Spanish nationality
Obtaining Spanish nationality is one of the most important steps for those who wish to fully integrate into Spain’s social, economic, and political life. This legal status grants foreign nationals full Spanish citizenship, with all the rights and obligations it entails, including benefits such as free movement within the European Union and the right to vote in elections.
At Sterna Lawyers Madrid, we guide you throughout the entire process from the initial assessment to the submission and follow-up of your application ensuring a smooth and error-free procedure that avoids unnecessary delays.
What is Spanish nationality?
Spanish nationality is the legal and political bond between an individual and the Spanish State. It represents full membership in the national community and grants the same rights and obligations as those enjoyed by Spanish citizens by birth.
It is not only acquired by being born in Spain. There are several legal pathways to obtain Spanish nationality, regulated by the Spanish Civil Code, each designed to accommodate different personal, family, or historical circumstances. Every route has its own requirements, timelines, and administrative procedures.
Requirements to apply for Spanish nationality
Before starting the application process, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the legal requirements. While these may vary depending on the specific route, the most common requirements include:
💡If you are unsure which type of nationality applies to you, you can consult our specific guides:
Requirements:
✅ Legal residence in Spain for the required period, depending on the applicable route.
✅ Proof of good civic conduct and no criminal record, both in Spain and in your country of origin.
✅ Sufficient financial means to support yourself in Spain.
✅ Passing the official nationality exams (DELE and CCSE), unless you qualify for an exemption.
✅ Submission of all required documentation through the Ministry of Justice’s online platform or via legal representation.
Who can apply for Spanish nationality?
Any foreign national may apply for Spanish nationality, provided they meet the requirements established by current legislation. Determining the most suitable route -whether by residence, naturalization, option, or presumption- requires a careful analysis of your personal circumstances and your length of residence in Spain.
At Immigration Lawyers Madrid, we help you identify the fastest and most reliable pathway based on your specific case, managing all procedures before the Ministry of Justice and the Directorate General for Legal Security and Public Faith.
Required documents:
✅ Application form (official model issued by the Ministry of Justice).
✅ Valid passport and NIE.
✅ Updated certificate of registration.
✅ Criminal record certificates from both Spain and your country of origin.
✅ Proof of payment of the administrative fee (Form 790).
✅ Certificates confirming that you have passed the DELE and CCSE exams from the Cervantes Institute, if applicable.
✅ Birth certificate, legalized or apostilled, with sworn translation if necessary.
✅ Droof of financial means and legal residence (employment contract, payslips, residence certificate, etc.).
Documentation for applying for Spanish nationality
To properly initiate your application, all documentation must be complete and up to date. Missing or incorrect documents may delay or even jeopardize the outcome of your application.
In certain cases, additional documentation may be required, particularly for applications based on descent, marriage, or special naturalization.
Recent updates on Spanish nationality (2024–2025)
In recent years, the Ministry of Justice has introduced several measures to speed up the processing of pending nationality applications, as well as improvements to facilitate online submission and tracking.
Key updates include:
- Simplified calculation of time spent outside Spain.
- The possibility of maintaining an active application even if residency is temporarily lost.
- Automatic exemptions from the DELE Spanish language exam for applicants who completed secondary or high school education in Spain.
- Improvements to the electronic platform for submitting applications and appeals.
- Increased administrative staff to accelerate decisions under backlog reduction plans.
These changes aim to make the process faster, more transparent, and more accessible for those who wish to obtain Spanish nationality.
Spanish nationality establishes a legal connection between an individual and the Kingdom of Spain.
This connection grants you rights, such as the ability to work freely within the European Union, vote in Spanish elections, and access healthcare and education systems.
However, it also comes with responsibilities, such as complying with Spanish laws and, in some cases, serving civic duties.
While some people acquire Spanish nationality by birth, many others pursue it through different legal pathways. This guide will help you determine which route suits your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions about Spanish nationality
How long does the process take?
Processing times may vary, but currently range between 12 and 24 months from the date of application. In some cases, the process can be expedited through administrative litigation before the National Court.
What happens if I lose my residency during the process?
According to recent criteria from the Ministry of Justice, temporarily losing residency does not automatically lead to rejection, provided that all legal requirements were met at the time of application.
Are the nationality exams (DELE and CCSE) mandatory?
Yes, unless you qualify for an exemption due to education completed in Spain or age related criteria. These exams are administered by the Cervantes Institute and are essential to demonstrate integration into Spanish society.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can check your application status through the Ministry of Justice’s online platform using your case number and digital certificate. We also offer a full tracking and case management service for our clients.
Why choose us?
At Immigration Lawyers Madrid, our team of immigration and nationality law specialists is dedicated to handling your application efficiently and without errors. We support you at every stage: from assessing your eligibility to submitting your application and, if necessary, filing appeals or administrative claims.
Schedule your consultation with an expert lawyer
📞Contact us for a personalized consultation and start your journey toward Spanish nationality today.