How to Get Spanish Citizenship: Complete Guide for 2026

Quick Answer: You can get Spanish citizenship through residency (1-10 years depending on nationality), marriage (1 year while married), descent under the Democratic Memory Law (deadline October 22, 2025), or by option (for children of Spanish citizens). Most applicants need to pass the DELE A2 language exam (~€138) and CCSE civics test (~€85). Processing takes 1-3 years after application. Total cost: €350-600 without legal help.

Obtaining Spanish citizenship opens the door to living and working anywhere in the European Union, voting in Spanish elections, and holding one of the world's most powerful passports. Spain offers several pathways to citizenship, from residency-based naturalization to ancestry claims under the Democratic Memory Law.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to get Spanish citizenship in 2026, including eligibility requirements, the application process, required exams, costs, and realistic processing timelines.

What Is Spanish Citizenship?

Spanish citizenship (nacionalidad española) grants you full rights as a citizen of Spain and, by extension, the European Union. Unlike a residence permit that requires periodic renewal, citizenship is permanent and provides:

• The right to live and work indefinitely in Spain
• Freedom to live and work in any EU member state
• Voting rights in Spanish and EU elections
• Access to one of the strongest passports globally (visa-free travel to 189 countries)
• Full access to Spanish social services and healthcare
• The ability to pass citizenship to your children

While most Spanish citizens acquire nationality at birth, foreigners can obtain citizenship through several legal pathways. Understanding which route applies to your situation is the first step toward becoming Spanish.

What Are the Pathways to Spanish Citizenship?

Spain offers four main routes to citizenship for foreigners. The path you take depends on your personal circumstances, including your time in Spain, family connections, and nationality.

Citizenship by Residency (Naturalización por Residencia)

This is the most common pathway for foreigners. After legally residing in Spain for a specified period, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization. The required residency period varies:

10 years — Standard requirement for most nationalities

5 years — For refugees granted asylum in Spain

2 years — For citizens of:

• Latin American countries (Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, etc.)
• Portugal
• Andorra
• The Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• Sephardic Jews (with proof of heritage)

1 year — For those who:

• Are married to a Spanish citizen
• Were born in Spain
• Did not exercise their right to acquire Spanish nationality by option
• Have been under legal guardianship of a Spanish citizen or institution for two consecutive years
• Are widows or widowers of a Spanish citizen (if not legally separated)

The residency period must be legal and continuous. Time spent on tourist visas or student visas generally does not count—you need a valid residence permit during the entire qualifying period.

Citizenship by Descent (Ley de Nietos)

The Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática), enacted in 2022, expanded citizenship rights to descendants of Spanish nationals who left Spain during the 20th century. This is commonly called the "Grandchildren Law" (Ley de Nietos).

You may be eligible if you are:

• A grandchild of a Spanish woman who lost her nationality by marrying a non-Spanish citizen before the 1978 Constitution
• A child of someone who obtained Spanish nationality through historical memory laws but couldn't pass it to you because you were over 18 at the time
• A child or grandchild of someone who was exiled from Spain for political, ideological, religious reasons, or reasons of sexual orientation and lost or renounced their nationality

Important: The application window for the Democratic Memory Law opened in October 2022 and closed in October 2024. During the window, applications were submitted at a Spanish consulate abroad or the Central Civil Registry in Spain.

Citizenship by Marriage

Marrying a Spanish citizen doesn't automatically grant you citizenship, but it significantly reduces the residency requirement. You only need to live legally in Spain for one year while married and registered at the same address as your Spanish spouse.

Key requirements:

• The marriage must be officially registered in Spain
• You must obtain a residence permit (such as the EU Family Member card)
• You must demonstrate continuous cohabitation with your spouse
• The one-year period begins when you receive your residence permit, not when you got married

This pathway still requires passing the DELE A2 and CCSE exams and meeting all other citizenship requirements.

Citizenship by Option

Spanish citizenship by option applies to specific situations involving family connections:

• Children of a Spanish parent (by birth or adoption)
• Children born in Spain to foreign parents, if at least one parent was also born in Spain
• Those adopted by Spanish citizens before turning 18
• Those under the legal guardianship of a Spanish citizen or institution

This pathway is typically faster and has different requirements than naturalization by residency. If you believe you qualify, consult with an immigration lawyer to confirm your eligibility.

