Do you need two surnames when applying for Spanish citizenship?

When applying for Spanish citizenship, many wonder whether they are required to adopt two surnames, a common practice in Spain. Here’s what you need to know about the rules surrounding surnames for Spanish nationals.

In Spain, it is customary to have two surnames, derived from both parents—first from the father and then from the mother. This tradition is shared across all Spanish-speaking countries, except Argentina. In contrast, many other countries, such as the UK, Canada, the US, and Australia, typically use only one surname.

When Spaniards have children, they pass on their first surname to the next generation, ensuring the continuation of the dual-surname system. For those living in Spain, this practice is often encountered while filling out official forms, which typically require two surnames. In such cases, foreigners may be compelled to use their middle name as a second surname or repeat their last name.

If you have been living in Spain for ten years—or two years if you are from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or of Sephardic origin—you may be considering applying for Spanish citizenship. Additionally, children born in Spain may qualify for citizenship if they have lived in the country for at least the first year of their life.

A frequently asked question during the citizenship process is whether new citizens must adopt two surnames. The answer is yes. Spanish law requires individuals acquiring Spanish nationality to be registered in the Spanish Civil Registry with one given name and two surnames. These surnames are recorded in the order of the father’s surname first, followed by the mother’s surname, even if they are foreign. This is based on the foreign birth certificate provided during the process.

For example, someone named Claire Coleman, whose mother’s maiden name is Fisher, would become Claire Coleman Fisher upon obtaining Spanish citizenship.

Exceptions to the two-surname rule

There are exceptions to this rule. If a person has no recorded second parent on their birth certificate or if their relationship to their parents cannot be proven, their surname will simply be duplicated. For instance, Paul Murray would become Paul Murray Murray in such cases, and this name would appear on all official documents.

However, Spanish law does allow some flexibility. Newly naturalized citizens can declare that they wish to retain their single surname at the time of acquiring citizenship or within two months after the acquisition or upon reaching legal adulthood. In such cases, they can officially continue using just one surname.

That said, many find it more practical to adopt two surnames, as it aligns with Spanish administrative requirements and simplifies completing official forms.