Citizenship Spain: How To Become A Spanish National
Expat Tips
Published: 07 April 2022 13:45 CET
Updated: 02 May 2025 20:33 CET
Your 2025 Guide to Obtaining Spanish Citizenship
Already living in Spain and thinking it might be time to apply for Spanish citizenship? Whether you’ve lived here long term, married a Spanish spouse, or have Spanish relatives, becoming a Spanish national gives you the highest level of legal security in Spain — plus full rights across the European Union.
This updated 2025 guide explains how to get Spanish citizenship, the different legal routes recognised under Spanish nationality law, the required documents, the cultural and Spanish language tests (DELE + CCSE), processing times, and what to expect once your application is approved.
Many foreign nationals begin the process after comparing the different Spanish citizenship requirements and confirming they are eligible to apply for citizenship in Spain under Spanish nationality law.
What Spanish Citizenship Means in Practice
Obtaining Spanish nationality grants you full legal status in Spain, including the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, vote in Spanish elections, access public services, and apply for a Spanish passport. You also receive a DNI card and can pass Spanish nationality to your children, whether they are born in Spain or abroad.
For foreign nationals who plan to live in Spain permanently, acquiring Spanish nationality is the most secure long-term legal status available.
Once granted citizenship, you are recognised as a Spanish national under Spanish law and enjoy the same protections and obligations as other Spanish citizens born in Spanish territory.
How Citizenship Differs from Residency
Legal residence only grants the right to live and work in Spain. Citizenship, however, offers:
- full political rights
- permanent legal status
- the right to freely enter and reside in all EU countries
- easier dealings with Spanish government offices, banks, and institutions
- no need to maintain a valid residence permit
Many long-term residents eventually apply for citizenship in Spain to avoid bureaucracy and secure long-term stability.
Main Routes to Spanish Citizenship
Under the Spanish Civil Code, several legal paths exist to acquire Spanish nationality. If you are new to the residency process, see our guide on registering as self-employed in Spain or how to obtain your NIE for important background steps.
Citizenship by Residency
This is the most common route for foreign nationals. The standard residency periods required to apply for Spanish citizenship are:
- 10 years: most third-country nationals
- 5 years: recognised refugees
- 2 years: citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or people of Sephardic Jewish descent
- 1 year: married to a Spanish citizen, born in Spain, widowed from a Spaniard, or with Spanish parents who did not claim nationality earlier
Applicants must maintain continuous legal residence, show integration into Spanish society, speak Spanish at a basic level (unless exempt), and have no serious criminal history.
Citizens from any Spanish-speaking countries or a Spanish American country may also benefit from the reduced two-year residency period.
Citizenship by Marriage
If you are married to a Spanish citizen, you can apply after one year of legal residence in Spain, provided the marriage is legally recognised and you have lived together continuously.
Citizenship by Descent (Ancestry)
Citizenship by descent applies to children or grandchildren of Spanish citizens, including descendants covered under the Law of Democratic Memory. This route is widely used by applicants in Latin American countries with Spanish ancestors.
Citizenship by Option
This applies to children of Spanish citizens, including those adopted by Spanish parents or whose parents obtained Spanish nationality later.
Citizenship by Birth
Some children born in Spain automatically receive Spanish nationality if they would otherwise be stateless, or where Spanish nationality law provides special conditions.
Civic Behaviour Requirements
To obtain Spanish citizenship, applicants must show good civic conduct. Spanish law requires:
- no serious criminal record in Spain or abroad
- no significant tax infringements
- no immigration sanctions
- general compliance with administrative duties
You must submit a criminal record certificate from your home country and Spain (issued within 90 days). If applying from the UK, see our guide: How to Apply for a Criminal Record Certificate in Spain.
Spanish Citizenship Exams: CCSE + DELE
Most applicants must take two tests run by the Instituto Cervantes.
DELE A2 – Spanish Language Test
Details and registration can be found via Instituto Cervantes: DELE A2 exam information.
CCSE – Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge Test
Official information and dates: CCSE exam details.
2025 fees:
- CCSE: €85 (first retake free)
- DELE A2: approx. €130–€150
Required Documents for a Spanish Citizenship Application
Requirements vary based on your pathway, but generally include:
- valid passport + TIE
- birth certificate (translated & apostilled if foreign)
- marriage certificate (if applying through a Spanish spouse)
- proof of legal residence (see our guide: How to Get a Digital Certificate for Spain)
- padron certificate
- criminal record certificates
- DELE and CCSE exam certificates
- payment receipt for €104.05 (2025)
How and Where to Apply for Spanish Citizenship
Applications can be submitted:
The Oath of Allegiance (Jura de Nacionalidad)
Once approved, you must attend the oath ceremony within 180 days.
During the oath you will:
- swear loyalty to the King and the Constitution
- accept Spanish law
- renounce your previous nationality unless your country allows dual citizenship
Dual Citizenship in Spain: Who Can Keep Both Nationalities?
Spain only recognises dual nationality for specific countries with treaties, including:
France, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and most Latin American countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Chile, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
If you're from the UK, USA, Canada or most EU countries, you must normally renounce your original nationality during the oath.
FAQs About Spanish Citizenship
How long does it take?
1.5 to 3 years depending on documentation, exams, and processing delays.
Do I need to give up my passport?
Only if no dual nationality agreement exists between Spain and your country.
Do children of Spanish citizens get nationality automatically?
Yes if born in Spain; those born abroad may qualify through descent or option.
Do I need both exams?
Yes, unless exempt from the DELE A2 Spanish language test.
Can I hire a lawyer or gestor?
Yes — many applicants use a gestor to avoid admin errors.
Need Private Health Insurance for Your Application?
If you’re applying through residency, marriage, or descent and do not qualify for public healthcare, you may need private medical insurance that meets Spanish government requirements.
Compare plans here: Affordable Sanitas Health Insurance.
Final Word
Spanish citizenship offers long-term security, EU mobility, full civic rights, and the ability to pass nationality to your children. While the process involves paperwork, exams, and patience, it is entirely attainable for foreign nationals who meet the criteria under Spanish nationality law.
