18 de November, 2024
Do you have ancestors from Spain and are considering applying for Spanish nationality? If so, it’s natural to have questions about how your name will be recorded in official documents. Will you be given a different name upon naturalization in Spain? And how might this affect your current documents? In this article, we will clarify how Spanish law handles the order and composition of personal names and what to expect regarding your original name when obtaining citizenship. Discover whether there will be changes and what your “new name” in Spain might look like!
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Unlike Brazil, where there is significant freedom in choosing first and last names, Spain has a more formal approach to defining names. According to Spanish rules, each person is given a first name followed by two last names. The first last name comes from the father, and the second from the mother. This order reflects family origin and preserves the lineage from both sides. It’s worth mentioning that this is no longer mandatory, and parents can jointly decide the order of last names for their children, which must then be consistent for all children of the same couple. Despite the lack of obligation, the traditional custom persists.
Chosen name + Father’s first last name (apellido) + Mother’s first last name (apellido)
National law also prohibits names that could be detrimental to a person and regulates the spelling of names to comply with grammar rules. Nowadays, young people can request a name change upon reaching adulthood if they wish.
Read also: Is Spanish citizenship by last name possible?
Another interesting rule pertains to marriage. In Brazil, it is common for a wife to adopt her husband’s last name after marriage. However, this is not allowed under current Spanish law. Both Spanish citizens and naturalized individuals must retain their original last names. For instance, a Brazilian woman who becomes a naturalized Spaniard will have two passports: her Brazilian document will include her husband’s last name, while her Spanish passport will retain her maiden last names. In such cases, we recommend always traveling with both passports (even if one is expired) and, if possible, a marriage certificate with a note on the name change performed in Brazil, for added peace of mind.
For citizenship by descent, the name that appears on Spanish documents will typically follow the country’s naming conventions, which may result in changes to your name in these documents. Usually, this involves reversing the order of the last names, with the paternal surname appearing before the maternal surname, as explained earlier.
However, when acquiring citizenship through naturalization by residence (including citizenship through marriage), there is some flexibility in the legislation allowing applicants to retain the name structure from their country of origin if they prefer. Thus, individuals seeking Spanish citizenship who have a different name order (as in countries where the maternal last name comes first) may have the option to keep their name without significant changes.
In both cases, the decision to change last names is not mandatory and depends on the individual’s preference and how they wish to be identified under their new nationality. Some people choose to adapt their last names to align more closely with Spanish culture and conventions, while others prefer to keep their original surnames for reasons of identity and family legacy.
In order to keep the name in line with the Brazilian standard, it is advisable to discuss this preference with the Spanish consulate during the citizenship application process.
Perhaps, but this isn’t a cause for concern as the changes will be well documented. Think of your Spanish name as part of your new life as a Spanish citizen. If your goal is to obtain citizenship but continue living abroad, you can maintain your usual identity in your country of residence.
Read also: Dual Citizenship – Does a New Nationality Mean Losing Your Original One?
When you apply for Spanish citizenship at your regional consulate, you will receive a Spanish birth certificate. This document will show your new Spanish name and, on the side, there will be a stamp noting your “foreign” name—essentially, the name under which you are registered in your country of birth.
For international travel, to feel more at ease, carry both passports or official documents from both countries.
If you have the possibility of obtaining Spanish citizenship, don’t miss out on this right! Take a deep breath and go for it! Having dual citizenship today, especially if one is European, is an invaluable advantage that opens doors to countless opportunities for work, study, and residence across the European Union. Moreover, it simplifies travel and offers access to a range of exclusive rights and benefits for European citizens.
At Atlantic Bridge, we assist our clients at every step of the Spanish citizenship process. From the initial document review to detailed guidance on every legal requirement, our team provides comprehensive and personalized legal support to make this process as simple and secure as possible.
Contact us now and take the first step toward obtaining your Spanish citizenship with peace of mind and confidence.
Author:
Silvia Resende
