Spanish nationality by residence
Acquisition of Spanish nationality through legal, continuous residence immediately prior to the application for the required period: 10 years generally, with reductions (5 years for refugees; 2 years for Latin Americans, Andorrans, Filipinos, Equatorial Guineans, Portuguese and Sephardic Jews; 1 year in cases of a special link with Spain).
General guidance. This is not legal advice. Requirements depend on the regulations in force (Art. 22 del Código Civil) and on your specific case. Confirm it with the authorities or a professional before starting any procedure.
Who is it for?
Foreign nationals with legal, continuous residence immediately prior to the application who can prove good civic conduct and a sufficient degree of integration (DELE A2 and CCSE tests, unless exempt).
Main requirements
- Be a foreign national (applies to third-country nationals and also to EU citizens who wish to obtain the nationality)
- Hold legal residence in Spain at the time of application
- Prove 10 years of continuous legal residence (reducible to 5 for refugees, 2 for Latin Americans and equivalent groups, 1 in special cases)
- Have no criminal record and prove good civic conduct
Duration
Grants Spanish nationality on a permanent basis once registered in the Civil Registry, following the oath or pledge.
Usual documentation
- Standard application form for nationality by residence
- Applicant's birth certificate, legalised/apostilled and translated
- Full valid passport
- Legal residence certificate (TIE / Police certificate)
- Certificate of registration (empadronamiento)
- Criminal record certificate from your country of origin, legalised and translated
- Criminal record certificate in Spain
- DELE A2 diploma or higher (except for Spanish speakers or those exempt)
- CCSE test certificate from the Instituto Cervantes
- Proof of payment of the fee