How to get Spanish citizenship via residency in 2025: Updated step-by-step guide

Who Can Apply? Spanish Citizenship Eligibility

Spanish citizenship through residency is the most common route for foreign nationals who have built their lives in Spain over many years. The standard requirement is ten years of legal, continuous residence, which applies to most applicants, including British citizens and other non-EU nationals.

However, there are exceptions that allow some people to apply sooner. Recognised refugees are eligible after five years of residency. Citizens of Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and individuals with Sephardic Jewish heritage can apply after just two years. This shorter timeframe reflects Spain’s historical and cultural ties with these countries and communities.

There is also a one-year qualifying period for people in specific circumstances. This applies if you are married to a Spanish citizen or were married and widowed (as long as you were not legally separated), if you were born in Spain to foreign parents, or if you are the child or grandchild of a Spanish citizen born in Spain.

Melanie Radford, from My Lawyer in Spain, explains:

“If you wish to apply for Spanish nationality, you can apply after legally residing in Spain for ten years. It is important to be able to prove that your residency has been continuous and lawful during this time, as any gaps could affect your eligibility.”

For more support and information about moving to Spain, check out our advice hub with more guides. 

Step-by-Step to Citizenship via Residency

Applying for Spanish citizenship is a detailed process that involves several stages. While the rules are consistent across Spain, each Civil Registry office can have slightly different expectations for how documents are presented. One of the first things you’ll need is proof of your legal residency status, which is typically shown through your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE)—the card issued to non-Spanish nationals living in Spain. The TIE will help confirm when your residency began and must align with the dates you declare in your application. If you're at the start of your moving to Spain journey, you can learn more about the TIE and how to obtain it in our guide. It is always a good idea to confirm local requirements before you begin.

Step 1

The first step is to confirm that you have completed the minimum residency period. Check the date your legal residency began and review your padrón registration to ensure there are no gaps. Any long absences, typically more than six consecutive months in any given year, can restart your eligibility period. If in doubt, request a full padrón history certificate from your town hall.

Step 2

Once your residency is confirmed, you must pass two official exams unless you are exempt. The DELE A2 language exam demonstrates that you have a basic command of Spanish. The CCSE exam tests your knowledge of Spain’s constitution and society. Children under 18 and adults with recognised disabilities do not need to take these exams.

Step 3

Next, you will need to gather several key documents. These include your birth certificate (legalised and apostilled), recent police clearance certificates from Spain and your country of origin, proof of continuous padrón registration, your DELE and CCSE exam certificates, and a tax compliance certificate if you are a tax resident in Spain. Make sure each document is up to date, translated if required, and fully legalised.

Step 4

Once you have everything in order, complete Form 790-026 and pay the official fee of €104.05. You can pay this fee online or at a participating bank. Keep your payment receipt as you will need it when you file your application.

You can submit your citizenship application online through the Ministry of Justice’s nationality portal or in person at your local Civil Registry office. Many applicants choose the online route for speed and easier tracking. After filing, you will receive a reference number, known as your expediente, which allows you to monitor progress.

Applications are processed in the order they are received, and there is no guaranteed timeline for approval. 

Melanie Radford explains that “there is no turnaround time for approval of Spanish nationality. You could wait one and a half years, or slightly longer. One and a half years is quite a quick turnaround time.”

Step 5

When your application is approved, you will be contacted to arrange an appointment to swear allegiance to Spain in court. This ceremony is a formal declaration of your loyalty to the King and the Constitution. It is only after this step that your nationality becomes official.

Step 6

The final stage is registering your birth in Spain and applying for your DNI national identity card and Spanish passport. This process involves separate appointments and can take a few additional weeks. It is a good idea to prepare all necessary paperwork in advance to avoid further delays.

Documents and Exams Explained

Collecting the correct documents is one of the most important parts of applying for Spanish citizenship. Each item must meet strict requirements, be current, and, in some cases, be legalised and translated.

You will need:

Your full birth certificate, which must be legalised in the country where it was issued and then stamped with an apostille. If the certificate is not in Spanish, you will also need an official translation completed by a sworn translator recognised in Spain. 

Police clearance certificates are required from every country where you have lived in the past five years, including Spain. These must be recent - usually issued within three months of your application date - and also legalised and translated if necessary.

Your padrón registration history proves that you have lived continuously in Spain. You can request a full historical padrón certificate from your local town hall. Make sure it covers your entire qualifying period without gaps.

Tax compliance certificates are required for applicants who are tax residents. This document shows that you have no outstanding tax obligations. If you are not registered as a tax resident, you may be asked for proof of sufficient financial means.

The DELE A2 language exam confirms that you can communicate in everyday Spanish. It costs from €160 and is administered by Instituto Cervantes. The test includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking components. The CCSE exam costs €85 and covers Spain’s legal and cultural systems. Both certificates remain valid for four years after you pass. Exemptions are granted for minors under 18 and adults with officially recognised disabilities.

Melanie Radford advises applicants to prepare carefully: “You will need to provide a diploma at an A2 level to prove your language skills, your police background check, and your birth certificate.” Missing or expired documents are among the most common reasons applications are delayed or refused.

Allow plenty of time to collect and prepare each document, and check every detail against the latest guidance before submitting your application. If you are unsure about any requirement, consider speaking with a qualified immigration lawyer or gestor.

Processing Time and How to Keep It Moving

Processing times for Spanish citizenship applications are often unpredictable. Unlike other administrative procedures, there is no legal deadline for the Ministry of Justice to issue a decision. On average, applications are resolved within one to three years, but some cases can take longer.

