From time to time, the experts at Elma Capital receive inquiries from individuals interested in acquiring Spanish citizenship through a so-called two-stage process: first obtaining a Latin American passport, and then applying for Spanish citizenship. Although we do not provide professional services in Latin America or Spain, we consider it important to clarify this matter and put an end to misleading claims and speculation.
It is well known among immigration professionals that the standard naturalization period in Spain is 10 years of legal residence. However, citizens of Latin American countries (where Spanish is an official language) benefit from a reduced naturalization period of just 2 years of legal residence in Spain. This exception has led to numerous fraudulent offers and scam websites promoting “fast passport” programs in Latin America with the promise of automatic access to Spanish citizenship after two years.
Key Clarification
No legitimate fast-track passport programs exist in Latin America (with the exception of citizenship by investment in Argentina and El Salvador, but neither of these grants any special privilege in Spain).
The 2-year reduced naturalization rule in Spain applies only to native-born citizens of Latin American countries. If you were born in the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, etc., and then move to Spain — you may apply for Spanish citizenship after two years of legal residence.
But if you acquire citizenship of a Latin American country through naturalization or marriage, Spain does not grant you the 2-year privilege. You will be treated like any other foreigner — meaning 10 years of residence are required before applying for Spanish citizenship.
Therefore, if your ultimate goal is Spain or the European Union, it is more effective to apply directly for residence in an EU country rather than wasting time and money on misleading “two-step passport” offers.
Additional Explanation
Some companies promoting second passports from Latin America falsely advertise them as a shortcut to Spanish citizenship. They claim that becoming a citizen of Argentina, Paraguay, or the Dominican Republic will allow fast naturalization in Spain. While it is true that Spain offers preferential treatment to Ibero-Americans, the privilege is strictly limited to birth right citizens, not naturalized citizens.
Therefore:
- A native-born Argentinian, Uruguayan, or Paraguayan may apply for Spanish citizenship after two years of legal residence in Spain.
- A naturalized citizen of those same countries must reside in Spain for 10 years, like all other foreigners.
If your goal is simply better travel options, then a Latin American passport may be useful for visa-free access — but it will not make your immigration to Spain any easier.
Questions & Answers
Q: What if a Nicaraguan citizen marries a Spanish citizen? How long does it take to obtain a Spanish passport while residing in Spain?
A: The required residence period depends on several factors. Foreigners without ties to Spain must reside for 10 years. Former nationals of Portugal, the Philippines, or Latin American countries may apply after 2 years. Persons married to a Spanish citizen, born in Spain, or children of Spanish-born parents may apply after 1 year.
Q: As a Filipino citizen, I heard we only need 2 years of legal residence in Spain to apply for citizenship. Is this true?
A: Yes. Due to historical ties, Filipino citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after two years of residence, along with nationals of Portugal, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, and all Ibero-American countries.
Q: I have both Filipino and American passports and will marry a European citizen in Spain. I gained my Filipino citizenship later in life through restoration. Am I still eligible for the 2-year rule?
A: Yes. You appear to be considered a natural-born Filipino, which makes you eligible for the 2-year naturalization rule. However, Spain does not recognize dual citizenship with the United States, so you may be required to renounce your U.S. citizenship when naturalized in Spain. Would you be willing to do so?
Q: I will soon become a naturalized Mexican citizen. Would that allow me to apply for Spanish citizenship after two years?
A: No. The two-year rule only applies to Mexicans by birth. Naturalized Mexicans must reside in Spain 10 years before they can apply for citizenship.
Q: I am a U.S.-born citizen with parents from El Salvador. If I obtain Salvadoran citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis), would I be considered eligible under the two-year rule?
A: Yes — as long as you legally obtain Salvadoran citizenship, you may qualify for the 2-year residence rule in Spain. However, note that you must first reside legally in Spain for two years; you cannot apply directly from the U.S. or El Salvador.
Q: I am from Spain. If I marry someone with American and Bosnian citizenship, can he apply for Spanish citizenship? Will he be allowed to keep his passports?
A: Foreigners (except citizens of Latin American countries by birth) must reside in Spain for 10 years before applying. If granted, he will be required to renounce both American and Bosnian citizenship, as Spain only recognizes dual citizenship with Latin American countries. He may still live in Spain with temporary or permanent residence permits without applying for citizenship.
Citizenship in Latin America – Residency Requirements
| Country |
Minimum Years of Residence Required for Naturalization |
| Argentina |
2 years |
| Brazil |
4 years |
| Chile |
5 years |
| Colombia |
5 years |
| Costa Rica |
5 years |
| Guatemala |
2 years |
| Dominican Republic |
5 years |
| Ecuador |
2 years |
| El Salvador |
5 years |
| Mexico |
5 years |
| Paraguay |
3 years |
| Peru |
5 years |
| Uruguay |
5 years |
| Venezuela |
5 years |
The shortest naturalization period is available in Argentina, Guatemala, and Ecuador, which allow citizenship applications after only two years of residency (Table for reference only.)
Important Notice
Elma Capital does not provide legal services in Latin America (except for citizenship by investment programs in Argentina and El Salvador). However, we assist international clients with other citizenship programs (Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, Vanuatu, Türkiye, Sierra Leone, etc.). If you need legal assistance, please contact us today.
When sending us an email, please indicate your citizenship, country of residence, and age of each family member to be included in the application. This is necessary to provide an accurate quote of fees and expenses for your case.