Spanish Civil Code · Procedure before the Ministry of Justice
Spanish citizenship by residence
Full advice on acquiring Spanish citizenship, especially citizenship by residence.
Is this the right option for you?
It is designed for people who already live legally in Spain and want to secure their status for good.
The service can include reviewing your period of residence, criminal records, foreign documents, filing online, following up the application, responding to requests for documents and assistance afterwards with the oath and obtaining Spanish documents.
The time required depends on your nationality and your situation: for some people it is just one year.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Period of residence
As a general rule, ten years. Five years for refugees. Two years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, and for Sephardic Jews. One year in cases such as being born in Spain or being married to a Spanish national.
Legal and continuous residence
Residence must be legal, continuous and immediately prior to the application.
Good civic conduct
Having no criminal record and showing good civic conduct.
Integration
Passing the constitutional and sociocultural knowledge exam (CCSE) and, if you are not from a Spanish-speaking country, the DELE A2 Spanish exam.
Documents from your country
Birth certificate and criminal record certificate, legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, translated.
Filing
The application is filed online with the Ministry of Justice.
After approval
Oath or promise to the Constitution, registration in the Civil Registry and obtaining the Spanish ID card and passport.
How can we help?
- Initial eligibility review.
- Immigration strategy.
- Personalized checklist.
- Legal review of your documents.
- Preparing and filing your application.
- Follow-up with the authorities.
- Responding to requests for documents where applicable.
- Assistance with the steps after approval.
Usual documents
- Valid passport and foreign national identity card (TIE).
- Birth certificate.
- Criminal record certificate from your country of origin.
- Municipal registration certificate.
- CCSE and DELE A2 diplomas, where required.
- Documents proving eligibility for a reduced period, where applicable.
The final documents will depend on the applicant’s personal circumstances, nationality and the applicable procedure. After the initial review you will receive a personalized checklist.
Tell us about your situation
We will review your case and explain which route may fit your circumstances.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the legislation in force at the time of the application.