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Eligibility Criteria for Spanish Citizenship by Residence (2026)
1. Nationality / Residence Exception
Certain nationalities benefit from a reduced residence requirement of 2 years instead of the general 10-year rule, including nationals of:
- Latin American / Ibero-American countries (e.g., Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela, and others)
- The Philippines
- Equatorial Guinea
- Portugal
- Persons of Sephardic origin
This special rule reflects historical and cultural ties and lets eligible applicants request citizenship after 2 years of legal, continuous residence in Spain.
2. Valid Residence Permit
You must hold a qualifying residence permit that allows legal and continuous stay in Spain. Time spent on non-qualifying statuses — such as short-stay Schengen visas, student visas without change of status, non-resident NIE, or other non-residence authorisations — generally does not count toward the residence requirement.
3. Length of Legal, Continuous Residence
To qualify under the 2-year rule, you must have lived in Spain continuously and legally for at least 2 years immediately prior to application with a valid residence permit. Continuity is strictly reviewed, and long absences may reset the residence clock.
Other legal conditions (not shown in your original list but required in practice) typically include:
- Good civic conduct (clean criminal record)
- Language and integration tests (DELE A2 Spanish + CCSE social-culture exam, with some exemptions)
- Oath of allegiance to the Spanish Constitution
How Jobbatical Helps
We simplify the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship with a structured, transparent approach:
- Initial Consultation (1 week)
- We assess your eligibility and provide a customized plan.
- You receive a list of required documents and next steps.
- Document Preparation (2-4 weeks)
- We help you gather and verify all necessary documents.
- Our team assists with translation and notarization if needed.
- Application Submission (1 week)
- We submit your complete application to the relevant Spanish authorities.
- You receive a confirmation and a tracking link to monitor the status.
- Follow-Up & Updates (Ongoing)
- We keep track of your application status and update you on any requirements or changes.
- We assist with responding to authorities if needed.
- Outcome & Next Steps (Varies)
- Once approved, we guide you through the final steps, including the oath of allegiance and passport application.
Pricing
Our Spanish Citizenship Service is designed to streamline your application process.
- Standard Package: €399
- Premium Package: €599 (includes personalized support and document verification)
Note: Additional fees may apply for document translation and notarization.
Get Started
Ready to apply for Spanish citizenship? Contact us today for a personalized consultation and take the first step towards your new life in Spain.
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Employees must generally have 10 years of legal, continuous residency in Spain with a valid residence permit. Exceptions include 1 year for married spouses of Spanish citizens or nationals of certain countries with historical ties to Spain. Stability in employment and legal status is crucial.
HR can assist by providing employment verification letters, proof of continuous residency, salary slips, and supporting documentation to show stable financial means. HR should also guide employees on language and cultural integration requirements.
Key documents include valid passports, residency certificates (Empadronamiento), employment contracts, income proof, background criminal records, Spanish language proficiency certificates, and marriage certificates if applicable.
The process can take from 1 to 2 years, but recent online application channels can reduce it to about 5-6 months. Processing times vary by region and applicant circumstances. HR should plan accordingly.
There is no specific salary threshold, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family, including stable employment income or other legal financial sources.
Spain allows dual citizenship with certain countries, mainly Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, and some others. Employees should check specific bilateral agreements.
HR’s role is mainly supportive by ensuring correct and complete documentation and advising employees on requirements. Expedited processing can depend on applicant eligibility and government provisions, like digital submissions.
Yes, applicants usually need to pass a Spanish language test (DELE A2 or higher) and a cultural knowledge test (CCSE), demonstrating integration into Spanish society. HR can recommend prep resources.
Employees married to Spanish nationals can apply for citizenship after just 1 year of legal residency in Spain, rather than 10 years. Proper documentation and registration of marriage are essential.
The company's main responsibilities are to maintain compliance with labor laws, provide truthful employment documentation, and cooperate with authorities if required. HR should maintain records for audits or verification.
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