You can lose your Spanish nationality: "It's easier than you think."

How can you avoid losing your Spanish nationality in this time of global migration crisis, when a Spanish passport is essential? This is what a lawyer explained.

Obtaining Spanish nationality is a process that many foreigners wish to achieve, but it also entails certain risks that can jeopardize this acquired citizenship.

In addition to having legally resided in Spain for the stipulated period of time, which varies depending on origin and personal circumstances, it is necessary to pass the Spanish Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge Examination (CCSE), administered by the Instituto Cervantes, to demonstrate your integration into Spanish society.

However, few people know that Spanish nationality can be lost quite easily.

Lawyer María Cardona, a specialist in immigration law, explained in a video viral from TikTok how this could happen.

In your example, a Peruvian citizen who obtains Spanish nationality can lose it if, after obtaining it, they return to their country and use their Peruvian passport exclusively for three years without using their Spanish nationality.

What can I do to avoid losing my acquired Spanish nationality?

In that case, you may receive a letter from the Spanish authorities notifying you of the loss of your nationality.

This type of situation may seem remote, but the lawyer assures that it is more common than it seems.

To avoid this, Cardona recommends taking some key actions. For example, it's essential to actively use Spanish nationality to prevent the Spanish authorities from thinking it has been abandoned.

Some of the measures you can take include renewing your Spanish passport, voting in Spanish elections from abroad, or using your Spanish passport to apply for visas in countries that require them.

Furthermore, the lawyer explained that this risk affects not only adults, but also minors who obtain Spanish nationality but do not reside in the country.

If a minor emancipates before the age of 21 and does not declare their intention to retain Spanish nationality before the Consular Civil Registry, they may lose it.

These practical tips can help you avoid losing your Spanish nationality and ensure your status as a Spanish citizen remains secure.