Born abroad to a Spanish parent or grandparent: the 1-year residence route (art. 22.2.f Civil Code) and why art. 20.1.b traps you if your Spanish ancestor was born outside Spain
If your father, mother, grandmother or grandfather was originally Spanish and you were born outside Spain, you can apply for Spanish nationality with just 1 year of legal residence. Complete guide to article 22.2.f of the Civil Code, how it differs from the option route of article 20.1.b, and what to do now that the Grandchildren Law has closed.
Updated 7 July 2026