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[graciela.a]

Hello.

I'm an American citizen. Went to Madrid two summers ago and absolutely loved it and ever since I have wanted to find a way to go back. My grandmother on my father's side was born in Spain, and remained a Spanish throughout her life (kept on registering or renewing? her citizenship through the consulate). I read in several places that having a Spanish grandparent entitles me to apply for Spanish nationality after residing in Spain legally for one year. I don't know if I will stay in Madrid for long than a year so I am not too worried at the moment about the nationality question. What I am interested in is securing a work visa. Has anyone with a Spanish grandparent done this? How is this done? I know the UK and other EU countries give work permits in such cases. I emailed the Spanish Consulate in my area and they sent me a standard form back that did not seem applicable to my case at all. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[spiral78]

Your grandmother's citizenship will not entitle you to a work permit.

If you can get through the process to become a Spanish citizen yourself, THAT will entitle you to work in Spain (and other EU member countries). I don't know whether Spain allows dual citizenship. That would be a useful question to ask.

by the way, the UK and other EU member countries do not give work permits based on ancestry. They may give citizenship, though. The laws on this vary from country to country.