Spanish citizenship opens doors to a life filled with opportunity, from enjoying the sunny Costa del Sol to traveling visa-free to over 180 countries. In addition, becoming a Spanish national grants full European Union rights — giving you the freedom to live, work, and study across EU member states, plus access to top-tier healthcare and education. Many expats thus explore how can they get a citizenship in Spain, aiming to improve their quality of life.
Below is an overview of the main legal pathways for how to get Spain nationality and the steps involved. Whether you’re interested in spanish real estate, for example Estepona apartments for sale, a strategic pathway to EU residency or looking to secure the benefits of EU membership, these methods clarify how to gain citizenship in Spain and ensure a smooth application process.
Main Routes to Spanish Citizenship
Spanish nationality laws center on the principle of jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent). However, you can also learn «how to become a citizen of Spain» via naturalization, marriage, or reclaiming citizenship if you or your family were Spanish in the past. Once you figure out how do you become a citizen of Spain, you’ll gain not just the right to move freely within the EU but also the privilege to participate in Spanish political life, including voting and running for office.
1. Citizenship by Residency (Naturalization)
This is a top choice for most foreigners. When seeking «how to get Spain citizenship», know that the period of required legal residency depends on your specific situation:
- 10 years. Standard requirement for most non-EU citizens (e.g., Americans, Canadians).
- 5 years. For those with official refugee status.
- 2 years. For nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Portugal, Equatorial Guinea, and descendants of Sephardic Jews (under certain conditions).
- 1 year. For spouses of Spanish citizens, children or grandchildren of Spanish citizens (by origin), and people born in Spain who were not registered at birth.
Answering the question how to apply for Spanish nationality, you need to know that to fulfill via this route, you need continuous legal residency (with minimal absences), a clean criminal record, and proof of integration (passing Spanish language and cultural exams).
Application Steps
- Collect documents: a valid passport, residency card, birth certificate (translated and apostilled), criminal records, DELE A2 (Spanish language) and CCSE (cultural) certificates.
- File your application at the local Civil Registry (Registro Civil) or online through the Ministry of Justice.
- Wait 18–24 months for approval. You’ll then swear allegiance to Spain’s Constitution and monarchy.
2. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
How do you get citizenship in Spain if you have Spanish ancestors? Children of Spanish nationals generally qualify automatically. Grandchildren or Sephardic Jewish descendants may also apply, provided they meet lineage or heritage requirements. Necessary documents often include birth certificates tracing ancestry back to Spain and proof of the ancestor’s Spanish nationality.
Because these applicants are direct descendants, residency requirements or language exams may be reduced or waived, though specifics vary by individual case.
3. Citizenship by Marriage
How to obtain Spain citizenship if you’re married to a Spanish national? You can apply after one year of legal marriage, provided:
- The marriage is registered in Spain and legally recognized.
- You and your spouse cohabit in Spain.
- The marriage remains valid throughout the application.
If you are asking how to apply for citizenship in Spain through marriage, you’ll likely need to provide a Spanish marriage certificate, shared proof of residence, language/culture exams, and pass additional fraud-prevention interviews.
4. Reclaiming Spanish Citizenship (Former Nationals)
Those who previously held Spanish nationality and renounced it — often because another country did not allow dual citizenship — may reclaim it by living in Spain for at least one year (sometimes waived for descendants of ex-citizens). Applicants must present evidence of their prior Spanish nationality and a valid reason for why they surrendered it.
How to Apply: General Process
Anyone researching how can I become a citizen of Spain typically follows these key steps:
- Confirm Eligibility
Decide which pathway (residency, marriage, descent, or reclaiming) suits your situation. - Gather Required Documents
These generally include a passport, residency permit, birth certificate, criminal records, and exam certificates (DELE A2, CCSE). - Submit Your Application
File at the local Civil Registry or via the Ministry of Justice portal. If you’re outside Spain, contact your nearest Spanish consulate. - Interview & Final Approval
Depending on your case, you might be invited for an interview to confirm your circumstances. Final approval often takes 18–24 months.
How Long Does It Take to Get Citizenship in Spain?
One of the most common questions is how long does it take to get citizenship in Spain. The official timeline is typically 18–24 months, though backlogs or missing documents can cause delays. To streamline the process, ensure your paperwork is accurate, up-to-date, translated, and properly apostilled.
Dual Citizenship Considerations
Spain generally restricts dual citizenship but makes exceptions for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea. In other cases, you may be required to renounce your original nationality — though sometimes only symbolically — depending on your home country’s policies.
Common Pitfalls and Tips to Avoid Them
Many people run into issues while learning how to get Spain nationality. Awareness of potential errors can save time and money:
- Incomplete Documentation. Double-check that every form is translated and apostilled.
- Residency Gaps. Exceeding permitted absences can reset your eligibility timeline.
- Expired Certificates. Criminal record checks often have short validity periods.
- Test Preparation. Failing the language or cultural exam delays your application.
Consulting an immigration lawyer is highly recommended if you have complex ancestry claims, require legal advice, or encounter unique issues.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to gain citizenship in Spain, the process demands patience, thorough documentation, and often legal counsel. Applicants must fulfill residency requirements (or marriage, descent, or former citizenship criteria), pass essential exams, and maintain a valid record. With proper planning, you can successfully get Spain citizenship and enjoy all the advantages of EU membership — from traveling freely across Europe to enjoying Spain’s excellent healthcare and education systems.
