- No, as a general rule. When acquiring nationality by residence, a person declares that they renounce their previous nationality. The only exceptions are nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews[1].
- Risk of loss. A Spaniard who is not Spanish by origin loses Spanish nationality after using exclusively the renounced nationality for three years[1].
- Alternative. Long-term residence (larga duración) after five years allows you to live and work in Spain indefinitely on the same terms as Spaniards, without renouncing Russian citizenship[3].
What Spanish law says
The requirements for nationality by residence, by option and by naturalisation are the same: an oath of loyalty to the King and the Constitution, a declaration renouncing the previous nationality and registration in the Registro Civil. This is article 23 of the Civil Code[1].
Only nationals of the countries listed in article 24.1 are exempt from renunciation: Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, plus Sephardic Jews[1]. Russia is not on the list, and Spain has no dual nationality agreement with Russia.
The procedure for applying and taking the oath is set out in Real Decreto 1004/2015[2]. For Russians the period is ten years of legal and continuous residence; more in how many years until Spanish citizenship.
What renunciation means in practice
The renunciation is declared before the Spanish authorities. Terminating Russian citizenship under Russian law is a separate procedure and depends on the Russian side.
Spanish law looks at which nationality you actually use. A Spaniard who is not Spanish by origin loses Spanish nationality if, for three years, they use exclusively the nationality they declared they renounced (article 25.1.a of the Civil Code)[1]. Another cause of loss is voluntary military service or a political post in a foreign state against an express government prohibition[1].
So after you get a Spanish passport, enter Spain and the EU, deal with Spanish authorities and prove your identity as a Spanish citizen.
How to live in Spain and keep a Russian passport
If you are not ready to give up Russian citizenship, Spanish citizenship is not the only route. After five years of legal and continuous residence you can obtain long-term residence (larga duración)[3][4].
| Long-term residence (larga duración) | Spanish citizenship | |
|---|---|---|
| Residence period for Russians | 5 years[3] | 10 years[1] |
| Renouncing Russian citizenship | Not required | Declaration at the oath[1] |
| Living and working in Spain | Indefinitely, like Spaniards[3] | Yes |
| EU passport, living in other EU countries | No | Yes |
| Exams | Not required | DELE A2 or higher and CCSE |
The difference between the statuses in detail: residence permit or Spanish citizenship and temporary and long-term residence in Spain.
What Russian law requires
Russian law requires Russian citizens to notify the authorities of another citizenship and of a residence permit or other document for permanent residence abroad. Failure to do so falls under article 330.2 of the Russian Criminal Code[5].
This applies not only to a Spanish passport but also to a Spanish residence permit. Check the procedure, deadline and authority in the current version of the Russian citizenship law before filing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hold both Spanish and Russian citizenship?
Will I lose Spanish nationality if I keep using my Russian passport?
How can I live in Spain without giving up Russian citizenship?
Do I have to tell Russia about a Spanish residence permit or citizenship?
Official sources
- BOE · Civil Code, articles 22-25 (acquisition and loss of nationality) ↗
- BOE · Real Decreto 1004/2015, procedure for nationality by residence ↗
- BOE · Organic Law 4/2000, article 32 (long-term residence) ↗
- BOE · Real Decreto 1155/2024 (Immigration Regulation), long-term residence ↗
- ConsultantPlus · Russian Criminal Code, article 330.2 (failure to notify of foreign citizenship or residence permit) ↗
Sources reviewed on 28.10.2026. Consolidated texts and government reference pages are for information only: applying the law depends on official publications, amendments and the specific circumstances. Reviewed by lawyer Francisco Romero Jiménez (ICAB 33641) on 28.10.2026.
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ReloVictory · Sources reviewed 28.10.2026 · Not a substitute for individual legal advice.