit, and later citizenship, together with an investor, can be obtained by members of his family. The second stage on the way to Spanish citizenship is obtaining a permanent residence permit. You can get permanent residence after 5 years of living in the country. A prerequisite is not to leave Spain for more than 183 days a year. At the same time, it is necessary to show interest in integrating into the local society, to learn and improve the Spanish language, and to pay taxes. With the status of permanent residence, the right to work in local companies appears. After another 5 years, a total of 10 years from the date of issue of the first residence permit card, the whole family can apply for Spanish citizenship. If all the conditions for maintaining residence permit statuses are met, the local authorities will satisfy the application without any problems. It is important to remember that Spain does not recognize a second citizenship, so the first one will have to be abandoned.
What are the benefits for those who obtain Spanish citizenship through a residence permit for investment?
The main advantages in obtaining Spanish citizenship, which a participant of the residence permit investment program receives, are quick consideration and a high probability of approval of the application compared to naturalization. The Spanish authorities promise to issue a residence permit, and then citizenship, if the investor complies with all the conditions of the Golden Residence Permit Program. The investor needs to maintain the status of a residence permit for 10 years, then he receives the citizenship of the country.
Residence permit in Spain
Author: ABC of Spain
Residence permit in Spain is a document that entitles a foreign person to temporary/permanent residence in a state of which he is not a citizen. A residence permit may be with or without the right to work.
To stay in Spain for more than 90 days, foreign citizens must first obtain a residence permit.
There are two types of Spanish residence permit:
- temporary residence permit in Spain (issued for 1 year, 2 years, 5 years) ;
- permanent residence permit (or the so-called permanent residence is issued for 5 years, for 10 years)
Attention! Clarifications on the subject of a residence permit and the visa type D obtained on its basis and / or student / volunteer card for study / practice / internship / volunteering in Spain .
On the basis of permission for study / practice / internship / volunteer activity in Spain (not to be confused with scientific research), a type D visa and / or card is issued. The validity of these documents coincides with the duration of the training course / internship / volunteer activity and can be extended if necessary. It is very important to understand that under Spanish law, being in Spain with such documents is IS temporary residence (estancia) , and IS NOT temporary residence (residencia) , which should be taken into account when applying for a long-term residence permit-EU or Spanish citizenship.
Those. time spent in Spain on a student card or the so-called. student residence does not count towards obtaining long-term residence or for applying for citizenship in Spain. The status of a student card is a VISA, not a residence permit (RESIDENCE).
Temporary residence permit in Spain
A temporary residence permit is a document that allows a foreigner to reside in Spain for more than ninety days, but less than five years. This residence permit includes the following categories:
Residence permit in Spain without the right to receive income
To obtain this residence permit, you must provide certain financial guarantees and fulfill a number of requirements. When a foreign citizen receives a notification of a positive decision on his application, he must apply for a type D visa at the Spanish consulate, according to which he enters the country and further issues a resident card.
The validity of the first temporary residence permit in Spain is one year.
Further it can be extended for 2 years.
Residence permit in Spain for family members of EU citizens
This residence permit can be issued directly on the territory of Spain or after obtaining a visa for family reunification under the EU regime at the Consulate of Spain. Important! The first residence permit for family members of EU citizens is issued immediately for 5 years, but it is still TEMPORARY and loses its functional effect if a foreigner stays outside Spain for more than 6 months!
Residence permit on the basis of family reunification under the general regime
This residence permit is issued after obtaining a special permit by a foreign resident who plans to start the reunification process. After a positive response, a foreign citizen with whom reunification is planned receives a family reunification visa at a consular office in Spain, and a resident card is issued in the kingdom.
The validity period of the card will be equal to the validity period of the residence permit of the resident with whom the reunification took place.
Residence permit in Spain to work without a contract
To obtain this residence permit, one of the important points is the provision by the interested person of the business project of the company to be opened or the proposed activity in Spain, indicating the intended investment, income and, in certain cases, the number of jobs created. You will also need documents confirming that the applicant has the funds that will be sufficient to open the project, or the obligation to provide funds from financial or other organizations. With a positive decision, a long-term visa is issued, and then in Spain – a resident card.
Residence permit in Spain for work related to traveling abroad
This residence permit can be issued by employees of companies whose branches / representative offices are legally located in Spain, and who need to go on a long-term business trip to Spain.
Residence permit in Spain for contract work
To obtain this residence permit, the Spanish employer must obtain a special permit from the competent authorities of Spain. Further, the foreigner issues a work visa type D for further entry into the kingdom and request a resident card. Attention! Some long-term Spanish work visas may be issued for 6 or 9 months. In this case, a work permit is first requested and then a visa is issued for the entire duration of the stay. Here you do not need to issue a resident card.
Residence permit in Spain with exemption from the need to obtain a work permit
This residence permit can be issued by the following categories of citizens: specialists and scientists; management or teaching staff; foreign media correspondents; cultural figures; members of representative, governmental and administrative trade union bodies and commercial organizations; ministers of a religious cult; minors of working age under the care of competent organizations for the protection of the rights of the child; members of international scientific organizations; representatives of civil and military authorities; teachers, professionals, researchers and scientists.
Attention! For all foreign citizens wishing to obtain this residence permit, it is necessary to have supporting documents from the relevant Spanish authorities (each specific institution that is involved in the process).
Residence permit in Spain for highly skilled workers holding an EU blue card
To obtain this residence permit, a residence permit for highly qualified workers is required, issued by the employing organization in the competent authorities of Spain.
Residence permit in Spain for scientific research
To obtain this residence permit, you will need to provide a copy of the work and residence permit in Spain.
Residence permit under law 14/2013
This residence permit can be issued by: owners of real estate in Spain worth 500,000 euros or more; shareholders of Spanish companies; holders of Spanish government bonds; holders of large bank deposits in Spain; entrepreneurs who have a positive opinion of the Trade and Economic Department of the Spanish Embassy at the place of application, highly qualified specialists and scientists.
Attention! Property owners in this case can first (but this is not necessary) apply for a special long-term visa (golden visa to Spain), and, then, you can already apply for a residence permit for two years. This residence permit is extended for 5 years.
Residence permit in Spain for exceptional reasons
This residence permit is issued directly on the territory of Spain after the foreigner receives a special permit. In some cases, the request may be issued at consular offices. Basically, this residence permit is received by: victims of violence, refugees, foreigners receiving political asylum; illegally residing foreigners who have certain grounds for requesting this document (for example, arraigo social, arraigo laboral, arraigo familiar).
Permanent residence permit in Spain (permanent residence in Spain)
A permanent residence permit is issued for a period of 5 years or more and gives the right to live and work throughout Spain (in some situations – and beyond).
Residence permit in Spain of this category is divided into:
Permanent residence permit in Spain for family members of EU citizens
This residence permit is issued to foreign family members of an EU citizen after living in Spain for 5 years. The resident card in this case has a validity period of 10 years.
Long-term residence permit in Spain
Issued to foreign citizens who are not citizens of the EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland, as well as family members of citizens of one of the above countries, but legally permanently residing in Spain for 5 years. The resident card in this case is issued for 5 years and gives the right to work in Spain.
EU long-term residence permit
Issued to foreign citizens who are not citizens of the EU countries, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, as well as family members of citizens of one of the above countries, but legally permanently residing in Spain for 5 years (2 years if they already have an EU blue card ).