Last Updated: 09.04.2026
If you live in the UK, you can only get a Spanish passport if you already have Spanish nationality. That means you must first be a Spanish citizen through birth, Spanish parents or grandparents, marriage, long-term residence in Spain, or another recognised route. Once you have Spanish nationality, you can apply for or renew your Spanish passport through the Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
Key points to know:
- You cannot apply for a Spanish passport with only Spanish residency
- Most UK applicants need a Spanish DNI, birth certificate, or proof of nationality
- You must attend an in-person appointment at the correct Spanish consulate
- The standard passport fee is usually €30
- British citizens often need to apply for Spanish citizenship before they can apply for a passport
- Lost, expired, and renewal applications can also be handled from the UK through the Spanish consulate system
What Do You Need to Know Before Applying for a Spanish Passport in the UK?
Before you apply for a Spanish passport in the UK, you need to understand that the passport itself is the final step, not the first. A Spanish passport is only available to people who already have Spanish nationality. Many people confuse Spanish residence with Spanish citizenship, but they are different.
If you have a visa, residency permit, NIE number, or even permanent residence in Spain, that does not automatically allow you to get a Spanish passport. You must first become a Spanish citizen.
You may already qualify if:
- You were born in Spain
- One or both of your parents are Spanish
- You have a Spanish grandparent
- You married a Spanish citizen and later obtained nationality
- You lived legally in Spain long enough to become a citizen
Once you have proof of Spanish nationality, you can apply for a passport from the UK through the Spanish consular network. Most applications are handled by the Spanish consulates in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh depending on where you live.
Who Can Apply for a Spanish Passport While Living in the UK?
Several groups of people living in the UK may be eligible to apply for a Spanish passport. The most common group is Spanish citizens who already have a passport and need to renew it while living abroad.
You may also apply if you recently became a Spanish citizen and now need your first Spanish passport. This often applies to British nationals who obtained Spanish nationality after living in Spain for several years.
You could qualify if you are:
- A Spanish citizen currently living in the UK
- A dual national with both Spanish and another nationality
- A British citizen who recently obtained Spanish citizenship
- The child of a Spanish parent
- The grandchild of a Spanish citizen through descent rules
- A child born in the UK to Spanish parents
- Someone who became Spanish through marriage or long-term residence in Spain
Children born in the UK do not automatically receive a Spanish passport unless their birth has been registered with the Spanish Civil Registry and they have been recognised as Spanish nationals.
One immigration adviser explained it clearly:
“Being married to a Spanish citizen or living in Spain does not automatically give you a Spanish passport. You first need Spanish nationality, then you can apply for the passport.”
If you are unsure whether you already have Spanish nationality, check with the Civil Registry or the Spanish consulate before booking a passport appointment.
How Can You Become a Spanish Citizen Before Applying for a Spanish Passport?
Before you can apply for a Spanish passport in the UK, you must first become a Spanish citizen. For some people, this is straightforward because they already have Spanish parents or grandparents. For others, it may involve living in Spain for several years or applying through marriage.
The route you use depends on your family background, where you were born, and how long you have lived in Spain.
Can You Get a Spanish Passport Through Your Parents or Grandparents?
Yes. One of the easiest ways to get a Spanish passport is through Spanish parents or grandparents. If at least one of your parents is Spanish, you may already qualify for Spanish nationality by descent.
In many cases, you do not need to live in Spain first. Instead, you must prove the family connection and register your nationality through the Spanish Civil Registry or the Spanish consulate in the UK.
You will usually need:
- Your full birth certificate
- Your parent’s or grandparent’s Spanish birth certificate
- Their Spanish passport or DNI
- Marriage certificates if surnames have changed
- Proof that the family link is genuine
Grandchildren of Spanish citizens may also qualify under recent nationality laws, particularly if their grandparent left Spain because of exile or political circumstances.
A nationality specialist described the process this way:
“Many applicants are surprised to discover they already qualify through a Spanish parent or grandparent. Once the nationality is approved, the passport process is usually much simpler.”
You should apply for Spanish nationality first. After that has been approved, you can then request your Spanish passport in the UK.
Can You Get a Spanish Passport Through Marriage to a Spanish Citizen?
You cannot get a Spanish passport immediately through marriage alone. However, marriage to a Spanish citizen can make it easier and faster to obtain Spanish nationality.
Normally, a foreign national must live legally in Spain for ten years before applying for citizenship. If you are married to a Spanish citizen and live together in Spain, you may apply after just one year of legal residence.
To use this route, you normally need to be legally married to a Spanish citizen, have your marriage officially registered in Spain, live together in Spain for at least one year, and hold legal residence in Spain during that time.
