How long Spanish nationality by residence takes: real timeframes in 2026

One of the most common questions for those regularised in Spain is how long Spanish nationality takes from submitting the application to taking the oath. The short answer: the law sets a maximum period of one year to resolve once the case file is complete, but before that you must complete the years of lawful residence and pass some exams, and in practice the whole process usually takes considerably longer. In this guide we explain, phase by phase, the real timeframes in 2026 and what you can do if your case file is delayed.

How long Spanish nationality takes: an overview of the process

It is worth separating two things that are often confused. One is the prior residence time that the law requires before you can apply. The other is the processing time of the case file once the application has been submitted. Adding both, most people take several years from arriving in Spain to obtaining the Spanish DNI (national ID).

Important: nationality by residence is not governed by the new Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024), which regulates residence authorisations and arraigo (roots-based residence). Nationality is governed by the Civil Code, Law 19/2015 and Royal Decree 1004/2015, which establishes the electronic procedure and the maximum period for a decision.

The years of lawful residence required before applying

The first timeframe is the length of time you must have resided lawfully, continuously and immediately before the application. Depending on your situation, the Civil Code requires:

• 10 years as a general rule.
• 5 years for those who have obtained refugee status.
• 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews.
• 1 year in specific cases, such as having been born in Spain, being married for one year to a Spanish national, or being the child or grandchild of a Spaniard by origin, among others.

These years must be evidenced with residence cards or authorisations valid throughout the period. If you are building up that seniority and do not yet know which route applies to you, you can get your bearings with our immigration route finder. And if your intermediate goal is to consolidate stable residence, check the long-term residence page.

How long each phase of the nationality application takes

1. Preparation: CCSE and DELE A2 exams

Before or during the application you must pass the CCSE exam (constitutional and sociocultural knowledge) and, where applicable, the DELE A2 Spanish exam. Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from the DELE. Preparing and passing these tests can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on the available exam sittings.

2. Online submission and fee

The application is submitted electronically and requires paying the relevant fee (form 790, code 026). Submission itself is quick, but gathering all the up-to-date documentation (criminal record certificates, empadronamiento (municipal registration), etc.) is usually what takes the most time in this phase.

3. Processing of the case file

Once submitted, the Directorate-General for Legal Certainty and Public Attestation processes the case file and requests reports (for example, on security and conduct). This is the most variable phase: it can range from a few months to more than a year depending on the workload.

4. Decision

The law sets a maximum period of one year to resolve once the case file is complete. If it passes without a reply, negative administrative silence applies, meaning it is deemed refused, although in practice many case files are subsequently resolved expressly and favourably.

5. Oath or pledge and registration

After the grant you have 180 days to swear or pledge allegiance to the King and obedience to the Constitution before the Civil Registry, and to register your new nationality. Only then can you apply for the Spanish DNI and passport.

So, how long does Spanish nationality take in practice?

Adding the processing and the decision, the application procedure in 2026 usually falls, in many cases, around one or two years, although some case files are faster and others drag on. To that time you must add the prior preparation of exams and documentation, and the months for the oath. The timeframes are indicative and depend on the volume of case files and your specific situation.

How to avoid delays and what to do if your case file gets stuck

• Submit complete documentation with valid certificates from day one.
• Keep the case file number to check the status on the electronic portal.
• If it exceeds one year without a decision, you can submit a written complaint or, where applicable, go to the administrative courts.
• Keep your residence card renewed in the meantime: the nationality application does not replace your residence authorisation.

If you do not yet meet the requirements and want to see which residence or arraigo route fits your case, start with our route guidance finder or check the Spanish nationality by residence page directly.

Frequently asked questions about Spanish nationality timeframes

How long does Spanish nationality take from when I submit the application?

The law sets a maximum of one year to resolve once the case file is complete, but in practice the whole processing usually lasts between one and two years, with faster cases and slower ones.

What happens if more than a year passes without a decision?

Negative administrative silence applies, meaning the application is deemed refused. Even so, the Administration may resolve expressly afterwards, and you can complain or go to the courts.

How many years of residence do I need before applying for nationality?

As a general rule, 10 years; 5 for refugees; 2 for Ibero-Americans, Sephardic Jews and other countries with a historical link; and 1 year in cases such as being born in Spain or being married to a Spanish national.

How long do I have to take the oath after the grant?

You have 180 days from notification of the grant to swear or pledge and register the nationality at the Civil Registry. If you do not do so in time, the grant may lapse.

Does the new 2025 immigration rules change the nationality timeframes?

No. The Immigration Regulation RD 1155/2024, in force since May 2025, regulates residence and arraigo, not nationality, which follows its own rules (Civil Code, Law 19/2015 and RD 1004/2015).

This article is for general guidance and information only and does not constitute legal advice. Timeframes and requirements may vary depending on your personal situation and the current exam sittings. For your specific case, consult an immigration professional or the competent authority.