Obtaining a passport in 2 years

[Gregory Rein]

In this Wed., 10/8 newsletter, Ted made a statement that if you lived at least 2 years in Puerto Rico that you could obtain Spanish citizenship. My understanding of this is that if I, as a newly retired US citizen were to move now to Puerto Rico and live for 2 years, I would then be able to obtain Spanish citizenship and thereby be issued a Spanish passport, then move to Spain and be free to use my passport to travel at will throughout all of the Schengen zone ?

[Cepee Tabibian]

Hi Gregory,

Happy to answer your question. That is unfortunatley not correct. Here’s how it works:

1) Spain has a fast-track to citizenship for Latin Americans. Citizen of one of the qualifying Latin American countries may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after living in Spain for two years.

Nationalities that qualify for the fast-track include Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Brazil and many others, including Puerto Rico. Even though Puerto Rico is not a country.

2) To be eligible for Spanish citizenship as a Puerto Rican you have to either been born on the island or have a parent who was born on the island. And then you will need to live in Spain for 2 years before you can apply for Spanish citizenship. You will need to show proof of being from Puerto Rico with a certificate of citizenship from PR.

US mainland citizens who move to Puerto Rico and establish residency do not qualify for the fast-track to Spansh citizenship. Spain will not recognize you as a “citizen” of Puerto Rico.

I hope this helps! If you have any questions just let me know.

Best,

Cepee

[Author]

Posts