Anita Mateu, a well-known Cuban influencer and content creator, has shared her excitement over being granted Spanish citizenship. She joyfully announced this achievement on Instagram, where her reel quickly went viral among her followers.
Anita was taken by surprise when she discovered the news in her email. "I submitted my application back in May 2025. I was casually checking my inbox and saw a peculiar message from the Spanish government. Upon reading it, I realized it was the approval of my Spanish nationality request. I was ecstatic!" she recounted, visibly thrilled.
After a wait of nearly a year, the approval finally arrived. "It took many months, but it's finally here," she laughed.
Residing in Galicia, the YouTuber achieved citizenship through residency, a process available to Ibero-American citizens after two years of continuous legal residence in Spain.
Anita moved to Spain around three years ago, initially obtaining her residency through the digital nomad visa, which allowed her international remote work status until now.
The Urgency Behind the Wait
The delay was particularly stressful because her residency was set to expire in the coming May. "I kept hoping, 'Please, let my citizenship be approved, otherwise I’ll have to start the residency process all over again,'" she admitted.
With her new citizenship, Anita can now apply for a Spanish passport, ranked third in the Henley Passport Index, granting entry to over 190 countries without a visa.
"The Spanish passport is among the most powerful worldwide, and I was eager to get it," she said. "A passport can change your life. As Cubans, our travel is so restricted with a Cuban passport, but with a Spanish one, we gain freedom and the ability to explore more countries and continents."
Dual Citizenship Requirements
Being Cuban means Anita will retain both nationalities, as Cuba doesn't allow citizens to renounce their nationality. "As a Cuban, you become a Cuban-Spanish. You must have both passports. For instance, when traveling to Cuba, you need to present the Cuban passport," she clarified.
In her Instagram reel's description, Anita expressed gratitude to Spain: "Thank you, Spain, for welcoming me and giving me the wings that my own country couldn't. The passport means so much more than just travel for someone from Cuba."
This accomplishment follows another milestone she shared in November 2025: purchasing her first home in Galicia after three years of working as a content creator, a moment she also celebrated with her online community.
Anita has promised to detail her journey to Spanish citizenship on her YouTube channel, providing viewers with an inside look at every step of the process that led to her becoming a Spanish citizen.
Understanding Spanish Citizenship for Cubans
How long did it take Anita Mateu to receive her Spanish citizenship?
Anita Mateu waited nearly a year from the time she submitted her application in May 2025 until she received her Spanish citizenship approval.
Why must Anita retain both Cuban and Spanish citizenship?
Cuban law does not allow its citizens to renounce their nationality, so Anita must keep both Cuban and Spanish citizenships. Traveling to Cuba requires showing a Cuban passport.
What benefits does a Spanish passport offer?
A Spanish passport ranks third in the Henley Passport Index, allowing visa-free access to over 190 countries, thereby offering greater travel freedom and opportunities.