Spanish Citizenship: Your Guide to Becoming a Ciudadano Español

Spanish Citizenship: Your Guide to Becoming a Ciudadano Español

Obtaining Spanish citizenship (nacionalidad española) is a dream for many, offering the chance to live indefinitely in Spain, enjoy EU benefits, and embrace a vibrant culture. Whether you're seeking an EU passport, family reunification, or an end to visa renewals, this guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, the application process, required documents, fees, processing times, and more. Let’s explore how you can become a ciudadano español and stay in Spain—for good.

Why Apply for Spanish Citizenship?

Spanish citizenship unlocks a world of opportunities:

• EU Passport: Travel, live, and work freely across the European Union without restrictions.
• No More Renewals: End the cycle of renewing residence permits or visas, securing your right to stay in Spain indefinitely.
• Family Rights: Simplify family reunification and access benefits like healthcare and education for your loved ones. Read more about Spanish citizenship for family members and childern in our latest guide.
• Dual Citizenship: Citizens of Ibero-American countries (e.g., Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or those of Sephardic Jewish descent can retain their original nationality when obtaining Spanish citizenship. Jobbatical Disclaimer

Additional benefits include voting rights in Spanish and EU elections, access to free public education, and the ability to invest in Spanish property with ease. Read more about Benefits of Spanish citizenship for Expats and Digital Nomads.

Are you Eligible for Spanish Citizenship?

Eligibility for nacionalidad española depends on your circumstances and the pathway you choose. Spain offers several routes to citizenship, including fast-track options for certain applicants. Here’s a breakdown:

General Eligibility Requirements

• Age: At least 18 years old or legally emancipated. Minors can apply through parents or legal guardians.
• Criminal Record: No criminal convictions in Spain or your home country.
• Exams: Pass the CCSE (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España) exam to demonstrate knowledge of Spanish culture and laws. The DELE A2 Spanish language test is required for non-native Spanish speakers, but exemptions apply for citizens of Spanish-speaking countries.
• Residency or Ancestry: Eligibility varies by pathway (see below).

Read detailed guide- How to Pass the CCSE and DELE A2 Exams

Pathways to Spanish Citizenship

• Citizenship by Residence (nacionalidad por residencia):
  
  • Standard Requirement: 10 years of legal, continuous residence in Spain with a valid residence permit (permiso de residencia).
  • Fast-Track (2 Years): Available for citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or those of Sephardic Jewish descent.
  • Fast-Track (1 Year): Available for those married to a Spanish citizen and living in Spain for one year, or widows/widowers of a Spanish citizen (not separated at the time of death).
  • Refugees: 5 years of residence.
• Citizenship by Descent (nacionalidad por opción):
  
  • Eligible if you have a Spanish parent or grandparent, were adopted by a Spanish citizen before age 18, or are a descendant of Spanish exiles under the Historical Memory Law (Law 52/2007) or Democratic Memory Law (Law 20/2022).
  • No residency requirement in many cases.
• Citizenship by Marriage:
  
  • Live in Spain with your Spanish spouse for at least one year with a registered marriage.
• Citizenship by Naturalization (Carta de Naturaleza):
  
  • Granted at the government’s discretion for exceptional contributions (e.g., notable athletes, scientists).
• **Citizenship by Possession of Status气息: If you’ve used Spanish nationality for 10 years in good faith, unaware you weren’t a citizen.

For fast-track eligibility, check if you’re a citizen of an eligible country: Jobbatical Eligible Countries.

Process for Applying for Spanish Citizenship

The application process for nacionalidad española is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Here’s how it works:

• Determine Eligibility: Confirm which pathway applies to you (residence, descent, marriage, etc.).
• Gather Documents: Compile the required documents (see below).
• Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) or Spanish consulate/embassy if applying from abroad.
• Submit Application: Apply online via the Spanish Ministry of Justice’s Sede Electrónica sede.mjusticia.gob.es or in person at the Civil Registry. Online applications are often faster.
• Pay Fees: Pay the non-refundable application fee (see below).
• Take Exams: Complete the CCSE and DELE A2 exams, if required.
• Oath of Allegiance: If approved, swear loyalty to the Spanish King and Constitution at the Civil Registry, consulate, or before a notary.
• Receive DNI and Passport: Obtain your Spanish ID (DNI) and passport after approval.

