Learn about the different application statuses of Spanish nationality by residence in 2025. A complete guide from Visal Immigration Lawyers to understand each phase and secure your citizenship.

Applying for Spanish nationality is one of the most important milestones for any foreigner who has been living legally in Spain. It is a process that generates both excitement and concern, especially because applicants often face long waiting times and confusing updates on the government platform. Many check the online tool “Cómo va lo mío” almost daily, but the different statuses that appear there are not always easy to interpret.

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In this comprehensive guide from Visal Immigration Lawyers, we will explain step by step the main statuses of the Spanish nationality procedure by residence. You will understand what each phase means, how long it usually takes, what risks exist, and when you should seek legal help to avoid setbacks. Our goal is to provide you with clarity, peace of mind, and practical solutions so you can move confidently towards obtaining your Spanish citizenship.

The beginning: “In process” status
Once you have submitted your Spanish nationality application—whether online through the Ministry of Justice platform or at a public registry—your file is officially registered. From then on, you can track it via the government’s “Cómo va lo mío” portal. The first and most common status you will see is “in process.”

This status often lasts the longest and simply means your application is being processed internally. It does not necessarily imply that active work is being carried out on your case at that moment. It is not unusual for applicants to remain in this stage for many months, sometimes even more than a year.

However, if your file has been “in process” for two years or more without moving forward, this could indicate a potential problem. It may be related to doubts about your residence continuity, criminal record issues, or missing documents. While it does not always signal a denial, it should not be ignored. At Visal Immigration Lawyers we recommend seeking a legal consultation if your case seems stuck in this stage.

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The request for official reports
The next key status is “reports requested.” At this point, the Ministry of Justice contacts other Spanish institutions to gather essential background information about you. This usually includes the Ministry of the Interior (residence history and police records), the Ministry of Justice (criminal background), and sometimes even the National Intelligence Center for security reasons. In certain cases, data from the Social Security system or the municipal registry (padrón) may also be requested.

This stage is beyond the applicant’s control, as it depends entirely on the exchange of information between government bodies. Still, it is one of the most decisive phases of the procedure, because if negative information appears—such as uncanceled criminal records—it could affect the final outcome.

“Reports complete” status
Once all the required reports are received, the file moves to the “reports complete” stage. Many applicants feel encouraged when they see this update, because it means that the Ministry now has all the necessary background information.

Even so, it is not yet a decision. The case will wait until it can be reviewed by a civil servant. This waiting period may last several weeks or several months, depending on the workload of the Ministry of Justice.

The decisive “qualification” phase
One of the most important statuses is “qualification.” At this stage, a civil servant carefully examines the entire file. They will verify whether you meet the legal requirements for nationality by residence: sufficient years of legal residence, good civic conduct, integration into Spanish society, and proper documentation.

This is not a mechanical review—it requires analysis. The officer cross-checks your documents, the official reports, and may identify issues. If something is missing, unclear, or inconsistent, a “requirement” (request for additional documentation) may be issued.

When a requirement is issued
If your application moves to “requirement,” it means that additional documents are needed. This is a critical moment, because you only have a limited legal deadline to respond. If you fail to provide the exact requested documents on time, your case may be archived.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we often see applicants making mistakes here: submitting the wrong document, sending it late, or failing to fully understand the request. That is why we strongly recommend professional legal assistance in this phase to avoid serious delays or closure of the application.

The long-awaited “favorable resolution”
The happiest status an applicant can see is “favorable resolution.” This means that the Ministry of Justice has approved your application. However, it is not the end yet—you must still complete the oath or pledge of allegiance to the Spanish Constitution at the Civil Registry. Only then will you receive your Spanish birth certificate, which allows you to apply for your DNI and passport.

This is the ultimate goal of the procedure and represents the success of many years of legal residence and effort.

The disappointing “denied resolution”
Unfortunately, not every case ends with success. If your status shows “denied resolution,” it means the Ministry has rejected your application. The most common reasons are uncanceled criminal records, insufficient years of residence, lack of continuous residence, or failure to demonstrate integration.

The good news is that a denial can be appealed. You may file an administrative appeal or take the case to the National Court (Audiencia Nacional) through a judicial appeal. At this stage, legal assistance is essential to determine whether there are real chances of overturning the decision.

The “archived” file
Finally, you may come across the dreaded “archived” status. This does not mean denial based on the merits, but closure of the file due to procedural reasons, usually because the applicant did not respond to a requirement within the deadline.

In practice, an archived case forces you to start the entire nationality application from scratch, losing years of waiting. Thousands of cases have been archived in Spain in recent years for this reason. To prevent this, it is vital to pay attention to official notifications and seek professional support.

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PRACTICAL ADVICE FROM VISAL IMMIGRATION

Our experience as immigration lawyers has taught us that the most common mistakes applicants make are: submitting incomplete documentation, ignoring official requirements, assuming the file will move forward on its own, and not appealing when the law allows it.

With proper legal guidance, these risks can be avoided. At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we monitor each client’s file closely, keep track of deadlines, and intervene when necessary. This greatly increases the chances of reaching the favorable resolution stage without unnecessary delays.

If you want peace of mind and professional guidance throughout your nationality procedure, you can book a consultation online with one of our lawyers at this link:

BOOK YOU CONSULTATION HERE 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long can my file remain “in process”?
It is common for this stage to last many months. If your case has been stuck for over two years, it could indicate a problem. In that case, you should review the situation with a lawyer to decide on the best course of action.

What does “reports requested” mean?
It means the Ministry of Justice is gathering internal background checks, such as police records, criminal history, and residency data. This is a normal stage. It does not necessarily imply something negative unless adverse information is found.

What should I do if I receive a requirement?
You must respond within the legal deadline and provide exactly what has been requested. Otherwise, your application may be archived. It is highly advisable to seek legal help to ensure you reply correctly and on time.

Can I appeal if my nationality is denied?
Yes. You may file an administrative appeal or a judicial appeal before the National Court. An immigration lawyer can evaluate whether your case has strong arguments to challenge the denial.

What happens if my application is archived?
An archived application is closed due to procedural reasons, usually for not responding to a requirement. It forces you to reapply from the beginning, losing valuable time. The best prevention is to carefully monitor notifications and deadlines.

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CONCLUSION 

Understanding the different statuses of the Spanish nationality procedure is essential to avoid unnecessary stress and mistakes. Each phase has its meaning, risks, and deadlines. Knowing what to expect at every stage will help you stay prepared and avoid surprises.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we specialize in Spanish nationality and immigration procedures. If you want to ensure your application is handled correctly and progresses smoothly, write to us on WhatsApp at 618 702 253 (messages only) or book a consultation directly through this link:

BOOK YOU CONSULTATION HERE  We will be happy to guide you step by step.