Spanish citizenship by Royal Decree: requirements, application and current status
A grant of nationality by Royal Decree is an exceptional route to acquiring Spanish citizenship. The Government grants it by Royal Decree when exceptional circumstances apply.
Discretionary
There is no automatic right to be granted citizenship, even if all the documents are submitted.
By Royal Decree
The Government decides on the application when it considers that exceptional circumstances apply.
Deadline: 180 days
Once citizenship has been granted, the subsequent formalities must be completed within the statutory time limit.
What is Spanish citizenship by grant of nationality by Royal Decree?
Article 21 of the Civil Code provides for a grant of nationality by Royal Decree as an exceptional way to acquire Spanish citizenship. It is granted at the Government’s discretion by Royal Decree when exceptional circumstances apply to the person concerned.
This is a different route from Spanish citizenship by residence . There is no general residence period that, once completed, automatically gives rise to a right to be granted citizenship.
What counts as an exceptional circumstance?
The regulations do not set out a definitive list of circumstances that would guarantee citizenship in advance. Each application must explain and provide evidence of why the circumstances are sufficiently exceptional to apply through this route.
There is no automatic formula
Being part of a particular group or having a specific connection to Spain does not, on its own, guarantee that citizenship will be granted.
The exceptional nature must be justified
The application must include evidence enabling the specific circumstances of the applicant to be assessed.
Each case is assessed individually
Each grant is decided on a case-by-case basis and, if approved, is formalised by Royal Decree.
Who can apply for Spanish citizenship by Royal Decree?
The Civil Code establishes who is entitled to submit the application and also provides for the support and adjustments needed by people with disabilities.
Over 18 years old or emancipated
They can submit the application themselves.
Over 14 years old
They can apply with the assistance of their legal representative, where applicable.
Under 14 years old
The application is submitted by their legal representative, with any required authorisations.
Person with a disability
They can act with the support and procedural adjustments they need.
Documents required to apply for citizenship by Royal Decree
The specific documents required depend on the circumstances cited, but the application file must identify the applicant and provide strong evidence of the exceptional grounds on which the application is based.
Full birth certificate with any required formalities.
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, where required.
Criminal record in Spain where applicable.
Documents substantiating the exceptional circumstances cited.
Representation, authorisations or support where required.
Other relevant documents that help the authorities assess the case properly.
How do you submit the application?
The application must be addressed to the competent body within the Ministry of Justice responsible for citizenship matters. Always use the official form and instructions in force when submitting the application file.
Check that this is the right route for you
Before starting the application process, check that your situation does not qualify for citizenship by residence, by option, by origin or another route to acquiring citizenship.
Use the official form
Download the current documents from the Ministry of Justice and review its instructions.
Prepare evidence for your case
The key is to clearly and systematically substantiate the exceptional circumstances being claimed.
Submit through an accepted channel
Check the current instructions on registration, representation and how to submit the application before sending it.
What happens if the Government grants citizenship?
Publication of the grant does not, by itself, bring the procedure to an end. The subsequent requirements set out in the Civil Code must still be met.
Please note the deadline
The grant may lapse if you do not appear within the legal deadline to complete the subsequent formalities.
Formalisation
Where applicable, the oath or pledge required by law must be made.
Registration
The acquisition of citizenship must be registered with the Civil Registry.
Citizenship by grant, residence and option: they are not the same
Exceptional and discretionary
It depends on exceptional circumstances and a decision by the Government through a Royal Decree.
You are reading about this routeBased on legal residence
You must meet the applicable residence period and the other legal requirements.
See the guide to citizenship by residence →A right in certain circumstances
It is available to people in situations expressly provided for in the Civil Code.
See the guide to citizenship by option →Frequently asked questions about Spanish citizenship by naturalisation
Is citizenship by naturalisation a right?
Do I need to have lived in Spain for ten years?
Is there an official list of exceptional circumstances?
Is citizenship by naturalisation still available in 2026?
What happens after citizenship is granted?
Do I have to renounce my previous nationality?
Official sources
Not sure which route to Spanish citizenship applies to you?
Citizenship by naturalisation is exceptional. If your case is better suited to citizenship by residence, citizenship by option or another route to acquiring citizenship, it is advisable to use the correct procedure from the outset.