Immigration

Spanish Nationality

We help you obtain Spanish nationality by residence, by option, by letter of naturalization (carta de naturaleza) or by possession of status (posesión de estado), whatever your starting point.

Request a free consultation → See requirements
20,000+
Cases processed
98%
Approval rate
Spanish nationality
ELIGIBLE ROUTES

How to obtain Spanish nationality

Spanish nationality is the legal recognition that makes you a full citizen of Spain, with access to a Spanish passport, the right to vote and free movement within the EU. The most common route is nationality by residence, which requires having lived legally in Spain for a set number of years depending on your country of origin, but there are also other ways to obtain Spanish citizenship. We will analyze your specific situation and tell you, from the very first consultation, which route best fits your case.

Our methodology

Eligibility, requirements and process

Our mission is to submit a successful nationality application and defend it all the way to approval. That is why we treat every nationality application as unique, building your case around the specific legal route you qualify for. We handle the documentation for you and represent you at every step.

🇪🇸General eligibility for Spanish nationality

  • By residence — 10 years as a general rule; 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or people of Sephardic origin; and 1 year in special cases (married to a Spanish citizen, born in Spain, etc.)
  • By option — children of a Spanish father or mother, people under the parental authority or guardianship of a Spanish citizen, or adoptees under the age of 18
  • By letter of naturalization (carta de naturaleza) — granted at the Government’s discretion in exceptional circumstances
  • By possession of status (posesión de estado) — for anyone who has held and used Spanish nationality in good faith for 10 consecutive years

📝General requirements

  • Legal and continuous residence in Spain for the required period
  • Good civic conduct and no criminal record
  • Proof of integration into Spanish society
  • Passing the CCSE exam (mandatory) and, if applicable, the DELE A2
  • Sufficient financial means

🕐Our process

1. Consultation

We analyze your case free of charge and tell you which nationality route applies to you.

2. Legal advice

We design the strategy and tell you exactly which documents to gather.

3. Filing

We prepare and submit your complete file to the Ministry of Justice.

4. Follow-up

We actively follow up on your file until a favorable decision is issued.

Have questions about your case?

Free consultation with a Spanish nationality specialist.

Request a free consultation →
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Spanish nationality

How long does nationality by residence take?
The legal deadline is 1 year from the date the application is submitted, although in practice the Ministry of Justice can take between 18 and 36 months to issue a decision. We actively follow up on your file to try to speed it up.
What happens if my application is denied?
You have the right to file an administrative appeal for reconsideration (recurso de reposición) with the Ministry itself, or a judicial appeal before the administrative courts (recurso contencioso-administrativo). We analyze the exact reason for the denial and prepare the additional documentation needed to appeal with the strongest possible case.
Do I have to give up my original nationality?
It depends on your country of origin. Spain has dual nationality agreements with most Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, so in those cases you do not need to renounce it. For all other nationalities, the law requires a formal renunciation, although in practice many countries of origin do not give effect to that renunciation.
What are the CCSE and DELE exams, and when are they required?
The CCSE certifies knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and Spanish society, and is required for all applicants over 18. The DELE A2 certifies your level of Spanish and is only required for nationals of countries whose official language is not Spanish.
How much does it cost to apply for Spanish nationality?
The cost depends on the route and the complexity of each case. The first consultation is free: we analyze your case and give you a fixed quote before we start.

Shall we talk? Your first consultation is free

Tell us about your case with no obligation. A specialist lawyer will analyze your situation and explain your best options.

Request your free initial consultation →

Not what you were looking for? See also: Residence Permits · Degree Recognition · All Immigration practice areas