Everything you need to know about Spanish nationality (citizenship) by residence in 2026: who qualifies, how long you must live in Spain, the DELE and CCSE exams, documents, fees, the step-by-step process, the oath and what to do if your application is delayed or refused.
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1) What Is Spanish Nationality by Residence?
Spanish nationality by residence is the route to Spanish citizenship provided for in article 22 of the Civil Code for foreigners who have lived in Spain legally and continuously for the required period. It is the most common way for foreigners to become Spanish, and the procedure is governed by Royal Decree 1004/2015 and Order JUS/1625/2016.
Once granted and sworn, it is permanent: no more residence card renewals, full EU citizenship and the right to vote in Spain.
2) How Long Do You Need to Live in Spain?
The residence must be legal, continuous and immediately prior to the application. The period depends on your nationality and circumstances:
| Residence required | Who it applies to |
|---|---|
| 10 years | General rule for most nationalities. |
| 5 years | People with refugee status. |
| 2 years | Nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and people of Sephardic origin. |
| 1 year | People born in Spain, married to a Spanish citizen for one year and not separated, widows and widowers of Spaniards, those who did not exercise their right to opt in time, people under Spanish guardianship or foster care for two years, and those born abroad to a parent or grandparent who was originally Spanish. |
3) The Three Requirements
- Legal, continuous residence for the period that applies to you, still valid when you apply.
- Good civic conduct: criminal record certificates from Spain and your country of origin, and no relevant police or administrative issues.
- Sufficient integration into Spanish society, proven with the DELE A2 and CCSE exams.
Since 2015, no employment contract or payslips are required, although your financial situation can help prove integration.
4) The DELE and CCSE Exams
- DELE A2 or higher: Spanish language exam. Nationals of countries where Spanish is an official language are exempt.
- CCSE: 25 questions on the Constitution and Spanish society, held monthly except in August and December. The pass certificate is valid for four years.
- Exemptions: minors, people whose legal capacity has been modified by a court, people who completed compulsory education in Spain, and people with disabilities or literacy difficulties who obtain a waiver.
Both exams are run by the Instituto Cervantes. Sessions fill quickly, so book months in advance.
5) Documents You Need
- Standard application form and a valid passport.
- Residence card (TIE) or EU registration certificate.
- Birth certificate, legalised or apostilled and, where needed, with a sworn translation.
- Criminal record certificate from your country of origin, within its validity period.
- Up-to-date municipal registration certificate (empadronamiento).
- DELE and CCSE certificates, or proof of exemption.
- Proof of payment of the fee 790-026 (€104.05 in 2026).
Additional documents by case: marriage certificate and the spouse’s Spanish birth certificate if married to a Spaniard; the Spanish parent’s or grandparent’s birth certificate for descendants; the spouse’s death certificate for widows and widowers; and documents from the Ministry of the Interior for refugees and stateless persons.
6) Step by Step: From Application to DNI
- Step 1: Confirm your residence period and check for gaps, late renewals or long absences.
- Step 2: Pass the DELE and CCSE, or prove your exemption.
- Step 3: Gather the documents, with apostilles and sworn translations where needed.
- Step 4: Submit the application online to the Ministry of Justice, with a digital certificate or through a registered professional.
- Step 5: The wait: the legal deadline is one year. Keep your residence card valid and answer any request on time.
- Step 6: Oath and renunciation before the Civil Registry within 180 days of notification, or the grant lapses.
- Step 7: Registration, DNI and passport once your birth is registered in the Spanish Civil Registry.
7) Dual Nationality and Renunciation
At the oath you must renounce your previous nationality, except nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and France, who can keep it.
8) If Your Application Is Delayed or Refused
If the Ministry does not decide within one year, the application is deemed refused by administrative silence, which allows you to go to the National High Court. Against an express refusal, you can file an appeal for reconsideration within one month or a court appeal within two months.
Do Not Leave Your Nationality to Chance
Most refusals come from avoidable mistakes in residence periods or documents. We review your case before the Ministry does and manage the whole process for you.
9) Benefits of Spanish Citizenship
- No more residence card renewals.
- Full EU citizenship: live, work and study anywhere in the European Union.
- Right to vote in Spanish and European elections.
- Access to public sector jobs and competitive exams.
- One of the world’s strongest passports.
- Your future children can be Spanish from birth.
10) Can Spanish Nationality Be Lost?
Only in limited cases: for example, using exclusively for three years the nationality you renounced, or a final judgment declaring falsehood, concealment or fraud in the application.
11) All Our Guides on Spanish Nationality by Residence
12) How MigratioLex Can Help
We handle Spanish nationality applications from start to finish: a legal audit of your residence history, a tailored document checklist, exam exemptions where applicable, online filing, follow-up with the Ministry and support with the oath, DNI and passport.
Your Spanish Passport, Managed by Lawyers
Tell us about your situation and we will tell you whether you can apply now, what could put your application at risk and how we would handle it.
FAQs
How long does Spanish nationality by residence take?
The legal deadline is one year from the application, although many files take longer. If there is no decision within one year, you can go to court against the administrative silence.
How many years do I need to live in Spain?
10 years as a general rule, 5 for refugees, 2 for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, and 1 year in special cases such as being married to a Spaniard.
Do I need a job to apply?
No. Since 2015 an employment contract or payslips are not a legal requirement, although your situation can help prove integration.
Can I apply with a criminal record?
Good civic conduct is required. Records that have been cancelled, or minor issues, are assessed case by case, so it is worth having your situation reviewed before applying.
Do I have to give up my current nationality?
Yes, unless you are a national of an Ibero-American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or France.
How much does it cost?
The government fee 790-026 is €104.05 in 2026, plus the DELE and CCSE exam fees and any translations or apostilles. Our legal fees depend on your case.
