With the possible cancellation of the Spanish citizenship by descent route scheduled for September 2025, many people with Spanish roots are expediting their applications. But what happens if you don’t manage to submit your request on time? Not all is lost. Europe still offers accessible and legal paths to settle safely, either through residence or citizenship in other countries of the continent.
In this article, Orience explains the best alternatives if you miss the Spanish deadline, with concrete options so you don’t give up on your European dream.
1. Italy: a solid option for descendants
Italy stands out as the natural alternative for those seeking citizenship by descent when the Spanish process comes to an end. In 2025, the country simplified requirements, expanded consular resources, and digitalized part of the process, making it easier to obtain the Italian passport from abroad.
Key advantages:
- You can apply from the consulate in your country of residence.
- No generational limit if you prove the paternal or maternal line without interruptions.
- No requirement to renounce your current nationality.
At Orience, we handle everything from document searches in Italian archives to sworn translations, legalizations, and consular applications, optimizing waiting times.
2. Portugal: residence without a million-euro investment
After updating the requirements of its Golden Visa program, Portugal still offers attractive residence options for those without large assets. The most popular today is the D8 visa, ideal for people with stable income (pensions, rentals, remote work).
Main requirements:
- Regular income starting from approx. €820 per month.
- Bank account and residence in Portugal.
- No criminal record.
Through this route, you can legally live in Portugal, work, access healthcare, and apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence.
3. Long-term residence in Spain
If you have lived legally in Spain or have Spanish parents or grandparents but do not meet the current citizenship requirements, you may consider long-term residence. This permit is granted after five years of legal and continuous stay, or in some cases with less time if you have demonstrable family ties.
With long-term residence you will have full labor rights and you may later apply for Spanish nationality by residence, which is reduced to two years for nationals of Ibero-American countries.
4. Citizenship by investment in the Caribbean
If your main goal is to obtain a second passport quickly and without living in the destination country, the citizenship by investment programs of countries like Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, or Saint Kitts and Nevis remain a valid alternative.
Advantages:
- Passport in 3 to 6 months.
- Visa-free access to more than 140 countries.
- No need for physical residence or mandatory visits.
At Orience we work directly with the governments of these countries to ensure a fast, transparent, and 100% legal process.
5. Spanish citizenship by residence: a medium-term plan
If you already legally reside in Spain or are planning to move with a work visa, digital nomad visa, highly qualified professional visa or family reunification, you can plan for citizenship by residence. This path requires between one and ten years, depending on your country of origin.
As a general rule, nationals from Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Sephardic people only need to reside two years legally in Spain to access citizenship.
How Orience can help you
At Orience we know that every case is unique. That’s why we carry out a personalized study to define your most effective migration strategy. Whether through Italy, Portugal, Spain or a Caribbean country, we accompany you every step of the way, with transparency, efficiency, and an international approach.
Did you run out of time for Spanish citizenship by descent? Let’s design your Plan B together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for Italian citizenship if my ancestor emigrated before 1948?
It depends on gender. If the line is maternal and the birth was before 1948, a judicial process in Italy is required. Orience also manages this type of case.
What happens if I already started the Spanish process but don’t finish before September?
It will depend on the type of file and whether it was admitted before the deadline. At Orience we review your situation and help you redirect it legally.
Can I combine residence in Portugal with the Italian citizenship process?
Yes, both processes are independent. In fact, many clients reside in one EU country while processing their citizenship in another.
Do I need large investments to access these options?
Not necessarily. There are options such as the Portuguese D7 visa or residence through work in Spain that do not require capital investment.
Does Orience also manage alternatives outside Europe?
Yes. We work with citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean, as well as options in the UAE, Turkey, and other strategic destinations depending on your goals.