Obtaining a second passport is becoming quite popular for travelers from the United States. Whether it is to have more travel options, a sense of security or even to live in another country, Americans are looking for ways to secure dual citizenship.
There are many ways to do this. A tourist can marry a citizen from that country. They can even make a donation or real estate investment to obtain a second passport. For some travelers, it may take genealogy research that links their heritage back to the other country.
However, a group of 37 million American tourists may qualify for a highly prized dual citizenship in Spain and not even know it. Let’s dig into this a bit more and see if you may fit in this group.
Are You Part of the 37 Million?
It’s amazing to imagine that 37 million Americans may have a fast-tracked path to enjoy living in Spain, or another European Union country, and not even be aware of it.
Until now.
According to the latest estimates, there are more than 37 million Americans living in the United States who identify as Mexican. In fact, it’s the largest ethnic group residing in the country.
But what’s the connection between Mexican Americans and Spanish fast-track citizenship?
For that, we go back in history to 1521. That’s when the fall of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan led to the controversial Spanish conquest of Mexico.
For 300 years, Mexico was considered New Spain until El Grito, or the cry of Mexican independence, was sounded on September 16, 1810.
The Spanish Connection
So, what does this history have to do with a fast track to Spanish citizenship?
One way to obtain citizenship in Spain is to be a resident of the country for ten years. Travelers have to apply for a residency visa, get approved for residency and then wait for the ten years to pass.
Those with heritage to Mexico, or most of the former Spanish colonies in Americas, have a unique way to fast track this process. Live in the country for only two years and apply for Spanish citizenship.
It’s a fast track to citizenship in Spain, and the rest of the European Union, simply by the connection to a former colony of Spain. That’s the connection to 1521.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa
At this point, you may be wondering how you can live in the country for two years to obtain your citizenship. Spain offers a number of visas for travelers to the country, including student visas. However, a recently popular visa is the Spanish digital nomad visa.
If you are a digital nomad, working for businesses outside of Spain remotely, this visa might just be for you.
This article is not about this particular visa. However, here is a an official link to all the details if you want to explore this option, or other options, to obtain the two years needed to apply for citizenship in Spain by IberoAmerican connections.
Ready to Get Started?
So, are you interested in the application details and maybe even ready to apply to start the process? Here’s a link to the official Spanish Nationality by Residence page with some of the general details.
Those interested in finding out more are urged to connect with legal counsel for more assistance or even reach out to one of the Embassy and Consulate of Spain locations across the United States. This article provides only entertainment information and should not be construed as proper legal advice.
Spanish Embassies and Consulates can be found in Washington D.C., Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco. Each serves a specific region of the country, so choose the one closest to you to determine if they provide services to your area.