Spanish Citizenship Requirements

Regardless of which pathway you're pursuing, all citizenship applicants must meet certain general requirements:

Legal Residency

You must hold a valid residence permit during the entire qualifying period. Your NIE number and residence card must be current when you submit your application. Any gap in legal status can disqualify your application.

Continuous Presence in Spain

Absences from Spain can affect your eligibility. General guidelines:

• For 1, 2, or 5-year residency requirements: No more than 3 consecutive months outside Spain
• For the 10-year requirement: No more than 6 consecutive months outside Spain
• Frequent short trips that suggest you don't actually live in Spain can also raise issues

Keep records of your travel in case you need to justify any absences.

Good Civic Conduct

The Ministry of Justice will review your:

• Criminal record (from Spain and your home country)
• Police records
• Tax compliance
• Overall integration into Spanish society

Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you—minor or isolated offenses may be overlooked—but serious crimes or a pattern of infractions will likely result in denial.

DELE A2 Spanish Language Exam

Unless you're from a Spanish-speaking country, you must pass the DELE A2 exam to prove basic Spanish language proficiency. The exam is administered by the Instituto Cervantes and tests reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression.

The A2 level corresponds to a basic user who can understand and use everyday expressions. Exam sessions are offered multiple times per year at Instituto Cervantes centers and accredited exam locations worldwide.

Exemptions: Citizens of Spanish-speaking countries (most Latin American nations, Equatorial Guinea) don't need to take the DELE A2.

CCSE Civics and Culture Exam

All applicants (with very few exceptions) must pass the CCSE exam (Prueba de Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España). This 25-question multiple-choice test covers:

• Government and legislation: The Constitution, branches of government, institutions, and citizens' rights and duties
• Spanish culture and society: Geography, history, traditions, and everyday life in Spain
• Administrative procedures: Common processes residents encounter

You need to answer 60% correctly (15 out of 25) to pass. The Instituto Cervantes publishes a study guide with 300 potential questions, and most test questions come directly from this list.

Exemptions: Those who completed secondary education (ESO) or higher in Spain may be exempt from the CCSE.

What Is the Application Process for Spanish Citizenship?

Once you've met all the requirements, here's how to apply for Spanish citizenship:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Required documents typically include:

• Valid passport and NIE
• Current residence card
• Birth certificate (apostilled and translated)
• Criminal record certificate from your home country (apostilled and translated)
• Spanish criminal record certificate (if you've lived in Spain 5+ years)
• DELE A2 certificate (if applicable)
• CCSE certificate
• Historic census registration (histórico de empadronamiento)
• Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage)
• Proof of fee payment (€104.05 as of 2026)
• Proof of economic means (employment contract, business registration, bank statements)

All foreign documents must be properly legalized (apostille for Hague Convention countries) and officially translated into Spanish.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You can submit your citizenship application:

• Online: Through the Ministry of Justice electronic portal (sede.mjusticia.gob.es). This is the recommended method for faster processing.
• In person: At the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) corresponding to your residence

Online applications require a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN for electronic identification.

Step 3: Wait for Resolution

After submission, your application enters the review queue at the Ministry of Justice. They will verify all documents, check your criminal background, confirm your residency history, and request additional documents if needed.

If the Ministry requests additional documentation, respond within the deadline provided—failure to do so will result in automatic denial.

Step 4: Receive Your Resolution

The Ministry should issue a resolution within one year. In practice, processing times often extend to 2-3 years due to backlogs.

If you receive no response after one year, you can file an administrative appeal based on "administrative silence" (silencio administrativo negativo) or hire a lawyer to expedite through the courts. Most appeals are resolved within 3-6 months.

Step 5: Oath of Allegiance (Jura)

After receiving a favorable resolution, you must take the oath of allegiance to the King and Constitution of Spain within 180 days. This ceremony takes place at a Civil Registry office in Spain or a Spanish consulate abroad.

Step 6: Obtain Your DNI and Passport

After the oath, you can apply for your DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) and Spanish passport at a police station or passport office. You're now officially a Spanish citizen.

Processing Times: What to Really Expect

Official timeline: 1 year from application to resolution

Realistic timeline: 2-3 years in most cases

The Spanish citizenship process is notoriously slow. Factors that affect your timeline include application method (online is faster), completeness of documents, Ministry workload, and complexity of your case.

Pro tip: Many immigration lawyers can access faster processing channels. If timing is critical, professional assistance often pays for itself in reduced waiting time.