After you submit your application, you will receive a reference number. This expediente allows you to track your case online through the Ministry of Justice’s portal. It is important to check your expediente status regularly, as the system may not notify you automatically when your case progresses.

To avoid unnecessary delays, make sure all your documents are in order and valid when you submit them. Double-check that you have paid the correct fee, completed Form 790-026, and provided proof of payment. If you have changed your address or contact details since filing, update them immediately with the Civil Registry or online portal.

Melanie Radford notes that patience is often necessary: “There is no turnaround time for approval of Spanish nationality. One and a half years is quite a quick turnaround time.”

If you have not received any communication after 12 months, you can submit a formal enquiry to confirm your expediente is active. Some applicants also choose to appoint a lawyer to follow up on their behalf.

Although the wait can be long, staying organised and keeping your documents up to date can help your application move forward as efficiently as possible.

Dual Citizenship and Renunciation Rules

Spain permits dual citizenship only with certain countries, including most Latin American nations, Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea. If you are a national of one of these countries, you may be able to keep your original citizenship when you become Spanish.

Applicants from countries without a bilateral agreement - such as the United Kingdom - are generally required to renounce their previous citizenship during the final stage of the process. 

Melanie Radford explains: “Spain has bilateral agreements with certain countries, but it doesn’t have an agreement with the UK. When applicants get their Spanish nationality approved, they will have to go to the court to swear their allegiance to Spain.”

In practice, renunciation often creates some confusion. For example, while Spain requires a declaration of renunciation during the oath of allegiance, the United Kingdom does not automatically recognise this act. Unless you formally renounce British citizenship through a separate process with the UK government and pay an additional fee, you may still be treated as a British citizen by UK authorities.

However, using both passports can carry risks. If you act as a UK citizen in Spain or live abroad as a British citizen for more than three consecutive years after acquiring Spanish nationality, you may lose your Spanish citizenship.

Before proceeding, it is wise to consider your long-term plans and seek professional advice. An immigration lawyer can help you weigh the practical implications and ensure you comply with both countries’ requirements.

After Approval: Your First 90 Days

Once your application has been approved, there are a few final steps you must complete before you can enjoy the full rights of Spanish citizenship. The first requirement is to swear your oath of allegiance to Spain. This ceremony usually takes place in court and is a formal declaration of loyalty to the King and the Spanish Constitution. It is only after this oath that your nationality becomes official.

After the oath, you must register your birth in Spain’s civil register. This process creates your official Spanish birth record, which is necessary for obtaining your national identity card (DNI) and Spanish passport. It is important to complete this registration as soon as possible to avoid delays in securing your documents.

Once your birth is registered, you can apply for your DNI and passport. These are issued in separate appointments and often require additional proof of address and identity. 

Melanie Radford notes that, on occasion, officials may ask to see your original passport: “There have been occasions where they have asked for the British passport when you apply for the DNI card.”

During the first 90 days, you should also update your tax, banking, and insurance records to reflect your new citizenship status. Completing these steps promptly helps avoid any administrative complications later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel outside Spain during the ten-year residency period?
Yes, you can travel, but any absences longer than six consecutive months in one year may restart your residency period.

Do children need to take the DELE and CCSE exams?
No, minors under 18 and adults with recognised disabilities are exempt from both exams.

How long does it take for a citizenship application to be approved?
Processing usually takes between one and three years, though in some cases it can be longer.

Will I have to give up my UK citizenship?
Yes, Spain requires you to formally renounce your UK citizenship during the oath of allegiance. However, the UK does not automatically consider this binding unless you complete a separate renunciation process.

Can I apply online?
Yes, you can submit your application through the Ministry of Justice’s official portal.

What if my documents expire while my application is pending?
You must provide updated documents if requested. Keeping copies of all paperwork helps avoid delays.

What happens if my application is refused?
You can file an administrative appeal within one month or seek judicial review through the courts.

When can I apply for a Spanish passport?
You can apply after you have sworn your oath and registered your birth.

Where can I find official forms and detailed requirements?
They are available on the Ministry of Justice’s nationality portal.

Troubleshooting and Rejections

Even with careful preparation, applications are sometimes delayed or refused. The most common reasons for rejections include missing or expired documents, incomplete padrón registration history, unpaid taxes, and failure to provide proof of passing the DELE A2 and CCSE exams.

To avoid these problems, double-check all documentation before you submit your application. Keep in mind that every certificate must be up to date, legalised, and, if necessary, officially translated. If you have lived outside Spain for any significant period during your residency, be prepared to explain the circumstances and provide evidence that you maintained legal ties to Spain.

If your application is refused, you have the right to file an administrative appeal. This must be submitted within one month of receiving the decision. If the appeal is unsuccessful, you can pursue a judicial review in court. While this process can be time-consuming, working with an experienced immigration lawyer increases your chances of a successful outcome.

In many cases, delays and rejections are caused by avoidable oversights. Investing time in thorough preparation is often the most effective way to ensure your application proceeds smoothly.

Glossary and Useful Acronyms

NIE – Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreigners’ Identification Number)
TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (Foreigners’ Identity Card)
DELE – Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Spanish language diploma)
CCSE – Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España (civics and cultural knowledge exam)
Expediente – Your application file reference number
Certificado de antecedentes penales – Criminal record certificate

Next Steps and Kyero Resources

If you are ready to start your journey towards Spanish citizenship, Kyero has a range of resources to help you prepare. From step-by-step residency guides to property listings and expert podcasts, you’ll find practical information and support every step of the way.