For many Filipinos, especially those with Spanish surnames or family stories of Castilian heritage, the idea of reclaiming ancestral citizenship feels both symbolic and practical. Thanks to Spain’s recent legal reforms, this possibility is now within reach.
The 2022 Law of Democratic Memory reopened the pathway for descendants of Spanish nationals to apply for Spanish citizenship—without needing to live in Spain. This move is especially meaningful in the Philippines, a former Spanish colony with deep historical ties and cultural links to Spain.
If you’re curious whether your Spanish roots could lead to European citizenship, here’s what you need to know.
History Behind Philippines-Spain Relations
The Philippines was under Spanish colonial rule for over 300 years, from 1565 to 1898. During this time, many Spaniards settled in the islands, marrying locals and starting Filipino-Spanish families.
While the Philippine Revolution ended Spain’s political rule, family ties remained. Fast forward to the present, Spain now acknowledges that many descendants of former Spanish citizens deserve the right to reclaim their nationality.
That recognition came with the passage of the Law of Democratic Memory, which grants Spanish citizenship to children and grandchildren of Spanish nationals, even if born outside of Spain.
Common Spanish Surnames in the Philippines by Province
One of the most visible legacies of over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines is the prevalence of Spanish surnames among Filipinos. And possibly, they may be clues to a family’s ancestral ties to Spain. For Filipinos exploring Spanish citizenship through descent, identifying a Spanish surname in the family tree can serve as a starting point for deeper genealogical research.
Here are 30 of the most common Spanish surnames in the Philippines and the provinces where they frequently appear:
| Spanish Surname | Common Location in the Philippines | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dela Cruz | Nationwide (especially Luzon) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Santos | Metro Manila | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reyes | Batangas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Garcia | Cebu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mendoza | Nueva Ecija | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ramos | Zambales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Flores | Ilocos | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bautista | Bulacan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gonzales | Laguna | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Navarro | Leyte | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Torres | Batangas, Laguna, Cebu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Castillo | Laguna, Tarlac, Cavite | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Morales | Iloilo, Leyte, Metro Manila | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salazar | Bicol, Laguna, Quezon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domingo | Nueva Ecija, Isabela | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Padilla | Ilocos, Nueva Ecija, Manila | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aquino | Tarlac, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Espinoza | Cebu, Bohol, Mindanao | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lozano | Ilocos, Pampanga | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aguilar | Cavite, Bulacan, Mindoro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ortega | La Union, Ilocos Sur | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Serrano | Pampanga, Cebu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Delgado | Iloilo, Negros Occidental | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Velasco | Quezon, Laguna, Samar | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Franco | Laguna, Cavite | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nolasco | Rizal, Pangasinan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luna | Ilocos Norte, Zambales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Villanueva | Pampanga, Bulacan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enriquez | Manila, Batangas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
While having a Spanish surname doesn’t automatically prove eligibility for Spanish citizenship, it can help guide your research. Cross-referencing your family name with official civil registry documents is a vital next step. And if you do discover a verifiable link to a Spanish-born ancestor, your surname may just be the key to unlocking your family’s European heritage.
Qualifications for Spanish Citizenship for Filipinos
Before you begin, it’s important to determine whether you qualify. Spain’s law outlines clear guidelines for who can apply under this program.
You may be eligible if:
- You have a parent or grandparent born in Spain.
- Your Spanish ancestor lost citizenship due to political exile or discrimination (e.g., women who married non-Spaniards before 1978).
- You are the child of someone who gained Spanish citizenship under a previous historical memory law.
To apply successfully, you must provide documents that prove your relationship to your Spanish ancestor. Understandably so, these must show an unbroken line. From you to your parent or grandparent, who held or was eligible for Spanish nationality must be determined.
Required Documents and Translation
Applying for Spanish citizenship involves detailed documentation. Each paper must be legally verified and officially translated.
Common requirements include:
- Your birth certificate
- Parent’s and/or grandparent’s birth certificate (showing birthplace in Spain)
- Marriage certificates to link generations
- Ancestor’s proof of Spanish nationality (e.g., passport or birth certificate)
- Police clearance from Philippine authorities
- DELE A2 (Spanish language exam) and CCSE (Spanish civics exam), if required by the consulate
Additionally, all Philippine-issued documents must be apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Likewise, all documents in English must be translated into Spanish and notarized.
Failing to meet these standards may cause delays or rejection. Therefore, meticulous preparation is essential.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered your documents, it’s time to begin the application. Here’s how:
- Prepare all original and supporting documents
- Have documents apostilled by the DFA
- Get notarized Spanish translations for all English documents
- Fill out the appropriate Spanish nationality form (Anexo I, II, or III)
- Schedule an appointment at the Spanish Embassy in Manila or relevant consulate
- Submit your application in person and pay the processing fee (approx. €60 to €100)
- Wait for the result—processing may take up to 12 months
Applicants have until October 21, 2025, to file under this law. Hence, time is of the essence.
Benefits of Spanish Citizenship for Filipinos
- Dual citizenship: You can retain your Philippine passport, as Spain allows dual nationality with the Philippines.
- EU freedom of movement: Live, work, or study anywhere in the European Union.
- Global travel access: The Spanish passport offers visa-free access to over 180 countries.
- Social benefits: Gain access to Spain’s healthcare, education, and welfare programs.
All things considered, this isn’t just a legal status—it’s a gateway to global opportunity.
Other Pathways to Spanish Citizenship for Filipinos
Not everyone qualifies by descent, but there are still alternative ways to acquire Spanish citizenship.
Here are the most common:
- Naturalization by residency: Filipinos can apply after just 2 years of legal residency in Spain (compared to 10 years for most foreigners).
- Marriage to a Spanish citizen: Only 1 year of legal residency is needed after marriage.
- Special cases (e.g., Sephardic ancestry): Previously allowed under a now-closed program for descendants of expelled Jews.
Each path has its own set of requirements, including language exams and proof of legal residence. Regardless of the route, accurate document translation remains a must.
Did you know? The 2 year residency requirement for Filipinos is part of a special expedited privilege that Spain grants only to its former colonies.
How Elite Translations Can Help You
Applying for Spanish citizenship can be overwhelming—especially when navigating Spanish legal forms and strict embassy requirements. That’s where Elite Translations comes in.
At Elite Translations, we offer:
- Certified Spanish translations of birth, marriage, and other legal documents
- Interpreting Services for embassy interview
- Notarization services to meet embassy requirements
Furthermore, our team understands the urgency of the October 2025 deadline and is ready to help you meet it.
We’ve supported thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers and professionals in preparing immigration and visa documents. Let us take care of the paperwork so you can focus on what matters most—securing your future in Spain.
Ready to Reclaim Your Heritage?
The window for Spanish Citizenship for Filipinos by descent is open—but not for long. If you believe you qualify, the time to act is now.
Contact Elite Translations for fast, accurate, and notarized Spanish document translations. We’re here to help you reclaim your Spanish roots and unlock global opportunities.
Let’s begin your journey—one document at a time.
