Spanish citizenship by residence requires a period of legal, continuous residence that varies with your country of origin: ten years as a general rule, with reduced periods for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and people of Sephardic origin.
What gets prepared
- Evidence of legal and continuous residence for the applicable period.
- The CCSE exam on constitutional and sociocultural knowledge.
- The DELE A2 exam, from which nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt.
- Civil-status documents, legalised and translated.
A refusal can be appealed. If you have already received an unfavourable decision, we will review the grounds before the appeal deadline passes.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take?
- Decision times vary considerably. Keep proof of filing and of the file reference so that delays can be challenged.
- Do I lose my original nationality?
- That depends on your own country's law. Several Ibero-American countries permit dual nationality with Spain.
Need guidance on your case?
Tell us your situation and we will identify the right procedure.
Updated