Application Spanish Nationality by Letter of Nature: a guide

Acquiring Spanish Nationality is a crucial process for those wishing to establish permanent residency in Spain and enjoy the rights and benefits citizenship entails. One lesser-known yet equally valid avenue is applying for nationality by Letter of Nature. In this article, the Department of Immigration at Gentile Law will address the most common questions regarding this procedure. 

What is a Letter of Nature and how does it differ from other ways of obtaining Spanish nationality? 

A Letter of Nature is a special procedure granting Spanish nationality to foreigners who cannot acquire it through other means, such as legal residence in Spain for a specified period. Unlike nationality be residency or option, a Letter of Nature is discretionary and granted by the grace of the Spanish government, contingent upon exceptional circumstances. 

What benefits does Spanish nationality obtained by Letter of Nature offer? 

Spanish nationality granted by Letter of Nature provides the applicant with the same rights and benefits as those acquiring nationality through other avenues, including: 

• Possession of the third-best passport globally
• Unrestricted access to the Schengen Area
• The ability to work, study, and reside in any European Union country 
• Access to pensions and one of the best healthcare systems globally 

Who can apply for Spanish Nationality by Letter of Nature? 

Any foreign-born individual who does not meet the requirements for acquiring Spanish Nationality through other means, provided they have exceptional circumstances, may opt for this procedure. However, it is essential to note that the process of applying for nationality by Letter of Nature is subject to the discretion of the Council of Ministers, and there is no automatic right to its granting. 

What are the requirements for applying for nationality by Letter of Nature? 

The requirements for applying for Spanish nationality by Letter of Nature may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant. In general, the applicant is expected to have a significant connection with Spain, including: 

• Spanish relatives
• Notable contributions to the country 
• Being a prominent figure of Spain

Additionally, the applicant must provide their birth certificate and demonstrate good civil conduct and the absence of criminal records. 

What is the procedure for applying for nationality by Letter of Nature? 

The procedure begins with submitting the application to the Spanish Ministry of Justice, accompanied by the required documentation supporting the applicant`s petition. This documentation may include certificates of criminal records, birth certificates, proof of residence in Spain (not mandatory), a letter of motivation, and any other relevant documents supporting the application and justifying the extraordinary circumstances underlying the request. 

How long does the process of applying for nationality by Letter of Nature take? 

The processing time for the application may vary significantly, as it is subject to the discretion of the Spanish Council of Ministers. In some cases, the procedure may be completed in a few months, while in others, it may take longer, depending on the workload of the authorities and the complexity of the case. 

What are the chances of success for a nationality applicant by Letter of Nature? 

The granting of Spanish nationality by Letter of Nature is not guaranteed and largely depends on the evaluation conducted by the Spanish government regarding the suitability of the applicant. Those who can demonstrate a strong connection to Spain and significant contributions to the country will have a higher chance of success in their application. 

Background of Spanish nationalities approved by Letter of Nature

Upon analyzing the grants of Spanish nationality by Letter of Nature, it is evident that the majority were awarded to internationally recognized individuals, including Russian pianists, American basketball player, Bissau-Guinean footballers, Argentine entrepreneurs, among others. 

Conclusion 

Applying for Spanish nationality by Letter of Nature is a viable option for those unable to acquire it through other means and who have a significant connection to Spain. Although the process may be complex and subject to the discretion of the Spanish government, those who meet the requirements and submit a solid application have the opportunity to obtain Spanish citizenship and enjoy its rights and benefits. 

At Gentile Law, we have a team of professionals specializing in Immigration Law who provide individuals interested in obtaining nationality by Letter of Nature with comprehensive knowledge of the process and requirements. Our expertise ensures a safer and more expedited process, thus facilitating the path to obtaining Spanish nationality effectively.