You may also need to pass the DELE A2 Spanish language exam and the CCSE test, which assesses your knowledge of Spanish culture and citizenship.
Some people are exempt from these tests, particularly if they already studied in Spanish or come from a Spanish-speaking country.
It is important not to assume that marriage alone gives you a passport. You still need to complete the nationality process first.
For example, a British citizen who married a Spanish partner and moved to Madrid could apply for Spanish nationality after one year of residence. Once approved, they could then apply for a Spanish passport through the UK consulate if they later moved back to Britain.
Can You Get a Spanish Passport Through Living in Spain?
Yes. Many British citizens obtain Spanish nationality after living in Spain for a long period. This is called citizenship by residence.
For most people, you must live legally in Spain for ten continuous years before you can apply. You normally need a valid visa or residence permit throughout that time.
Some groups can apply sooner:
- Refugees can usually apply after five years
- Citizens from certain countries may apply after two years
- People married to a Spanish citizen can apply after one year
- People born in Spain may also apply after one year
After you complete the residence period, you must apply for Spanish nationality.
You will normally need:
- Proof of legal residence
- Criminal record checks
- Evidence of income and integration
- A Spanish language test
- A citizenship test
Once your application is approved, you attend an oath ceremony and receive confirmation of Spanish nationality. You can then apply for a Spanish DNI and Spanish passport. Many British applicants are unaware that this process can take several years.
In practice, the journey usually follows this order:
- Move to Spain legally
- Live there for the required period
- Apply for Spanish nationality
- Attend the nationality oath
- Apply for a DNI and passport
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for a Spanish Passport in the UK?
The exact documents depend on whether you are applying for a first passport, renewal, replacement, or a child’s passport. However, most people will need the same core paperwork.
You will normally need:
- A valid Spanish DNI or another document proving Spanish nationality
- Your current or previous Spanish passport
- A recent passport photo that meets Spanish requirements
- Proof of address in the UK
- Proof that you live in the consulate’s area
- Your appointment confirmation
- Payment for the passport fee
If your old Spanish passport or DNI expired more than three years ago, you may also need your Spanish birth certificate.
For first-time applications, additional documents may be required, such as:
- Spanish nationality certificate
- Civil Registry confirmation
- Birth registration papers
For children, you usually need:
- The child’s birth certificate
- Both parents’ passports or ID
- Written consent from both parents
Your photograph must usually be:
- In colour
- On a plain white background
- Recent and high quality
- Approximately 32 x 26 mm or 36 x 22 mm depending on the consulate instructions
Applicants are often delayed because they bring photocopies only. Always bring both the original documents and copies to the appointment.
How Do You Apply for a Spanish Passport in the UK?
The process is similar whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing an old one. You cannot normally apply online from the UK. Instead, you must book an appointment and attend in person.
The usual process is:
- Confirm that you already have Spanish nationality
- Choose the correct Spanish consulate based on where you live
- Book an appointment through the consulate website
- Gather all required documents
- Attend your appointment
- Pay the fee
- Wait for the passport to be issued
When booking, look for the option called “Cita Previa” and then select “Pasaportes”.
At your appointment, the consulate will check your documents, take biometric information if required, and collect the fee. You may then be asked to collect the passport later or receive it by post, depending on the consulate.
One adviser from a Spanish legal service explained:
“The biggest mistake people make is booking an appointment before they have all the documents ready. If one paper is missing, you may have to start again.”
You must also attend the correct office. If you live in northern England or Scotland, you may not be allowed to apply in London. The consulate only accepts applications from people living within its district.
Which Spanish Consulate Should You Use in the UK?
You must apply through the Spanish consulate that covers the area where you live. The UK is divided between London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. If you apply at the wrong office, your appointment may be refused.
Which Areas Are Covered by the Spanish Consulate in London?
The London consulate covers most of southern England. If you live in London or nearby counties, this is usually the office you need.
Consulate General of Spain in London handles passport renewals, first passports, consular registration, and Spanish nationality matters.
The London office is generally used by people living in:
- Greater London
- Kent
- Surrey
- Essex
- Sussex
- Hampshire
- Berkshire
- Oxfordshire
- Other southern counties
The office is located near Sloane Square in London and can be reached by train, Tube, or bus. The consulate also provides separate email addresses for passport and nationality questions.
Which Areas Are Covered by the Spanish Consulate in Manchester?
If you live in northern England, Wales, or the Isle of Man, you may need the Manchester consulate. Consulate General of Spain in Manchester covers a large part of northern Britain.
Typical areas include:
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire
- Yorkshire
- Merseyside
- Cheshire
- Wales
- The Isle of Man
The office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm. It also opens on the second Saturday of each month specifically for passport renewals. Manchester is often easier for people living outside London because it reduces travel time and usually has shorter queues.
