Obtaining the resolution that grants you Spanish nationality is only the first step. For the nationality to be effective, you must perform the oath or promise of nationality — the formal act by which you swear loyalty to the King and obedience to the Constitution. If you live outside Spain, here we explain how to carry out this procedure from abroad.
What is the oath of Spanish nationality?
It is the solemn act by which the person who has obtained Spanish nationality swears or promises loyalty to the King of Spain and obedience to the Constitution and the laws. Without this act, the resolution granting nationality does not take effect: legally, you are not Spanish until you take the oath and it is registered in the Civil Registry.
All persons who have obtained Spanish nationality by continuous legal residence, marriage or de facto partnership with a Spaniard, by being Sephardic of Spanish origin, or by letter of nature must take the oath of nationality.
How to take the oath of Spanish nationality from abroad?
If at the time of receiving the resolution you no longer reside in Spain, you have two options:
- Before the Spanish consulate in your country: The nearest Spanish consulate to your address acts as the Civil Registry officer and can administer the oath. You must request an appointment in advance, which may take weeks or months depending on the country.
- Before a Spanish notary via videoconference: Law 11/2023 on notarial digitalization has opened the possibility of carrying out certain acts before a Spanish notary via video call. Consult with our team if the oath of nationality can be processed this way in your specific case, as it depends on the administrative resolution and the corresponding Civil Registry.
Required documents for the oath
- Resolution or letter granting Spanish nationality (issued by the Ministry of Justice or the Central Civil Registry)
- Passport or identity document from the country of origin in force
- Literal birth certificate apostilled from the country of origin
- Certificate of registration (if processed in Spain)
- Additional documentation according to the type of granting (e.g., marriage certificate if nationality was granted by marriage)
What is the deadline to take the oath?
The deadline is 180 calendar days from the notification of the resolution granting nationality. If you do not take the oath within that period, the resolution expires, and you would have to start the nationality application process again.
It is essential not to wait until the last minute, especially if you live in a country where consular appointments are difficult to obtain. Contact the consulate or our team as soon as you receive the resolution.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
The resolution expires and loses its validity. You would have to apply for Spanish nationality again, which means restarting the entire process (new application, new documentation, new resolution timelines, which currently take several years). Therefore, it is essential to manage the oath quickly.
What steps follow after the oath?
- Registration in the Civil Registry: The oath is registered in the Civil Registry, at which point Spanish nationality becomes fully effective.
- Obtaining the Spanish ID card: With the registration, you can apply for your National Identity Document at any Spanish police station or consulate.
- Application for the Spanish passport: With the ID card, you can apply for the Spanish passport.
- Update of the municipal register: If you reside in Spain, update your registration in the municipal register with your new status as a national.
If you have doubts about your specific situation or need guidance to take the oath of nationality from your country, contact us at Notary Online and we will advise you.