How to Apply for Spanish Nationality by Residence

What is Nationality by Residence?

Spanish nationality by residence is the administrative procedure through which a foreign citizen acquires full citizenship after having resided legally, continuously, and immediately in Spanish territory for a period of time determined by law.

Unlike other methods such as nationality by option or by naturalization (carta de naturaleza), this modality requires demonstrating a real degree of integration into Spanish society. In 2026, the process is carried out entirely online through the Electronic Office of the Ministry of Justice.

Required Residency Periods

10

General Regime

For most foreigners, legal and continuous residence of ten years is required.

05

Refugees

Those who have officially obtained refugee status in Spain.

02

Ibero-Americans

Nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic Jews.

01

Reduced 1-Year Period

This exceptional period applies to: those born in Spanish territory, those who did not exercise their right to nationality by option, persons under the guardianship of a Spanish citizen, widows/widowers of Spaniards (if there was no legal separation), and those who have been married to a Spanish citizen for one year.

More about nationality by marriage →

⚠️ Critical Note:

A stay for studies (Student Visa) does not count towards residency time. You must have modified your stay to a temporary residence or work permit for the clock to start ticking.

2026 Eligibility Calculator

Discover how long you need to reside in Spain based on your personal situation.

Country of Origin or Condition

Special Family Situation

Required Years

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Select your options to calculate the legal timeframe.

* This tool is informative. Timeframes are subject to the interpretation of Law 19/2015 and the Spanish Civil Code.

Integration Tests (Instituto Cervantes)

To obtain nationality, the Ministry of Justice requires demonstrating knowledge about Spanish culture, laws, and society, in addition to language proficiency.

A2

DELE A2 Exam (or higher)

Accredits a basic knowledge of the Spanish language. Exempt for nationals of Spanish-speaking countries.

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CCSE Exam

Test of constitutional and sociocultural knowledge of Spain. Consists of 25 multiple-choice questions.

Register for the official tests →

Exemptions

Minors under 18, persons with judicially modified capacity, or those who have studied ESO/Bachillerato in Spain.

Essential Documentation

Prepare your digital file with these scanned documents in PDF (maximum 5MB each).

Full Passport

All pages, including blank ones, to verify your exits from Spain.

Residence Card (TIE)

Valid. Consult how to renew it in our TIE guide.

Birth Certificate

Legalized or Apostilled by the country of origin and translated if not in Spanish.

Criminal Record

From both the country of origin and Spain. They must be valid at the time of submission.

Historical Census (Padrón)

Certificate proving your residence in Spain. More info at Registration.

Fee 790-026

Proof of payment of the fee (approx. €104.50 in 2026).

The Procedure Step-by-Step

1. Preparation and Exams

Register for and pass the CCSE and DELE exams. Gather all your foreign documentation, have it apostilled and translated if necessary.

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2. Online Submission

Access the Ministry's Office with your Digital Certificate. Fill out the form and upload the documents. Pay the fee online.

3. Evaluation and Resolution

Justice will review your file. You can follow the status on "Cómo va lo mío". This process usually takes between 1 and 3 years through the normal route.

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4. Oath or Pledge

After the concession, you have 180 days to take the Oath of loyalty to the King and the Constitution before the Civil Registry or a Notary. You are now a citizen!

Administrative Appeal: Speed up your file

By law, the Ministry of Justice has one year to resolve your nationality application. If after that year you have not received a response, what is known as "Negative Administrative Silence" occurs.

At this point, many applicants choose to file a Contentious-Administrative Appeal before the National Court (Audiencia Nacional). This step forces the administration to review your file as a priority, drastically reducing waiting times to just a few additional months.

"It is the most recommended route if your file is stuck and you meet all the requirements. It compulsorily requires a lawyer and a court representative (procurador)."

Expert Advice for Success

Do not leave Spain excessively

Prolonged absences (more than 6 months or frequent short trips that add up to a lot of time) can break the "continuity" of your residence and lead to an automatic denial.

Watch the validity of criminal records

Criminal record certificates from your country of origin have a very short validity (usually 3 or 6 months). Make sure they do not expire on the same day you submit your application.

The TIE must be valid

Although you can submit with the renewal receipt, it is much safer to do so with your valid TIE to avoid additional requirements.

Check your email and Electronic Office

The administration will notify you electronically. If you do not respond to a request for documents within 10 days, your file may be closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request nationality with a criminal record?

It is very difficult. One of the requirements is to demonstrate "good civic conduct". If you have a record, it is most advisable to clear it before starting the process.

How much does the total procedure cost?

The official fee is €104.50. To this you must add the cost of the exams (approx. €85 for CCSE and €130 for DELE) plus translation and apostille expenses.

Do I have to renounce my nationality of origin?

It depends. Spain has dual nationality agreements with all Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and France. If you are from another country (e.g., Morocco, Russia, China), you must legally renounce it.

Can I travel while my nationality is being processed?

Yes, as long as you do not exceed the permitted absence limits and maintain your legal residence in Spain by renewing your TIE if necessary.

What happens if my nationality is denied?

You can file an Appeal for Reconsideration (Recurso de Reposición) before the same body or a Contentious Appeal before the National Court within the established legal deadlines.

Are children born in Spain automatically Spanish?

Not necessarily. It depends on the parents' nationality and if their country recognizes nationality by place of birth (Jus Soli). Consult the nationality procedure by simple presumption.

See all frequently asked questions

Ready to start your path to citizenship?

Do not leave your future to chance. Make sure you have all the documentation and exams ready before submitting your official application.

Download Checklist PDF Personalized Advice

Official Links: Ministry of Justice | BOE - Civil Code