When Should You Use the Spanish Consulate in Edinburgh?
The Edinburgh consulate covers Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of north-east England.
You should use Edinburgh if you live in:
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- Cumbria
- Northumberland
- Durham
- Tyne and Wear
- Tees Valley
Consulate General of Spain in Edinburgh is the correct office for these regions.
Many applicants accidentally book London when they actually fall under Edinburgh. This often causes delays because the London office may refuse to process your passport application if your address is outside its district.
How Much Does a Spanish Passport Cost in the UK?
The usual cost of a Spanish passport in the UK is €30. This fee applies to first-time passports, renewals, and replacements.
| Passport Type | Typical Fee |
| First Spanish passport | €30 |
| Passport renewal | €30 |
| Replacement for lost or stolen passport | €30 |
| Child passport | €30 |
| Large family applicants | Free |
The fee is often waived if you can prove you have official large-family status under Spanish law.
Most consulates ask you to pay by:
- Debit or credit card
- Exact cash
- Occasionally bank transfer, depending on the office
You should check the payment method before attending because some offices do not accept cash. The fee itself is not usually the most expensive part of the process.
For many people, extra costs include:
- Passport photographs
- Certified translations
- Travel to the consulate
- Birth certificates or duplicate documents
The Spanish authorities generally keep the fee the same for all age groups and passport types, which makes the process simpler for families.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Spanish Passport in the UK?
Most Spanish passports issued through a UK consulate take between two and six weeks. However, the waiting time depends on the office, the season, and whether you are applying for a new passport or renewal.
Renewals are often faster than first-time applications because your nationality has already been confirmed.
You may experience delays if you apply during the summer holiday period or close to Christmas, as consulates are often busier at those times. Delays can also happen if your documents are incomplete or if you need to obtain a new nationality certificate or birth certificate before your application can be processed.
If your travel is urgent, do not wait until the final week before your trip. Many consulates recommend applying at least one month in advance, especially if your passport has less than six months left.
Consular applications abroad can take longer because the passport must often be printed in Spain and then sent back to the UK consulate.
What Happens If Your Spanish Passport Has Expired, Been Lost, or Been Stolen in the UK?
Problems with an expired, lost, or stolen Spanish passport are common, especially for Spanish citizens living abroad. Fortunately, the Spanish consulates in the UK can usually help.
How Do You Renew an Expired Spanish Passport in the UK?
You can renew your Spanish passport in the UK if it has already expired, is about to expire, or has no pages left. The renewal process is very similar to a first application.
You must:
- Book an appointment
- Bring your old passport
- Provide a valid DNI or proof of nationality
- Pay the standard fee
If your passport expired less than three years ago, your old passport and DNI are usually enough. If it expired more than three years ago, you may also need a recent Spanish birth certificate.
A new photograph may not always be necessary if your ID was recently renewed, but most consulates still recommend bringing one.
You should renew early if your passport will expire within the next twelve months. Some airlines and countries require at least six months of validity.
What Should You Do If Your Spanish Passport Is Lost or Stolen?
If your passport is lost or stolen, report it immediately. This helps prevent identity fraud and speeds up the replacement process.
You should:
- Contact the local police
- Ask for a crime reference number or police report
- Inform the Spanish consulate
- Book a replacement appointment
Bring the following:
- Police report
- Passport photographs
- Proof of Spanish nationality
- Any photocopy of your old passport if you have one
If you still have your DNI, the process is usually quicker. If you have lost both your passport and DNI, the consulate may need to contact Spain to confirm your nationality.
In some cases, the replacement passport may be valid for a shorter period than a normal passport, especially if you have lost more than one passport recently.
Can You Get an Emergency Spanish Passport in the UK?
Yes. If you have urgent travel because of illness, family emergencies, work, or a stolen passport, the Spanish consulate may issue an emergency travel document.
Emergency passports are usually only issued when you need to travel immediately, can provide evidence of the emergency, and your normal passport cannot be issued in time.
To support your request, you may be asked to provide flight details, medical documents, a police report if your passport was lost or stolen, and proof of your identity.
Emergency travel documents are usually valid for a short period and may only cover one journey. They are not intended to replace a normal ten-year passport.
If you travel often, apply for a full replacement passport as soon as possible after returning to the UK.
What Are the Most Common Reasons a Spanish Passport Application Is Rejected?
Most Spanish passport applications are delayed or rejected because of missing paperwork rather than because the applicant is ineligible.
