Many foreigners living in Spain consider Spanish citizenship to be the next big step in their immigration journey. Whether you’re already settled in the country or just starting to think about your long-term future here, one of the most common questions is: What kind of residency is valid for Spanish citizenship? And just as important, which types are not?
Let’s clear things up so you can better understand the requirements and plan your path to citizenship accordingly.
Spanish Citizenship Through Residency: What Are the Requirements?
The most common route to obtain Spanish nationality is through legal and continuous residence in Spain. But not all residence types count—and the required time varies depending on your circumstances.
Here are the general rules:
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10 years of legal and uninterrupted residence in Spain is required in most cases.
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5 years is sufficient for individuals recognized as refugees.
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2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic Jews.
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1 year of residence is enough if:
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You were born in Spain.
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You didn’t exercise the right to opt for Spanish nationality when you had the chance.
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You were legally under the care or custody of a Spanish citizen or institution for two consecutive years.
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You’ve been married to a Spanish citizen for at least one year and are not legally or de facto separated.
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You are the widow or widower of a Spanish citizen and were not separated at the time of their death.
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Your parent or grandparent was originally Spanish, even if born outside Spain.
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Not sure if your time in Spain qualifies? Don’t guess. At Sterna Abogados, we can help you determine your eligibility and support you throughout the citizenship process. Reach out to us at info@sternaabogados.com.
Which Residency Permits Count Toward Citizenship, and Which Don’t?
Now that the timelines are clearer, the next important question is: What type of residence permits are valid for Spanish citizenship purposes?
Valid types include:
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Non-lucrative Visa or residence permits
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Digital Nomad Visa, Work and residence permits (employed or self-employed)
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Residency as a family member of an EU citizen
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Long-term residency or permanent residency
These permits all count toward fulfilling the required legal residency period, as long as they’re uninterrupted and meet the criteria above.
Not valid: Student stays (Estancia por Estudios)
One major misunderstanding relates to student visas. While you may have spent several years in Spain on a student permit, that time does not count toward citizenship. According to Spanish law, student status is considered a “stay” (estancia) rather than a “residence” (residencia).
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between “residence” and “stay” is essential when planning to apply for Spanish nationality. Not every permit counts, and making assumptions could delay your citizenship process by years.
If you’re unsure about your specific situation or want expert assistance preparing your Spanish citizenship application, write to us at info@sternaabogados.com. At Sterna Abogados, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.