Becoming a Spanish citizen is the ultimate goal for many immigrants living in Spain. Whether you’ve lived here for years or have Spanish roots, Spanish citizenship offers the right to vote, a Spanish passport, and full integration into European life.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✅ The main paths to Spanish nationality
✅ Residency and time requirements
✅ Required documents
✅ How long it takes
✅ Why using a lawyer can simplify everything
🇪🇸 What Is Spanish Citizenship?
Spanish citizenship (nacionalidad española) is the legal recognition of you as a full citizen of Spain, granting:
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A Spanish passport
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The right to vote in national and EU elections
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Freedom to live and work across the EU
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Protection under Spanish consular services
There are five main ways to acquire it.
🛤️ Paths to Spanish Citizenship
1. 📆 Citizenship by Residence (Naturalization)
This is the most common path. You must live in Spain legally for:
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10 years: Standard rule
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5 years: Refugees
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2 years: Citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Sephardic Jews
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1 year: Special cases (e.g., married to a Spaniard, born in Spain to foreign parents, etc.)
⚠️ Time in Spain must be legal and continuous, usually under visas like arraigo, work, or family reunification.
2. 👶 Citizenship by Birth in Spain
Children born in Spain to foreign parents can acquire Spanish nationality in some cases — especially if the parents are stateless or if the country of origin doesn’t grant nationality.
3. 🧬 Citizenship by Descent (Nationality by Origin)
If one or both of your parents are Spanish, you may be eligible automatically — even if born abroad.
4. 💍 Citizenship by Marriage
Married to a Spanish citizen? You may apply after 1 year of legal residence in Spain, provided the marriage is registered in Spain and still valid at the time of application.
5. 📝 Citizenship by Option or Naturalization Letter
Rare or special paths granted by government decree, often for humanitarian, historical, or cultural reasons.
📋 Requirements for Spanish Citizenship
To apply for Spanish citizenship by residence, you must:
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Have completed the required years of legal residence
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Prove integration into Spanish society
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Have a clean criminal record (in Spain and your home country)
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Show economic stability
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Pass language (DELE A2) and cultural knowledge (CCSE) exams (unless exempt)
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Submit the complete application through electronic or notarial means
📌 Applicants from Latin America, the Philippines, Andorra, or Equatorial Guinea only need 2 years of residence.
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary greatly.
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Average: 12–36 months
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In reality, delays are common unless a lawyer monitors the file and files a “recurso contencioso-administrativo” after 12 months without response.
⏳ Once approved, you’ll swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution at the Civil Registry, usually within 6 months.
🧾 Documents You’ll Need
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Valid passport and residency card (TIE)
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Criminal background checks (Spain and country of origin)
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Padron certificate (proof of address)
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Language and CCSE test certificates (from Instituto Cervantes)
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Marriage or birth certificates (if applicable)
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Proof of economic means or employment
📌 All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled.
❌ Common Reasons for Rejection
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Incomplete or incorrect documents
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Criminal record or police issues
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Gaps in legal residency
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Failing to show integration
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Delays in registry appointments
👨⚖️ A lawyer ensures your file is strong from the start.
🧑⚖️ How Immigration Lawyers Help
Spanish citizenship law is complex and filled with administrative obstacles. A qualified lawyer can:
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Review and prepare your documents
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Ensure residency years qualify
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Handle translations and apostilles
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File the application online or with a notary
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Monitor your application status
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Appeal delays or rejections
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Schedule and attend your oath appointment
🗺️ Dual Citizenship Rules
Spain generally does not allow dual citizenship, except for citizens of:
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Latin America
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Andorra
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Philippines
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Portugal
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Equatorial Guinea
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Sephardic Jewish descendants (special program no longer active)
👥 Others may need to renounce their previous nationality formally — though enforcement varies in practice.
🌍 Spanish Citizenship Benefits
✅ Visa-free travel to over 190 countries
✅ Full EU mobility rights
✅ Permanent status — no need to renew permits
✅ Access to public benefits, scholarships, and jobs
✅ Easier family reunification
👨⚖️ Borderless Lawyers: Your Citizenship Team in Spain
We help expats and residents across Spain obtain Spanish citizenship — faster and stress-free.
Our services include:
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Document collection and review
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Translations and notarizations
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Online application filing
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Appeals for delays or denials
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Civil Registry guidance and prep
📍 Offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Granada, and across Spain.
🇪🇸 Ready to Become a Spanish Citizen?
Don’t wait years to start your future. Our legal team helps you qualify, apply, and succeed.