How to Apply for Spanish Citizenship as a Foreigner

Becoming a Spanish citizen is a major milestone for many expats and long-term residents. It grants full rights in Spain and the EU — from voting to traveling freely — but the process can be complex.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for Spanish citizenship as a foreigner.

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📋 Who Can Apply for Spanish Citizenship?

Spain offers multiple paths to citizenship for foreigners:

• 🗓️ By Residency – Most common path, after legally living in Spain for 10 years

• 🇪🇸 By Marriage – After 1 year of marriage to a Spanish citizen and living in Spain

• 👶 By Birth or Adoption – For children born or adopted by Spanish citizens

• 🌍 By Descent – If your parent or grandparent was Spanish (see next article)

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⏱️ Residency Requirements

Standard requirement:

• 10 years of continuous, legal residency in Spain

Exceptions:

• 2 years for citizens of Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews

• 1 year for:

  • Spouses of Spanish citizens

  • Widows/widowers of Spanish citizens

  • Children or grandchildren of Spanish nationals born in Spain

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🛠️ Step-by-Step Application Process

1. 📄 Gather Documents

   • Passport and NIE

   • Residency certificate and padrón

   • Criminal record checks (Spain + home country)

   • Birth certificate (legalized & translated)

   • DELE A2 and CCSE exam certificates (language & culture)

   • Proof of integration and income

2. 💻 Submit Application Online

   • Use Spain’s Ministry of Justice portal

   • Include digital copies of all documents

   • Sign with digital certificate or use a legal representative

3. ⏳ Wait for Review

   • Processing time: 12–24 months (delays are common)

4. 🗣️ Attend Interview (if requested)

   • You may be asked to demonstrate integration and language skills

5. 🖋️ Oath of Allegiance & Registration

   • Once approved, take the oath before a civil registry official

   • Receive your Spanish ID and register with the town hall

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⚠️ Important Notes for Foreigners

• Dual nationality may not be allowed with your home country (check before applying)

• Rejection is possible due to criminal history or failure to integrate

• You must renounce your original nationality in most cases — unless you’re from a dual-allowed country (see Article 3)

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🛡️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help

• Review your eligibility and gather required documentation

• Assist with DELE/CCSE exam preparation and exemptions

• Submit the online application and handle all Ministry correspondence

• Appeal denied applications or long delays

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📞 Contact Borderless Lawyers Today

Ready to become a Spanish citizen? Borderless Lawyers simplifies the process for foreigners and families seeking nationality. Contact us for legal guidance and full support from start to finish.