Spanish Nationality by Residency

Who qualifies to apply?

The default for obtaining Spanish nationality by residency is 10 years legal residency immediately preceding the application. However, there are some exceptions:

For those who hold a passport from many Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, and Portugal, or those who are Sephardim, it's just TWO years residency immediately prior to applying.

And if you were born in Spain or you are married to a Spaniard it's just ONE year of residency immediately prior to applying.

Are there exams to take?

Yes! The default is that everyone needs a Spanish language DELE A2 (Elementary level) or above, or equivalent. However, if you hold a nationality from a country where Spanish is an official language, or you have been through the Spanish schooling system and have an ESO certificate, then you are exempt. The same applies if you are under 18 and in the Spanish schooling system.

The DELE language qualification has no expiry date, so you can take the exam as far in advance as you like.

And the CCSE. This is a cultural exam with 25 multiple choice questions. The pass mark is 60% or above. Once passed it's valid for 4 years. Everyone has to take this except for those who have an ESO certificate or who are under 18 and in the Spanish schooling system.

What else do I need and how do I apply? And when can I expect to have an answer?

Every page of every passport you have held for the qualifying period, criminal record check and birth certificate from your country of origin, plus possibly other documents depending on your situation (legalised and officially translated as necessary). The application is made online. It can take a year or even longer to get a resolution, and then the process of registering locally, swearing allegiance and finally obtaining your DNI and Spanish passport can take another 6 months.

Anything else I should know?

Yes! Your name will likely change. You can have a maximum of two forenames plus you will have two surnames, one from your father and one from your mother. You can choose the order but it's the first surname that is the one that is used in daily life. Also, Spain doesn't recognise dual nationality with most countries (Ibero-American countries being the main exception). So, you will need to swear to renounce any previous nationalities and Spain will only recognise you as Spanish.

If you would like help applying for Spanish nationality, or for a free 20 minute online consultation, please get in touch:
WhatsApp: +34 689 735 224
Email: nationality@yourspanishpaperwork.com