As of July 21, 2025, acquiring French nationality will no longer result in the automatic loss of Spanish nationality.

Legal context: Article 24 of the Spanish Civil Code

Article 24 of the Civil Code regulates one of the most sensitive aspects of nationality law: the loss of Spanish nationality after voluntarily acquiring another. Until now, the general rule stated that any Spaniard who voluntarily acquired a foreign nationality would lose their Spanish nationality unless they expressly declared their intention to retain it before the Civil Registry within three years.

This legal mechanism was based on the principle of “unity of nationality,” conceived in a very different historical context. However, international reality has evolved toward greater acceptance of dual nationality, reflecting migration, multiculturalism, and cross-border personal and professional ties.

To adapt to this reality, Article 24 already provides a series of exceptions: nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal do not lose their Spanish nationality when acquiring that of their country of origin. As of July 21, 2025, France will officially be added to this list.

What does the amendment imply?

Through this reform, the Spanish legislator explicitly recognizes French nationality as one of the exceptions to the general regime of nationality loss. This means that:

• Spanish citizens who acquire French nationality will not automatically lose their Spanish nationality, even if they do not expressly declare their intention to retain it.
• The three-year deadline to manifest the will to keep Spanish nationality after acquiring another foreign one will no longer apply.
• The legal recognition of dual Franco-Spanish nationality is reinforced.

This change is not retroactive, so it does not automatically affect situations prior to the effective date (July 21, 2025). However, it may have future implications in processes of recovery or in consultations regarding the conservation of nationality.

A reform with human, economic, and legal impact

This legislative amendment is not just a technical matter but has tangible and positive effects on the lives of thousands of individuals and entities:

For individuals:

• People with family ties in both countries will be able to acquire French nationality without giving up Spanish nationality—something that until now created uncertainty or required additional formalities.
• The measure will especially benefit Spaniards residing in France and French citizens of Spanish origin who wish to formalize their dual identity without legal risks.

For companies and professionals:

• It facilitates labor and executive mobility between Spain and France, avoiding nationality conflicts or legal uncertainties.
• It fosters the internationalization of human resources, allowing professionals to maintain their legal and administrative ties with both countries.

For the institutional and European environment:

• It strengthens the historical and cultural ties between France and Spain, countries that share close bonds within the European Union.
• It is consistent with a regulatory trend that favors dual nationality among Member States, recognizing the multiple identities of European citizens.

What can Feliu N&I SL do?

From our firm, specialized in international mobility, immigration, and nationality, we support individuals and companies with procedures related to obtaining, retaining, and recovering Spanish and French nationality.

Our services include:

• Personalized advice on dual Franco-Spanish nationality.
• Management of files before the Civil Registry and the French administration.
• Consulting services for companies with transnational staff.
• Resolution of questions regarding situations prior to the reform.

Conclusion: an opportunity to simplify and protect

The reform of Article 24 of the Civil Code represents progress in recognizing the transnational realities of many citizens. Including France as an exception to nationality loss is a decisive step toward a more modern, inclusive, and coherent legal framework within the current European context.

At Feliu N&I SL, we remain committed to keeping our community informed and to providing professional support in these key processes for the personal and professional lives of our clients.

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