Spanish nationality
Obtaining Spanish citizenship doesn’t have to be an impossible task. We’ve been through it ourselves.
What’s included
SPANISH NATIONALITY BY RESIDENCE Spanish nationality by residence allows a person to acquire Spanish nationality after having resided in Spain legally, continuously and immediately prior to the application, for the period specified in each case. RESIDENCE PERIODS 10 years: as a general rule. 5 years: for persons who have been granted refugee status. 2 years: for nationals originally from Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal. 1 year: for those born in Spain. 1 year: for those who have been married to a Spanish citizen for at least one year and are not legally or de facto separated. There are also other specific cases in which one year’s residence is sufficient. NATIONALITY EXAMS Generally speaking, to apply for Spanish nationality, the following tests set by the Instituto Cervantes must be taken: CCSE: test of constitutional and socio-cultural knowledge of Spain. DELE A2 or higher: an examination demonstrating a basic knowledge of the Spanish language. Nationals of countries where Spanish is an official language are exempt from taking the DELE examination. There are other cases of exemption or dispensation provided for by law. OTHER REQUIREMENTS In addition to the required period of residence, the applicant must demonstrate good civic conduct and a sufficient degree of integration into Spanish society. HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? At Legal Immigration, we analyse your situation, calculate when you will have fulfilled the required period of residence, review all the documentation and submit your application for Spanish nationality, supporting you throughout the entire process.
ACitizenship by residence
NATIONALITY BY RESIDENCE
Spanish nationality by residence is one of the main routes to acquiring Spanish nationality. To qualify, you must have resided in Spain legally and continuously, immediately prior to your application, for the period of time required in each case.
The required period of residence varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and personal circumstances, and may be 1, 2, 5 or 10 years.
BNationality by choice
Generally speaking, this is due to the applicant’s close family ties with Spanish citizens.
Thus, those who are or have been subject to the parental authority of a Spanish national, those whose father or mother was Spanish and was born in Spain, and adopted persons over the age of eighteen are eligible for Spanish nationality.
CNationality by virtue of status
This is a rare way of acquiring nationality, based on the fact that the person concerned has held and used this nationality for ten years. The requirements are that the person concerned must have acted in good faith in holding and using Spanish nationality and that there must be a certificate of nationality registered in the Civil Register, even if that certificate has been cancelled.
DNationality by naturalisation
It is granted at the Government’s discretion by Royal Decree.
In this case, the applicant must demonstrate that exceptional circumstances exist in order to be granted citizenship. The assessment of the exceptional circumstances alleged is not subject to the general rules of administrative procedure and is carried out on a case-by-case basis. The exceptional circumstances on which applicants base their applications are of a wide variety: cultural, sporting, scientific, charitable, etc.
ENationality by mere presumption
Spain grants nationality by presumption to children of foreign parents born in Spain if the parents’ country or countries of origin do not grant them nationality, or if both parents are stateless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ways are there to obtain citizenship?
Five: by residence, by choice, by status, by naturalisation and by mere presumption. Each has its own requirements.
I was born in Spain to foreign parents. What is my situation?
You may be entitled to Spanish nationality by simple presumption, which applies to those born in Spain who have not been granted any other nationality. We will check this against your documents.
Shall we get started on your application?
Tell us about your situation and we’ll let you know what options you have.