Spanish Passport Application

The Spanish Passport and it’s Benefits

The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees the issuing of Spanish passports. The standard biometric Spanish passport has a burgundy cover, 32 pages and contains the passport holder’s photograph, an electronic chip with key personal information, their signature, and a unique passport number.

Passports issued since 2015 have added security measures and allow the holder to link emergency contact details. Foreigners in Spain who have obtained Spanish citizenship may also apply, which allows them to travel across the EU.

Spain has a highly valued passport as it allows entry to 166 countries without a visa or 186 with visa on arrival, according to the Passport Index. It gives the benefit of receiving free healthcare within the EU. The right to live, work, and study in any country within the EU, EEA, Switzerland or Spanish territory.

Types of Spanish Passports

The Spanish Passport is available in four types:

1. The Standard Passport (Pasaporte Ordinario) is a biometric passport issued to citizens for regular travel.
2. The Collective Passport (Pasaporte Colectivo) is a limited passport for those under 21 years old with a three-month validity, issued for events such as pilgrimages where a reciprocal agreement with the destination country is in place.
3. The Diplomatic Passport (Pasaporte Diplomático) is issued to government officials and diplomats.
4. Official and service passports (Pasaportes Oficiales Y De Servicio) are issued to individuals representing the government on official business.

What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Spanish Passport?

To be eligible for a Spanish passport, one must be a citizen of Spain. Foreign residents need to live in Spain for 10 years of legal residence before applying for Spanish citizenship. Although there are certain exceptions, such as through marriage or having a parent with Spanish citizenship.

It should be noted that there are instances where passport issuance may be denied in Spain, such as for national security reasons, court-ordered restrictions on leaving the country, or due to a state of alarm. When applying for a passport for a minor or incapacitated person, consent from both parents or all legal guardians must be provided.

To obtain or renew a Spanish passport, the first step is to schedule an appointment online at an official passport office. When visiting the office, it is their responsibility to should bring the following right documents and file:

• A valid Spanish ID such as a Documento Nacional De Identidad is required for a first-time passport application.
• An expired passport if applying for a renewal. If the original passport is lost or stolen, a police report or statement of loss is required.
• A recent colour photograph measuring 36 x 22 mm taken with a plain white background, high resolution, and without wearing a hat or dark glasses.
• Payment of the passport fee of €‎30, which can be done in cash (if paying on appointment) or with a bank card. However, individuals who can prove they have the status of a large family will receive it for free

How To Apply If You Are Spanish And Live abroad?

If you are a Spanish citizen and have been living abroad or in Spanish territory, you will need to apply through the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. The process is similar to obtaining a passport in Spain. However, if you do not have your previous Spanish Passport or a valid ID, or if these documents have expired for more than three years, you will need to provide a copy of your birth certificate.

Additionally, you will need to provide a document that proves your residency in the area served by the consulate.

How to Renew or Replace a Spanish Passport?

To renew your Spanish passport, it have less than 12 months’ validity or have run out of pages. The process for renewal is similar to applying for a new passport, but an individual’s old passport must be provided. An appointment must be made online, and if the ID was renewed within the last two years, a new photograph is not needed.

What to Do If You Have Lost or Stolen Spanish Passport?

If a passport is lost or stolen, it is important to contact the authorities immediately and apply for a replacement. Spain will typically issue a duplicate passport that will be valid for the same period as the original.

If you are abroad, you should contact the nearest consulate general of Spain to obtain a provisional passport for travel. However, any subsequent replacement passports may only be valid for six months if they are lost or stolen again.

How Long Is A Spanish Passport Valid For?

The validity of Spanish Passports varies based on age:

• Passports for children under five years old are valid for two years.
• Passports for individuals under 30 when issued are valid for five years.
• Passports for those 30 and above when issued are valid for ten years.

What Is the Cost of Obtaining a Spanish Passport?

As of September 2022, the cost for a Spanish Passport is €30 for all types of applications, including first-time applications, renewals, and replacement passports for both adults and minors. However, if you are considered a beneficiary of large family status, the fee will be waived.

Is It Possible to Obtain A Spanish Passport while Holding Dual Citizenship in Spain?

If you hold dual nationality, you can have two passports, but this is only possible if you are a citizen of certain countries. Spain has agreements with a number of Latin American countries and former Spanish colonies that allow citizens to retain their current citizenship and hold dual citizenship.

The list of countries includes Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Ecuador, the Philippines, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Uruguay, Venezuela, and France.

People of Sephardic Jewish descent are also eligible. However, Spanish citizens from other countries must renounce their original nationality and passport.

Spanish citizens do not need a passport to travel to certain countries; they may use DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) to travel within Europe, the EEA (European Economic Area), and Switzerland.

How can IAS Help?

Whether you are a foreign resident or citizen of Spain, IAS offers assistance with the Spanish Passport Application Process, including understanding the requirements and application steps. We provide service tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Our lawyers will work with clients to explain the process and address any questions or concerns.

IAS will help prepare a portfolio of evidence for the application and submit it to the relevant governing body, providing a letter of recommendation as well as an update on the status.

Using our professional service can make the application process easier and increase the chances of success. If there are other questions you want answered or if you want to apply for a Spanish passport, contact us. You can do so by calling (+44) 333 4149244 for more information.