SPANISH NATIONALITYBY RESIDENCE
Spanish Nationality by Residence: Requirements, Documents and Procedure
Obtaining Spanish nationality by residence is one of the most common routes for foreign nationals who are legally residing in Spain to become full Spanish citizens. However, the procedure involves strict requirements, specific documentation and time limits that should be understood before starting the application process. In this article, we explain everything you need to know to apply for Spanish nationality successfully.
What is Spanish nationality by residence?
Nationality by residence is the route that allows a person to acquire Spanish citizenship after having lived in Spain legally, continuously and immediately prior to the application for a specific period of time.
It is different from other routes, such as nationality through marriage or nationality by origin, and is governed by the Spanish Civil Code and Law 20/2011 on the Civil Registry.
Requirements for Spanish nationality by residence
To qualify for Spanish nationality by residence, applicants must meet, among others, the following requirements:
Legal and continuous residence in Spain for the required period. As a general rule, this is 10 years. It is reduced to 5 years for refugees, 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or persons of Sephardic origin, and 1 year in certain special circumstances, such as being married to a Spanish citizen or having been born in Spain.
Good civic conduct, demonstrated through criminal record certificates from Spain and from the country or countries where the applicant previously resided.
A sufficient degree of integration into Spanish society, demonstrated through two examinations administered by the Instituto Cervantes: the DELE A2 exam, which assesses knowledge of the Spanish language and is required for applicants who are not nationals of Spanish-speaking countries, and the CCSE exam, which assesses knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and Spanish society.
Documents required to apply for Spanish nationality
The documentation required varies depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant. However, the following documents are generally required when applying for Spanish nationality:
Birth certificate, apostilled and officially translated where applicable.
Criminal record certificate from the applicant's country of origin and from any country in which they have resided in recent years, duly apostilled and translated.
Historical certificate of registration on the municipal register (empadronamiento histórico) proving continuous residence in Spain.
Proof of payment of the application fee using Form 790, Code 026.
DELE A2 and CCSE certificates.
A valid residence card (NIE/TIE).
Step-by-step procedure
Gather and legalise the required documentation: foreign documents may need to bear the Hague Apostille and be accompanied by a sworn translation.
Pass the Instituto Cervantes examinations (DELE A2 and CCSE), unless a legal exemption applies, such as in the case of minors, persons with a recognised disability or nationals of Spanish-speaking countries in relation to the DELE exam.
Submit the application online through the electronic headquarters of the Spanish Ministry of Justice.
Pay the corresponding application fee.
Wait for the decision on the application: the statutory period for a decision is one year, although in practice processing may take longer depending on the workload of the Administration.
Take the oath or pledge of allegiance to the King and obedience to the Constitution. This is the final and essential step required to formalise the granting of Spanish nationality.
How long does Spanish nationality by residence take?
The current average processing time ranges from approximately 12 to 24 months from the date the application is submitted, although this may vary.
Applicants can check the status of their application through the Ministry of Justice's “Cómo va lo mío” service by entering their application reference number (LEX).
Why instruct a specialist lawyer?
Errors in the documentation, incorrect translations or failure to properly prove continuous residence are among the most common causes of refusal.
A lawyer specialising in Spanish nationality law can review the application before it is submitted, identify potential issues and actively monitor the procedure, helping to avoid unnecessary delays or a refusal that could require the applicant to start the process again.
Do you need assistance with your Spanish nationality application? Contact our law firm and we will advise and assist you throughout the entire process, from preparing the first document to completing the nationality oath.
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