If I understand, a non-Puerto Rican US citizen can live on the island for one year, and be eligible for Puerto Rican citizenship. Spain recognizes Puerto Rican citizenship, and after two years residence, one can be eligible for Spanish (and EU) citizenship. Is this path to Spanish citizenship available to a non-PR US citizen?

That is interesting:

"Since 2007, the Puerto Rico State Department has developed a protocol to issue certificates of Puerto Rican citizenship to Puerto Ricans. In order to be eligible, applicants must have been born in Puerto Rico; born outside of Puerto Rico to a Puerto Rican-born parent; or be an American citizen with at least one year residence in Puerto Rico. The citizenship is internationally recognized by Spain, which considers Puerto Rico to be an Ibero-American nation. Therefore, Puerto Rican citizens have the ability to apply for Spanish citizenship after only two years residency in Spain (instead of the standard 10 years)." (emphasis added) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico#Government_and_politics

See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico_Department_of_State

Thanks, AK lawyer. Yes, this is exactly why I asked. An intriguing route to Spanish and EU citizenship for a run-of-the-mill US citizen, if it's possible. Looking for a definitive answer, which may require knowledge of PR, Spain, EU, and probably US citizenship/immigration/naturalization law and procedures. Further thoughts or knowledge welcome.

Unfortunately, the paragraph I quoted seems to lack a citation as to source (as Wikipedia articles are supposed to contain). But assuming the quote is a correct statement, it would appear that a "certificate of Puerto Rican citizenship" would do the trick, assuming Spain doesn't require a Puerto Rican or Hispanic heritage (it doesn't appear to). Your best bet would be to contact the Spanish government.

I have my doubts about this "Puerto Rico Department of State". The Commonwealth of PR doesn't have the authority to conduct foreign relations, as the name of the department implies. But whatever floats the Spanish boat, I guess.

Thanks, AK lawyer. I poked around some more, and found the actual 2-page application form for a PR citizenship certificate, and it seems to explicitly have allowances for US citizens not necessariily of Puerto Rican heritage or birth. All that's required is one year residence in PR, demonstrated by two of three utility bills for 12 months: electric, water, or phone. Link:

http://pr.gov/Attachments/pdf/023%20%20solicitud%20de%20certificado%20de%20ciuda dan%C3%ADa%20puertorriqueña.pdf

Then, I am imagining, hie thee to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate to apply for two years' residence In Spain, then apply for citizenship after the two,years' residency. I also imagine checking carefully with Spanish officials is in order, to verify their acceptance of the PR citizenship certificate.

So, is there a finders' fee for this imaginitive and creative approach to EU citizenship? Just asking... I had no idea.