Spanish Citizenship Costs and Fees

As of 2026, the main costs include:

• Citizenship application fee: €104.05
• DELE A2 exam: €134-138
• CCSE exam: €85
• Criminal record certificate: €15-50 (varies by country)
• Document translation: €25-50 per document
• Apostille: €10-50 (varies by country)
• DNI: Free (first issuance)
• Spanish passport: €30

Total estimated cost: €400-600 (without legal assistance)

Immigration lawyers typically charge €800-2,500 for citizenship application services, depending on case complexity.

Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know

Spain generally does not permit dual citizenship. When you become Spanish, you must typically renounce your previous nationality.

However, there are important exceptions. Spain allows dual citizenship for nationals of:

• Latin American countries
• Andorra
• The Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• Portugal

If you're from one of these countries, you can retain your original citizenship while becoming Spanish.

If you're from a country not on this list (including the United States, United Kingdom, and most of Europe), you must formally renounce your previous nationality. However, Spain doesn't verify whether you actually complete the renunciation, and your home country may not recognize your renunciation—many people end up with de facto dual citizenship even when Spain doesn't officially allow it.

What Are the Benefits of Spanish Citizenship?

Spanish citizenship offers significant advantages:

• EU Freedom of Movement: Live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union without needing visas or permits
• Powerful Passport: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 countries
• Political Rights: Vote in local, regional, national, and European Parliament elections
• Permanent Security: Unlike residence permits, citizenship is permanent—you can never be deported
• Family Benefits: Your children automatically become Spanish citizens
• No Renewal Requirements: Citizenship doesn't expire or require minimum presence in Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get Spanish citizenship?

The minimum residency requirement is 1 year (for those married to Spanish citizens) to 10 years (standard). After meeting residency requirements and submitting your application, expect 1-3 years for processing. Total timeline: 2-13 years depending on your situation.

Can I apply for Spanish citizenship with a student visa?

No. Time spent on a student visa doesn't count toward residency requirements. You need a proper residence permit. However, you can switch from a student visa to a work or residence permit and start counting from that point.

Do I need to speak Spanish to become a citizen?

Yes. Unless you're from a Spanish-speaking country, you must pass the DELE A2 exam demonstrating basic Spanish proficiency. The CCSE civics exam is also conducted in Spanish.

Can I keep my original citizenship?

Only if you're from a country with which Spain has a dual nationality agreement (Latin America, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea). Citizens of other countries must formally renounce their previous nationality, though enforcement varies.

What happens if my citizenship application is denied?

You can appeal through administrative channels and, if necessary, the courts. Common reasons for denial include insufficient residency, criminal records, or documentation errors. Many denials are overturned on appeal if the underlying issues can be addressed.

Can I apply from outside Spain?

For citizenship by residency, no—you must maintain residence in Spain throughout the qualifying period. For citizenship by descent under the Democratic Memory Law, you can apply at Spanish consulates abroad.

Is the Sephardic Jewish citizenship path still available?

The special Sephardic citizenship law (Law 12/2015) closed to new applications on October 1, 2019. However, Sephardic Jews who can prove their heritage may still qualify for the reduced 2-year residency requirement for citizenship by residency.

Do children born in Spain automatically get citizenship?

Not automatically. Spain follows jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood), not jus soli (citizenship by birthplace). Children born in Spain to foreign parents typically only get citizenship if they would otherwise be stateless or through other specific circumstances.

How strict is the absence limit during residency?

Fairly strict. For shorter residency requirements (1, 2, or 5 years), don't exceed 3 consecutive months outside Spain. For the 10-year requirement, 6 months is the limit. Frequent shorter trips can also cause problems.

Can I expedite the citizenship process?

Using an immigration lawyer can often speed up processing through access to expedited channels. Filing an appeal after administrative silence (no response within one year) can also force a faster resolution. Budget €800-2,500 for legal assistance.

Next Steps

Ready to start your Spanish citizenship journey? Here's what to do:

1. Determine your eligibility pathway — Review the requirements and identify which route applies to you
2. Check your residency status — Ensure you have (or can obtain) a valid Spain residency permit
3. Get your NIE — If you don't already have one, apply for your NIE number
4. Start studying — Register for DELE A2 and CCSE exams and begin preparing
5. Gather documents — Start collecting and apostilling documents from your home country
6. Consider professional help — For complex cases or faster processing, consult an immigration lawyer

Spanish citizenship is a significant achievement that opens doors throughout Europe and beyond. While the process requires patience, proper preparation makes all the difference.