How to obtain Spanish nationality by residence in Spain

If you’re a foreign national living in Spain and would like to make this beautiful country your forever home, there are a few different routes available to you. By far the most common, however, is obtaining a Spanish nationality through residency. This process allows individuals to change their temporary or long-term resident status to a full Spanish citizenship, with the political and civil rights of local nationals. Here’s what you need to know about this process. 

The basics of Spanish citizenship by residency

Governed by the Civil Code, primarily Article 22, Spanish citizenship by residency states that a foreign national who has lived in Spain for a set period of years is eligible to obtain a local nationality. With that, they gain the right to live in the country freely, with no more time or visa restrictions, as well as the ability to vote, work, use local healthcare systems and so on. The civic and taxation duties also become fully applicable to such individuals. 

The general rule requires 10 years of continuous residency, although there are certain cases in which the period can be reduced. For example, individuals with a refugee status may only need 5 years, while nationals from Latin American countries can gain citizenship in just 2 years. If you’re born in a Spanish territory or have other legal ties to Spain (e.g. you’re a descendant of Spanish nationals), you may be able to obtain residency in as little as 1 year. 

Key Spain citizenship by residence requirements

To qualify for the Spanish citizenship by residency, applicants must meet several core requirements beyond simply living in Spain. 

Legal and continuous residence

The primary requirement is that the applicant has lived in Spain legally and continuously for the outlined duration. This means that your time spent in the country must have been legally authorised by the government, with valid residence permits or visas. You must also be able to prove that you lived in the country full-time, meaning there were no substantial absences from the country that interrupted the continuity. Applicants will usually have to demonstrate their residence for each year, which can be done through monthly utility bills, bank account statements, rental agreements and other means. 

Good civic conduct

Another key requirement is that applicants must show good civic conduct. This means they should hold no serious criminal convictions in both Spain and abroad. Criminal record certificates from Spain and your previous countries of residence will usually be required as part of the documentation.

Integration into Spanish society

Moreover, Spain requires evidence that you have been actively trying to integrate into the local society culturally and linguistically. Therefore, most applicants will have to pass two mandatory exams: 

• CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) -  an exam that assesses your knowledge of Spanish society, laws and culture.
  
  
  

• DELE (Spanish Language Proficiency Test) at A2 level or higher - demonstrates your ability to communicate in basic Spanish. Exemptions apply to nationals from other Spanish-speaking countries. 

Documentation

Applicants will have to provide a range of documentation, such as proof of identity (passport or EU ID card), certificates of legal residence history, birth certificates (if applicable), family or marriage documents, criminal record certificates, evidence of passing the language and cultural tests and other. The specific list of required documents will vary depending on your individual circumstances. 

The application process

If you meet the necessary Spain citizenship by residence requirements, you can begin your application process. You will need to submit your application to the relevant Spanish authorities, typically through the Civil Registry in your place of residence. Much of the process can be carried out online, although certain aspects may require in-person attendance (e.g. formal interviews and tests). 

Here are the key steps to follow for a successful application:

1.  Preparation: Start by compiling all the required documents and evidence in advance, making sure everything is accurate. If your documents are in a foreign language, these will have to be translated. Many applicants choose to work with a legal team who can support them in this process and help create the strongest case possible.
   
   
   

2.  Submitting the application: Once you have everything you need, including your test results, you may submit everything through the official portals. Keep in mind that there is a processing fee of 101 Euros. 
   
   
   

3.  Waiting for a decision: The next step is simply to wait for the authorities to review the application and come back with a decision. This can take a significant amount of time (1-2 years), with online applications generally being quicker. Again, it’s important that you submit everything correctly, to avoid missing documentation requirements and speed up the process.
   
   
   

4.  Oath of allegiance: If successful, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the Spanish Constitution and Laws before receiving official documentation that confirms their nationality.

Your journey towards Spanish nationality