How to Get a Spanish Passport: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026

The Spanish passport is consistently ranked among the most powerful in the world — granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries. But before you can hold it, you need to become a Spanish national. This guide walks you through exactly how to get your Spanish passport in 2026, step by step.

Who Can Get a Spanish Passport?

You can apply for a Spanish passport if you are a Spanish citizen. There are several routes to citizenship:

• By residence — 10 years standard, but 2 years for Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, and others; 1 year for spouses and the born-in-Spain
• By descent — through Spanish parents or grandparents
• By marriage — after 1 year of marriage to a Spanish citizen
• By Democratic Memory Law — for descendants of exiles

For the full breakdown of every route, see our complete Spanish Citizenship guide.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Spanish Passport

Step 1: Obtain Your Certificate of Spanish Nationality

Before the passport, you need proof you are Spanish. This is usually your DNI (national ID) or a Certificado de Nacionalidad. If you became a citizen by residence, you’ll have your DNI after taking the oath at the Civil Registry.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

• Valid DNI (for adults) or certificate of nationality
• One passport photo (white background, specific size)
• Completed application form

Step 3: Book an Appointment

Passports are issued by the Policía Nacional (DGP). Book an appointment online at the police passport office covering your address. In busy periods, appointments may be several weeks out — book early.

Step 4: Attend and Pay

Attend in person at the passport office, submit your documents, and pay the fee (about €30). The officer verifies your identity and takes your fingerprints.

Step 5: Collect Your Passport

Processing takes 2–4 weeks in most cases. Some offices issue it the same day. You’ll be notified to collect it in person.

What Makes the Spanish Passport So Valuable?

The Spanish passport gives you:

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries, including the UK, USA, Japan, and the EU
• Free movement and residence rights across the entire European Union
• The right to live and work in any EU/EEA country

Discover the full range of advantages in our guide to Spanish passport benefits, and understand what changes vs residence in our passport vs residency comparison.

Spanish Passport vs EU Citizens’ Documents

Once you hold a Spanish passport you are an EU citizen, and can travel and reside freely within the Schengen Area and the wider EU. US, UK and other third-country nationals holding Spanish citizenship get the best of both worlds — powerful national passports plus EU rights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for the passport before nationality is registered — the DNI/certificate must be in hand first
• Missing the DNI renewal — your DNI must be valid to apply
• Wrong photo specifications — many applications are delayed on this
• Not booking the police appointment early

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Spanish passport?

Once you are a Spanish citizen, the passport itself takes about 2-4 weeks (sometimes same-day). The harder part is getting citizenship first, which takes 1-10 years of residence depending on your route.

How many countries can I visit with a Spanish passport?

The Spanish passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries, consistently ranking in the global top 3 (Henley Passport Index).

Can I get a Spanish passport without living in Spain?

You must first become a Spanish citizen. Citizenship by residence requires living in Spain, but citizenship by descent can be applied for from abroad. Once a citizen, you can apply for the passport at any Spanish consulate.

What documents do I need to renew my Spanish passport?

A valid DNI, one passport photo, the application form, and the fee (about €30). Book an appointment at your local Policía Nacional passport office.

Is the Spanish passport worth getting if I have another strong passport?

Yes — it adds EU freedom of movement, residence and work rights across 27 countries, plus consular protection worldwide, regardless of your other nationalities.

Can I hold both a Spanish and US passport?

Yes. Spain allows dual nationality with Ibero-American countries (including some arrangements) and does not force renunciation in most cases. See our dual citizenship guide for the details.

Ready to start your citizenship journey? Book a free consultation with Elena Mochales and find out which route to Spanish nationality fits you best.