Spanish citizenship by residence
Requirements, deadlines, documents, exams, online application, application tracking and the steps to take after approval. Everything is explained clearly, with the needs of people starting the process in mind.
Spanish citizenship by residence is the most common route to acquiring Spanish citizenship if you have already lived legally in Spain for some time. But it is not enough to have “been here for a few years”: your residence must be legal, continuous and immediately prior to the application. You must also demonstrate good civic conduct and sufficient integration.
Not every case requires 10 years
The general period is ten years, but the law provides for significant reductions in specific cases, such as for refugees, nationals of certain countries, or people who fall within one of the circumstances qualifying for the one-year period.
Common mistake
Thinking that having a valid residence permit on the date of application is enough. What matters is not just having regular immigration status at that point, but being able to show that you have correctly completed the required period.
Good news
You can now submit your application electronically, download Form 790, Code 026 to pay the fee, and then check your application status online.
What is Spanish citizenship by residence?
This is a way to acquire Spanish citizenship for people who have lived in Spain for the period required by law and meet the other requirements.
Based on the Civil Code
The general rule requires a period of legal and continuous residence in Spain, with specific reductions provided by law depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
Residence does not mean automatic approval
Meeting the residence-period requirement helps, but it does not automatically close the case. The authorities also assess civic conduct and integration.
Do not confuse it with other routes
Spanish citizenship by residence is different from citizenship by option, by origin or by royal decree. Choosing the wrong route can waste your time.
Time limits for applying for Spanish citizenship by residence
This table summarises the time limits most relevant to readers at a glance.
| Time limit | Who it generally applies to | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| 10 years | General rule | Standard period |
| 5 years | People with refugee status | Reduced residence period |
| 2 years | Nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, or Sephardic Jews | One of the most frequently asked-about cases |
| 1 year | Specific cases provided for by law | The individual case must be reviewed carefully |
Key requirements you must meet
Beyond the time limit, these are the points that really underpin your application.
Legal residence
You must have been legally resident in Spain, not simply physically present in the country.
Continuous residence
Absences from Spain may affect the calculation of the period, so it is advisable to review them carefully before submitting your application.
Residence immediately before applying
You must meet the required residence period immediately before applying, not during an earlier period that was later interrupted.
Good civic conduct
The authorities assess this requirement as part of your application and may consider your criminal record and other relevant circumstances.
Sufficient level of integration
This is usually demonstrated through the Instituto Cervantes exams or, where applicable, through exemptions or waivers.
Consistent and complete documentation
A well-prepared application file helps prevent requests for additional documents, delays and errors that could easily be avoided from the outset.
Who can submit the application
Adults do not have to apply only on their own behalf. The law provides for different situations depending on the applicant’s age and legal capacity.
Applying on their own behalf
Adults and emancipated minors can submit their applications directly.
With the assistance of a legal representative
Applicants over the age of 14 can apply with the assistance of their legal representative.
Through legal representation
In this case, the application is submitted by the person exercising legal representation.
Voluntary or legal representation
The Ministry’s online portal allows you to submit the application on your own behalf or as a legal or voluntary representative, provided that the representation is duly documented.
Documents commonly required for Spanish citizenship by residence
The exact documents required vary depending on the situation, but this outline will help you identify the essentials.
Identity document
A valid, complete passport and the relevant residence documents for Spain.
Birth certificate
Where applicable, this must be issued by your country of origin, with a translation and legalisation or apostille if required.
Criminal record
A certificate from your country of origin is usually required, and additional checks may be carried out in Spain.
Form 790, Code 790 fee 026
The government online portal lets you download the form to pay the administrative fee associated with the application.
Additional documents depending on your circumstances
Marriage to a Spanish citizen, widowhood, birth in Spain, refugee status or other circumstances require specific additional documentation.
Do not underestimate the importance of consistent documentation
Names, dates, surnames, translations and expired documents can cause many avoidable problems.
DELE and CCSE exams: who has to take them and who does not
This is one of the aspects that raises the most questions, so it is worth explaining clearly.
| Situation | DELE | CCSE | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| General rule | Yes, if you are not a national of a Spanish-speaking country or territory | Yes | This is the typical case for a standard application |
| National of a Spanish-speaking country or territory | No | Yes | Exemption from the DELE |
| Minor | No | No | Exemption from the exams |
| Person whose legal capacity has been modified by court order | No | No | Exemption from the exams |
| Cases where an exemption may be granted | May apply | May apply | Full or partial exemptions may be available |
DELE
The DELE A2 or higher is required to demonstrate knowledge of Spanish for nationals of non-Spanish-speaking countries or territories.
CCSE
The CCSE exam assesses knowledge of Spain’s constitution, society and culture and is usually part of the application.
Exemptions
There are exemptions and reasonable adjustments in certain cases. If you completed compulsory secondary education (ESO) in Spain or fall into a special category, it is worth checking before paying for the exams.
How to apply for Spanish citizenship by residence today
The clearest way to explain it is as a step-by-step process.
First, check which residence period applies to you
Before preparing your documents, check whether the general period of 10 years applies to you or whether you qualify for a shorter period.
Gather the general and case-specific documents
Not every application requires the same documents. The important thing is to tailor your application to your circumstances.
Prepare for the exams or apply for an exemption
If you need to take the DELE or CCSE, it is best to do so beforehand. If you qualify for an exemption, make sure to apply for it correctly.
Submit your application online
The Ministry’s online portal lets you submit your application electronically and attach digitised documents.
Keep your receipt, registration details and application reference number
These are essential for checking your application status later and responding to any requests for additional documents.
Track your application online
You can then check the stage your application has reached using the Ministry’s online tracking service.
Are you going to apply for Spanish citizenship by residence?
If you are unsure which residence period applies to you, which documents to submit or whether you may be exempt from the DELE or CCSE, it is best to check before uploading everything to the online portal.
What to do after approval
Approval does not automatically complete the whole process. There are still important steps to take.
Oath or pledge
Approval of your residence-based application expires if you do not appear within 180 days to complete the subsequent requirements.
Registration of the acquisition
After approval, you must complete the oath or pledge and the corresponding registration at the Civil Registry.
Renouncing your nationality in some cases
The question of renouncing or retaining your original nationality should not be taken lightly. It is best to check the rules carefully based on your country.
Related content you may find useful
These internal links help users move forward with the process and navigate the website.
Frequently asked questions about Spanish citizenship by residence
Clear, concise answers to the most common questions before you begin the process.
What is the general residence period required to apply for Spanish citizenship?
As a general rule, you must have completed 10 years of legal and continuous residence immediately before applying. This period may be reduced to 5, 2 or 1 year depending on the circumstances.
Does the residence period have to be continuous?
Yes. The law requires legal and continuous residence immediately before applying so absences may affect your application.
Who is exempt from the DELE exam?
People who are nationals of a country or territory where Spanish is an official language are exempt from the DELE exam. There are also other cases in which an exemption or waiver may apply, which you should check.
Do minors have to take the CCSE and DELE exams?
No. Minors are exempt from these tests, as are people whose legal capacity has been modified by a court.
Can I apply for Spanish citizenship by residence online?
The Ministry of Justice’s online portal allows you to complete the entire application process online.
How can I check my application status?
You can use the Ministry’s online service to check Spanish citizenship by residence applications. The information displayed is for guidance only and does not in itself constitute official notification.
What happens if my citizenship application is approved?
After approval, you must still complete the subsequent formalities, such as taking the oath or making a pledge and registering your citizenship. In addition, the approval expires if you do not appear within 180 days.