How to get Spanish citizenship

All the options to get the Spanish passport easily

Immigration Lawyers Spain » Spanish Citizenship: How to get the Spanish Passport

What is Spanish Citizenship?

Living in Spain under a residence permit is a great opportunity for many foreigners. But it also has its disadvantages; like the need to renew every two years or the impossibility to work in any other EU country. Nevertheless, Spanish Citizenship is the solution for that. 

When we refer to nationality in Spain we are talking about the legal status that those born in Spain and foreigners who meet the right requirements possess and which translates into several rights.

Among others, it grants you the possibility to live and work in any other European country apart from Spain, it enables you to vote; and most importantly: it lets you live indefinitely in the Spanish territory. 

Even though the most common way of becoming a Spanish citizen is by being originally from the country, you as a foreigner can also obtain this passport. In that sense, there are 4 different ways to get Spanish citizenship. And finding the one that is right for you will be crucial. 

How to get the Spanish passport: your 4 different options

spanish citizenship by residency

Spanish citizenship by residency
The easiest way of getting the Spanish nationality. After 2,5 or 10 years of living in Spain with your residency permit, you can easily get Citizenship by residency.

spanish citizenship by option

Spanish citizenship by option
If your parents were Spanish nationals, you can also get citizenship for yourself, as long as you meet the requirements. You or your children must be under 18 years old.

grandchildren law in Spain

Spanish citizenship by descendant
Are you the grandchildren of Spanish citizens (for example of those who got it to trough historical memory)? Then under this new law, you may be able to also apply.

Spanish Citizenship by marriage

Spanish citizenship by marriage
If you get married to a Spanish citizen, you just need to live in Spain for one year in order to qualify for the nationality. It’s that simple! The marriage must be registered in Spain.

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We will guide you step by step throughout the whole process, solving all your doubts.

In order to get Spanish nationality, there are several requirements you must meet. Even though there are 4 different paths to get citizenship and each of them have its own requirements, some of them are general and those are the ones we will explore now. 

Spanish citizenship requirements

  • You can’t be under an irregular situation in Spain during the application process.
  • You will have to pass to different exams: the DELE A2 (a Spanish language test), and the CCSE (a cultural exam). 
  • Lacking criminal records will be essential.
  • You will also need to submit your “empadronamiento” to demonstrate that you haven’t left the country for a long period of time. 

Citizenship application process

  1. First of all, you need to prepare all the required documents. 
  2. Then, you must submit your application, which you can do it online in order to get a faster response. 
  3. After waiting for approximately 1 year, you will get your resolution. 
  4. The next step is to realize the pledge of allegiance. 
  5. Finally, you will need to go to any police station and get your passport . 
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Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Citizenship

Spanish nationality processing time

How long does it take to get your Spanish passport? After submitting your application, the government will take from 1 to 2 years after submitting a response. 

Nevertheless, if you apply online, chances are that you will get a response much faster.

Once you receive your favorable resolution, however, there will still be an extra step: taking the oath of the Spanish constitution. This is something you can do before a notary, at the Spanish consulate or at the Civil Registry; and the duration of the process will depend on the availability of appointments in each of the 3 options.

Which is the nationality test I need to pass?

In order to get Citizenship, there are two different nationality exams you will need to pass, both from the Cervantes Institute:

  • DELE A2, a Spanish language test, which demonstrates you understand the basics of the language.
  • CCSE, a multiple-choice exam in which you will be asked about the Spanish culture, the geography of the country, and its government (among others).

There are 3 groups that don’t need to take this exams after requesting an exemption, which you can find out here.

How can I check the status of my application?

The Spanish Ministry of Justice created an online platform that allows you to check the status of your citizenship application completely online and in real-time. It is called “cómo va lo mío”.

Can I travel abroad while waiting for my resolution?

The answer is yes. You can travel for a short period of time abroad without any problem, as long as, as detailed in this post, you respect the periods required by your current residence card.

Which are the documents needed?

Each of the 4 types of nationalities has its own documents and requirements. Nevertheless, as a general rule, you will always need to include:

  • Yous passport, NIE, and current residency card. 
  • Criminal background check.
  • Your historic census (called “histórico de empadronamiento” in Spanish).
  • Document certifying that you passed both nationality exams. 
  • Payment of the corresponding fee. 

New law for Spanish nationality

The Spanish Civil Code is the main document regulating Citizenship in the Spanish territory.

Nevertheless, recently the government approved a new law that will grant grandchildren of Spanish nationals the possibility to get citizenship themselves.

Can you end up losing it?

Yes, it is entirely possible to lose your Spanish nationality.

In cases where you start living in a third country, and within three years (without notifying your intention to keep your citizenship) either you only use your original nationality or you acquire a third one, you will lose your Spanish nationality.

What are the main mistakes or errors that may reject my application?

The are 7 typical errors that may reject your application. From having criminal records to being outside Spain for more than the allowed time. In this article we have gathered those 7 mistakes and provided key recommendations to avoid them.

Application fees for Spanish citizenship

How much does it cost? As of today (2024), the application fee for Spanish nationality is 104,05€. Bear in mind that this fee can be updated each year, and the amount can be increased by a few cents or even a couple of euros.

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