How to Become a Spanish Citizen: Steps and Requirements (Insights from an Immigration Lawyer)

How to Become a Spanish Citizen: Steps and Requirements (Insights from an Immigration Lawyer)

Many expats who fall in love with life in Spain eventually consider taking the next big step: obtaining Spanish citizenship. Becoming a Spanish citizen can grant you a host of benefits, from the right to vote in Spain to the convenience of an EU passport for travel and work across Europe. However, the naturalization process in Spain is detailed and time-consuming. In this guide, we outline the key pathways and requirements for Spanish citizenship, with insights drawn from our experience as immigration lawyers.

Paths to Spanish Citizenship

For expats, the most common route to citizenship is naturalization by residence. This means you acquire citizenship after legally residing in Spain for a certain period. The standard required period is 10 years of continuous legal residence. However, Spain offers reduced residency periods for certain individuals:

• 5 Years: Refugees can apply after five years of residence.
• 2 Years: Citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal (and those of Sephardic Jewish descent) can apply after two years, due to Spain’s historical ties and reciprocity.
• 1 Year: Several cases qualify for a fast-track one-year requirement, including:
  • If you are married to a Spanish citizen (and have been married for at least one year and not separated).
  • If you were born outside Spain to a Spanish parent or grandparent (Spanish by origin).
  • If you were born in Spain (with some conditions).
  • If you are a widow/er of a Spanish citizen (if at the time of spouse’s death you were not separated).

Another route, though less common, is citizenship by option, applicable to those with Spanish family connections or those who were under Spanish legal guardianship as children.

Key Requirements for Naturalization

Once you meet the residency time frame applicable to you, there are additional important requirements:

• Legal and Continuous Residence: You must have lived in Spain legally (with a residence permit) for the required period without prolonged absences. Generally, you shouldn’t be outside Spain for more than 3 consecutive months or 6 months total in any given residency year before applying.
• Good Conduct: Having a clean criminal record is essential. Minor infractions may be overlooked, but serious crimes likely bar citizenship until a certain period has passed after rehabilitation.
• Integration and Adaptation: Spain requires applicants to demonstrate integration into Spanish society:
  • You will need to pass the CCSE exam (a culture and civics test in Spanish) which quizzes you on Spanish constitution, society, and culture.
  • Unless you come from a Spanish-speaking country, you must also pass a Spanish language exam (DELE) at A2 level or higher, to show basic proficiency in the Spanish language.
• Financial Stability: While there’s no strict income requirement for citizenship, you may need to show means of support or employment history in Spain, indicating you have not been a burden on the state.
• Renunciation of Previous Nationality: Spain, in principle, requires new citizens (except those from Spanish American countries, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, or Portugal) to renounce their prior citizenship. In practice, some expats (like Britons or other EU nationals) take Spanish nationality and do not formally lose their original nationality because their home country allows dual citizenship. Be aware, however, that Spain may consider you only Spanish after naturalization, and dual citizenship is not officially recognized for most nationalities.

Application Process Overview

1. Prepare Documents: Gather required documents such as your NIE/residence card, passport, proof of time in Spain (e.g., historical padrón registrations, residence certificates), clean criminal records from Spain and your home country, and certificates of the CCSE and DELE exams. You will also need birth and marriage certificates, and documents proving the reduced residency period (if applicable, such as marriage certificate to a Spaniard).
2. Submit the Application: Applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Justice’s electronic platform. An administrative fee (tasa) must be paid. The application includes forms and all supporting documents scanned.
3. Wait for Processing: This is the long part – processing can take 1-3 years (or more) for a decision. Patience is required. You can check your file status online. Sometimes the authorities request additional documents or clarifications during this stage.
4. Resolution and Pledge: If approved, you’ll receive a favorable resolution. Next, you must attend a citizenship oath ceremony at the local Civil Registry. Here you swear loyalty to the King and obedience to the Spanish Constitution and laws, and (if required) renounce your prior citizenship.
5. Obtain Documents: After the oath, you can apply for a Spanish birth certificate annotation, then a DNI (national ID card) and Spanish passport.

How Our Immigration Lawyers Help

The citizenship process can be complex. Our team assists expats by:

• Evaluating Eligibility: We assess if and when you qualify (taking into account any gaps in residency or special categories that shorten the timeline).
• Preparation for Exams: We provide guidance and resources for the Spanish language and culture exams so you know what to expect.
• Document Compilation: From obtaining police certificates to translating and legalizing foreign documents, we manage the paperwork to ensure your application is complete.
• Application Monitoring: We submit your file correctly and track its progress. If there are delays beyond the legal timeframe, we can pursue remedies (including legal appeals or petitions known as recurso contencioso if necessary) to push a decision.
• Dealing with Bureaucracy: Communicating with Spanish authorities can be daunting – we handle inquiries and correspondences on your behalf.

Conclusion

Achieving Spanish citizenship is a milestone that solidifies your place in Spain. It requires commitment and careful navigation of the legal steps, but the reward of fully belonging to your adopted country is often worth the effort. If you’re considering naturalization, contact our immigration law experts at Expat & Legal Spain. We will gladly guide you through each stage of the citizenship journey – from checking your eligibility to the moment you hold your Spanish passport in hand.

Sandra Márquez

CEO & Lawyer, Expat & Legal Spain