Documents requis

The documents needed depend on your citizenship pathway, but general requirements include:

• Application Form: Available on the Sede Electrónica or at the Civil Registry.
• Valid Passport: Plus photocopies.
• Birth Certificate: Legalized or apostilled, with certified Spanish translation if not in Spanish.
• Marriage Certificate: If applying through marriage, legalized/apostilled and translated.
• Proof of Residence: Government registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento), issued within the last 90 days.
• Criminal Record Certificate: From your home country and Spain, recent and valid.
• Proof of Financial Means: Employment contract, bank statements, pension documents, or property ownership to demonstrate financial stability.
• CCSE Certificate: Proof of passing the Spanish culture and laws exam (€85).
• DELE A2 Certificate: Proof of Spanish language proficiency (€108–€220, depending on level), if applicable.
• Proof of Fee Payment: Modelo 790, Código 026 (€60–€104.05).
• Additional Documents for Descent: Birth/death certificates of Spanish ancestors, marriage certificates, and proof of Spanish nationality.
• Proof of Legal Residence: Valid residence permit (permiso de residencia) for residency-based applications.

Ensure all non-Spanish documents are legalized/apostilled and translated by a certified translator (traductor jurado).

Où s'adresser et modalités de rendez-vous

• In Spain: Apply at the local Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in your province. Book an appointment online or in person, as many registries require appointments. Check specific requirements for your province, as additional documents may be needed.
• Abroad: Apply at the nearest Spanish Consulate or Embassy. Schedule an appointment via their website (e.g., Spanish Consulate in London).
• Online Application: Use the Sede Electrónica sede.mjusticia.gob.es for faster processing. Monitor your application status via the “Cómo va lo mío” platform.

Tip: Online applications can reduce processing times to 5–6 months compared to 1–2 years for in-person applications.

Niveaux de salaire et exigences financières

While there’s no specific salary level requirement, you must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family. This can include:

• Employment Income: Provide an employment contract or payslips showing stable income.
• Pension or Savings: Bank statements or pension documents.
• Property Ownership: Proof of property ownership or rental income.

The Spanish authorities assess financial stability to ensure you won’t rely on public funds. Consult an immigration lawyer to determine adequate proof based on your circumstances.

Délai de traitement

• General Processing Time: 1–2 years after submitting your application. Online applications may take as little as 5–6 months.
• Oath of Allegiance: After approval, you must schedule an appointment for the oath within 6 months at the Civil Registry, consulate, or a notary.
• Delays: Incomplete documents or high application volumes can extend processing times. Check your status on the “Cómo va lo mío” platform sede.mjusticia.gob.es.

Honoraires

• Application Fee: €60–€104.05 (non-refundable, paid via Modelo 790, Código 026).
• CCSE Exam: €85.
• DELE A2 Exam: €108–€220, depending on the level.
• Document Translation: €60–€200 for certified translations.
• Passport Fee: Approximately €300 (charged at the end of the process).
• Additional Costs: Legalization/apostille fees, document retrieval, and legal assistance (optional but recommended).

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Considérations importantes

• Dual Nationality Restrictions: Spain generally requires renunciation of your previous nationality, except for citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic Jews. However, enforcement is often symbolic, and some retain their original passport. Consult an immigration lawyer to avoid legal issues.
• Loss of Citizenship: You may lose Spanish citizenship if you live abroad for over 3 years and exclusively use another nationality without declaring your intent to retain Spanish citizenship at a consulate.
• Professional Assistance: The process can be complex due to bureaucratic requirements and document preparation. Immigration lawyers or services like Jobbatical can streamline the process, reducing the risk of rejection.
• Democratic Memory Law (Law 20/2022): This law allows descendants of Spanish exiles (e.g., those who lost citizenship due to political, ideological, or religious persecution) to apply for citizenship without residency requirements.
• Sephardic Ancestry: A special pathway exists for Sephardic Jews with a proven connection to Spain, requiring only 2 years of residency and specific documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete Documents: Ensure all documents are legalized, translated, and valid.
• Residency Errors: Don’t apply before meeting the required residency period (e.g., 1, 2, 5, or 10 years).
• Financial Instability: Provide clear evidence of financial means to avoid rejection.
• Language Errors: Use a certified translator to avoid application delays.

Tips for Success

• Learn Spanish: Actively use Spanish in daily life and prepare for the DELE A2 exam.
• Engage with the Community: Join local clubs or cultural events to demonstrate integration.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consult immigration experts to navigate complex requirements.
• Monitor Application Status: Use the “Cómo va lo mío” platform to stay updated.

Read the detailed guide- How to overcome the challenges.

Conclusion

Applying for Spanish citizenship (nacionalidad española) is a life-changing opportunity to embrace Spain’s rich culture and secure an EU passport. Whether you qualify through residence, descent, marriage, or special circumstances, careful preparation is key. Gather your documents, pass the required exams, and consider professional assistance to ensure a smooth process. Start your journey today by visiting the Spanish Ministry of Justice or your local Spanish consulate.

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