The most common reasons include:
- Applying without already having Spanish nationality
- Booking the wrong consulate
- Bringing the wrong passport photo size
- Forgetting proof of address
- Missing a birth certificate
- Names or dates not matching across documents
- Not bringing the old passport
- Failing to provide parental consent for a child
Another common problem is assuming that a Spanish residence permit or NIE is enough. It is not. Only Spanish citizens can get a Spanish passport.
You may also be refused if:
- You have court restrictions preventing travel
- You cannot prove your nationality
- Your documents are damaged or unofficial
- Your fee has not been paid correctly
To avoid problems:
- Double-check every document before your appointment
- Bring originals and copies
- Read the instructions on the consulate website carefully
- Apply well before your travel date
Can You Keep Both a British Passport and a Spanish Passport?
This is one of the most common questions asked by British citizens. In many cases, Spain does not fully recognise dual nationality with the UK.
Traditionally, British citizens who become Spanish citizens may be asked to renounce British nationality. However, in practice, some people continue to hold both passports.
Spain officially allows dual nationality with certain countries, including:
- Portugal
- France
- Many Latin American countries
- Andorra
- The Philippines
British citizens are not usually included in this list. However, some people with Spanish parents or grandparents may still keep both nationalities depending on how they acquired Spanish citizenship.
Brexit has also increased interest in dual nationality because many British people want to keep the right to live and work in the EU.
Before applying, you should seek legal advice because the rules can depend on your personal situation and the route you use to obtain Spanish nationality.
What Are the Main Benefits of Having a Spanish Passport?
A Spanish passport is one of the strongest passports in the world. It gives you far more than the ability to travel.
| Benefit | What It Means |
| Visa-free travel | Visit more than 180 countries with little or no visa paperwork |
| EU free movement | Live, work, and study across the EU |
| Access to Spain | Return to Spain without visa limits |
| Public services | Use Spanish healthcare and education |
| Family rights | Sponsor family members more easily |
Other advantages include:
- Easier travel around Europe
- The right to work in any EU country
- Access to Spanish state healthcare
- The ability to buy property and open businesses more easily
- Use of a Spanish DNI for travel in many European countries
Many people apply for a Spanish passport not only because of family connections, but because it gives long-term security after Brexit.
What Should You Do Next If You Want to Apply for a Spanish Passport in the UK?
The next step depends on whether you already have Spanish nationality.
If you are already Spanish, your process is simple:
- Gather your documents
- Find the correct consulate
- Book your appointment
- Attend and apply
If you are not yet Spanish, you need to begin with nationality first.
That may involve:
- Proving your Spanish family connection
- Registering a birth or marriage
- Applying after living in Spain
- Taking language and citizenship tests
The easiest way to avoid delays is to work through the process in the correct order:
- Confirm whether you are already a Spanish citizen
- Obtain any missing nationality documents
- Register with the correct Spanish consulate
- Prepare all supporting paperwork
- Book your passport appointment
Do not assume you can solve everything in one visit. Many people need to complete their nationality registration before they are allowed to apply for a passport.
Conclusion
Getting a Spanish passport in the UK is possible, but only if you already have Spanish nationality. For some people, that means renewing an existing passport through the Spanish consulate. For others, it means first applying for Spanish citizenship through parents, grandparents, marriage, or residence in Spain.
The most important thing is to understand where you are in the process. If you already have proof of Spanish nationality, gather your documents and book the correct consulate appointment. If you do not yet have nationality, focus on that first before thinking about the passport itself.
By preparing the right documents, using the correct consulate, and applying early, you can make the process far smoother and avoid the delays that often catch applicants by surprise.
FAQs
Can you apply for a Spanish passport online from the UK?
No, you cannot complete the full application online from the UK. You must book an appointment online and attend the Spanish consulate in person.
Can you get a Spanish passport if you only have an NIE number?
No, an NIE number or Spanish residence permit is not enough to apply for a Spanish passport. You must already hold Spanish nationality before you can apply.
Can a child born in the UK get a Spanish passport?
Yes, a child born in the UK can get a Spanish passport if at least one parent is Spanish. The child’s birth must first be registered with the Spanish Civil Registry.
Do you need a Spanish DNI before applying for a Spanish passport?
In most cases, yes, especially for first-time adult applications. If you do not have a valid DNI, you may need to provide a Spanish birth certificate or nationality certificate instead.
How early should you renew your Spanish passport before it expires?
You should usually renew your passport when it has less than 12 months remaining. This helps avoid problems with airlines and countries that require at least six months of validity.
Can you use a Spanish passport to live and work in other EU countries?
Yes, a Spanish passport gives you the right to live, work, and study across the European Union. You may still need to register with local authorities after moving.
What happens if your Spanish passport expires while you are in the UK?
You can renew your expired Spanish passport through the Spanish consulate that covers your area. If you need to travel urgently, you may be able to request an emergency travel document.
