Discover in this updated 2025 guide how to obtain Spanish citizenship by residency. Requirements, exams, documents, and expert legal advice from Visal Immigration Lawyers.

Spanish citizenship by residency is the most common pathway for foreigners who wish to become Spanish citizens. Although regulated in detail by the Spanish Civil Code and specific regulations, the procedure often creates confusion, delays, and mistakes. That is why having up-to-date information and professional guidance is essential.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, a law firm specialized in immigration law in Spain, we explain step by step how this procedure works, the exact requirements, the documents you need, and how to maximize your chances of success. If you prefer tailored assistance, you can schedule your consultation here.

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What “citizenship by residency” means

Citizenship by residency is granted when a foreigner has lived legally and continuously in Spain for a certain period of time. In most cases, this period is 10 years, but there are important exceptions for refugees, nationals of Ibero-American countries, and those married to Spanish citizens.

This pathway is regulated in Article 22 of the Spanish Civil Code and developed by Royal Decree 1004/2015, which approved the regulations governing the process of acquiring Spanish nationality by residency. The Order JUS/696/2015 provides further clarifications. If you are unsure whether you meet the conditions, our lawyers can evaluate your case in detail—schedule your consultation here.

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Residency periods required

The length of legal residence required varies according to the applicant’s circumstances:

• 10 years: the general rule for most foreigners.

• 5 years: for refugees.

• 2 years: for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews.

• 1 year: for special situations, such as being born in Spain, being married to a Spanish citizen for at least one year (without separation), being widowed by a Spanish spouse, being under guardianship of Spanish citizens for two years, or being a child/grandchild of Spaniards of origin.

Knowing which group you belong to can save years in the process. If you want us to confirm which period applies in your case, you can schedule your consultation here.

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Key documentation required

When the residency requirement is met, the applicant must prepare a complete file including:

• Birth certificate legalized and, if necessary, translated.

• Valid passport (complete).

• Criminal records certificate from the country of origin and from Spain.

• Updated certificate of residence registration (padrón).

• Valid residence card or EU registration certificate.

• Payment of administrative fee (Form 790, code 026 – €104.05).

• Certificates of passing the CCSE and/or DELE exams (unless exempt).

It is also advisable to include additional documents showing integration, such as work contracts, academic records, or proof of social and cultural participation.

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The exams: CCSE and DELE

Most applicants must pass the CCSE (25 questions on Spanish constitutional and cultural knowledge; €85; valid for four years) and the DELE A2 language exam (€134 in 2025). Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from the DELE. Both exams are run by the Instituto Cervantes and are taken in person.

These exams are essential to prove integration, and mistakes in registration or preparation often delay the process. For help with exam exemptions, preparation, or booking, you can schedule your consultation here.

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How to file your application

Applications can be submitted:

• Online through the Ministry of Justice platform (digital certificate required).

• By postal mail.

• Through an authorized immigration lawyer or professional.

We recommend the electronic submission through a lawyer. This option minimizes clerical errors, speeds up communication, and allows continuous monitoring of your case. At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we file applications daily and monitor them until resolution. To start with your own file, you can schedule your consultation here.

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Processing times and appeals

By law, the Ministry of Justice must resolve within 1 year. In practice, cases often take 2–3 years. If no resolution is issued within one year, the application is considered denied by negative silence, which allows filing a contentious-administrative appeal before the National High Court.

This stage requires legal expertise, as appealing too late or without proper grounds can waste valuable time. If you are near the one-year mark or have already received silence, it is essential to act fast. To explore your appeal options, schedule your consultation here.

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The oath (jura) and what follows

If granted, you must swear allegiance to the Constitution and King within 180 days at the Civil Registry. This includes:

• Oath of allegiance to the King and Constitution.

• Renunciation of your prior nationality, unless exempt.

• Registration of your Spanish nationality in the Civil Registry.

Once registered, you can obtain your Spanish birth certificate, apply for your DNI and passport, and request a Certificate of Concordance to update your data with Extranjería, the Tax Office, and Social Security.

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FAQs

Do I need to take both exams?
Yes, unless you are from a Spanish-speaking country (exempt from DELE) or qualify for a special exemption. The CCSE is almost always required.

How long does the process take?
Although legally one year, in reality it can take two or three. After one year of silence, you can litigate to force a decision.

What if my application is denied?
You can appeal administratively or go directly to court with a contentious-administrative appeal. A lawyer can advise which is best.

Do I need to renounce my nationality?
Not if you are from Ibero-American countries, Portugal, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or are Sephardic. Others must renounce.

Can I apply without a lawyer?
Yes, but professional filing reduces mistakes and delays, and ensures better monitoring of your case.

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Final thoughts

Spanish citizenship by residency is a realistic and achievable goal if you plan ahead, prepare the correct documents, and understand the steps. At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we have guided hundreds of foreigners through this process successfully.

If you are ready to begin, or if you simply want to make sure you are on the right track, you can schedule your consultation here. Our immigration lawyers will accompany you from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and successful application.