Are you dreaming of becoming a Spanish citizen and finally calling Spain your forever home? Whether you’re already living in Spain or just planning your big move, getting Spanish citizenship can feel like unlocking the ultimate life upgrade.
My name is Andrés Morales, and I spent a decade helping my clients get Spanish citizenship, during which I went through the immigration system of Spain and was granted the title of a Spanish citizen. And believe me, I have made the errors, learnt the shortcuts, and decoded the secrets so that you do not have to.
In this step-by-step process, I will take you through all the legal ways to acquire Spanish citizenship; those sealed in the case of descent, residency, marriage, and those always underestimated routes.
1. Spanish Citizenship by Birth
Being Spanish is a way to become a Spanish citizen much more immediately than even citizenship by naturalization because there are no pass/fail tests, there is no long queue, and no paperwork (almost none).
Who Gets Spanish Citizenship by Birth?
You will get Spain nationality in the following circumstances:
- Your parents were born in Spain, of which at least one is a parent.
- You were not born in Spain, but a parent or both your parents are Spanish citizens.
- You were born in Spain, where your parents are foreigners; at least one of them was born in Spain.
- Your parents are stateless, or their countries do not permit nationality.
2. Spanish Citizenship by Residency (Naturalization)
General Rule
Spend 10 years in Spain and you will be able to become a citizen. However, based on your record, it is possible to be qualified sooner.
Residency Duration Breakdown
1-Year Requirement
Within one year, you may apply provided that:
- You’re married to a Spanish citizen and living together
- You are a widow/widower of a Spanish citizen
- You were born in Spain
- You are the grandchild of a Spaniard citizen
2-Year Requirement
Or the case that you are a resident in Spain, 2 years, and you are also of one of the specified nations.
- Latin America
- The Philippines
- Portugal
- Andorra
- Equatorial Guinea
- Of Sephardic Jewish origin
10-Year Requirement
This is true of citizens of all other countries, in case you reside in Spain for 10 years.
What You Must Have
- Valid residence card
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of social integration
- DELE A2 Spanish language certificate
- Spain’s constitutional and cultural test
Timeline & Expectations
I arrived at the stage of sending my application and had a full 10 years. Subsequently, it got approval after approximately 14 months. You do not get the quickest process, but it is worth it. After approval, you become Spanish forever.
3. Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
How It Works
- You have to be married to a Spanish national legally
- After you are married, you have to reside in Spain for 1 complete year
- You must be able to demonstrate that the marriage
What to Prepare
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of shared residence (like rent contracts, utility bills, etc.)
- Your spouse’s Spanish passport or DNI
It goes quicker than the overall naturalization procedure; however, be prepared to demonstrate everything. Spain does not tolerate fake marriages.
Read Also: Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (2025): Live Without Working
4. Spanish Citizenship by Option – A Hidden Shortcut
It is a less described route, which is a legal shortcut to all the people of Spanish family background who did not automatically obtain citizenship at their birth.
Who Can Apply?
- Children of the Spanish nationals who acquired the citizenship before the birth of the child
- People taken by a Spanish citizen (they have not reached the age of 18)
- Individuals whose parent was born in Spain, even if that parent isn’t Spanish now
- Children who are born in Spain to foreign parents who after become Spanish citizens
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
- Passport and NIE
- Proof of residence duration
- Criminal background checks
- DELE and CCSE certificates
- Civil status proof
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
The online applications are filed on the Spanish Ministry of Justice website. You may require a digital certificate or gestor (legal representative).
Step 3: Wait for Resolution
The length of processing is between 12 and 24 months. Others take a longer time. The missing key is patience.
Step 4: Swear Allegiance at the Civil Registry
After getting the prescriptions, you shall be requested to attend a ceremony whereby you swear allegiance to the Constitution of Spain.
Step 5: Apply for DNI and Passport
You are in a position to apply officially now for your Spanish national ID (DNI) and a passport.
Tips – What I Learned Firsthand
1. Stay Legally Documented
A momentary lapse in legal standing as a resident can bump you back to zero. Check to make sure you always renew your TIE/NIE.
2. Study Early for the Exams
Never underrate DELE and CCSE. Access materials in advance.
3. Use a Professional
Use a good gestor or immigration lawyer and spare your time and nerves.
4. Organize Your Paperwork
Keep digital and physical copies of everything: residence records, certificates, tax returns, etc.
5. Stay Patient but Persistent
The process is slow, though persistence in follow-up and a properly filled application with no blemishes makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get Spanish citizenship?
It differs by the path. In residency, the legal stay of 10 years is added to the 1-2 years processing period. Depending on the circumstances, some are qualified in 1-2 years.
Can I keep my original nationality?
Spain practices dual nationality with some countries (Latin America, Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea). In other countries, renouncing your former nationality may be required.
Is language fluency required?
Yes. You must have DELE A2 (basic Spanish) unless you are a citizen of a Spanish-speaking country.
What happens if my application is denied?
You may go on an appeal or reapply with changed documents and legal assistance.
Is Spanish citizenship permanent?
Yes, except when you get a new nationality incompatible with Spanish citizenship or have lived long periods outside Spain without being adequately registered.
Read Also: What Is a Residence Permit? Full Guide to Live Abroad
Final Words
Spanish citizenship is not just a future dream that people are desperately reaching for. All you have to do is do what this guide says to the letter. Apply through residency, through marriage, birth, or lineage; whichever way you swing it, you can be empowered just as long as you commit to it and when you are prepared.
In case you have an intention to work and live in Spain and remain there permanently, receiving all the advantages of the EU and traveling with the Spanish passport in your hand, now is the high time to begin.
