Can you keep your Spain citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Spaniards who become U.S. citizens generally lose Spanish nationality unless they declare their will to retain it within three years, and Spaniards by origin who acquire nationality of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal retain it automatically.
What the law says
- Spaniards by origin automatically retain Spanish nationality when acquiring citizenship from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal.
- For all other nationalities, including the U.S., they must declare their will to retain Spanish nationality within three years.
- Naturalized Spaniards can also retain Spanish nationality upon acquiring another nationality but must always make this declaration within three years, regardless of the country involved.
- Failure to make the declaration results in the loss of Spanish nationality.
- Loss of nationality occurs three years after acquisition of the foreign nationality only if the individual does not declare their will to retain Spanish nationality.
“For all other nationalities, they must declare their will to retain Spanish nationality within three years.”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether Spain lets you keep yours.
Source: Spanish nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Spain embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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