Spanish Citizenship
Naturalization by residence, origin, or marriage — the final step for residents who want to become Spanish nationals rather than renew a residence card indefinitely. Each path carries its own timeline, and choosing the right one from the start avoids years of avoidable delay.
Who this is for
Long-term residents evaluating whether and when they can apply, and which of several distinct legal pathways applies to their situation.
The residency pathways
General naturalization typically requires ten continuous years of legal residence. That period shortens to two years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, and for people of Sephardic Jewish origin — and to one year for people married to a Spanish national or in certain other qualifying circumstances.
Requirements common to most pathways
Passing the DELE A2 Spanish-language exam (waived for applicants from Spanish-speaking countries) and the CCSE exam on Spanish constitutional and cultural knowledge; a clean criminal record; and, in most cases, renouncing your prior nationality — with treaty exceptions for several Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, which allow dual nationality.
Frequently asked questions
Does time on a Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa count toward the ten years?
Generally yes, as long as residence has been continuous and lawful — gaps or long absences can reset or interrupt the clock, which we monitor for clients from early in their residency.
Will I have to give up my current nationality?
Only if your country of origin isn't covered by one of Spain's dual-nationality treaties — we confirm this early since it affects the decision to apply at all.
How long does the process take once filed?
Processing times vary significantly and have run well over a year at points due to case backlog; we set expectations based on current Ministry of Justice timelines at the time of filing.
What happens next
We confirm which pathway applies to you, audit your residency record for continuity gaps, and prepare the language and cultural exams alongside the filing itself.