Want to take the final step and become a Spanish citizen? Obtaining Spanish nationality is not just a legal upgrade — it opens the door to full rights, a Spanish passport, and lifelong stability within the EU.

Here’s everything you need to know before submitting your citizenship application in Spain.

1. Who Processes Spanish Citizenship Applications?

Citizenship applications are managed by Spain’s Ministry of Justice (Ministerio de Justicia), which is responsible for verifying your documents, evaluating your integration, and issuing the final decision.

2. Residency Requirements: How Long Do You Have to Live in Spain?

In general, you must have lived in Spain legally and continuously for 10 years. However, there are reduced timeframes for certain groups:

• 2 years – For citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and individuals of Sephardic origin.
• 1 year – For spouses of Spanish citizens, children of Spanish nationals, or those born in Spanish territory.

Important: Your residence must be legal and uninterrupted, with time spent outside Spain limited to short periods.

3. Required Exams: CCSE and DELE

Applicants must pass two key exams:

• CCSE – Tests your knowledge of Spain’s constitution, society, and culture.
• DELE A2 or higher – Spanish language exam for non-native speakers.

Exemptions: Minors and those who completed secondary school in Spain with an official diploma are exempt from both exams.

4. Clean Criminal Record

A crucial requirement for Spanish citizenship is a clean criminal and police record. Any past offenses, in Spain or abroad, can result in a rejection of your application.

5. Gather the Correct Documents

Make sure your documents are:

• Complete
• Up-to-date
• Officially translated and legalized (if needed)

Delays and denials often occur because of outdated or missing paperwork. It’s better to double-check everything with a legal expert before submitting.

6. Proving Your Time in Spain

One of the most commonly overlooked parts of the application is proving your actual residence in Spain.

While you may have residency cards or a registration certificate (empadronamiento), the Spanish authorities rely primarily on passport stamps and entries to verify how long you’ve lived in the country.

You will need to present all passports covering the required period of residence (1, 2, 5, or 10 years). If you cannot provide them, your application may be significantly delayed or denied, even if you have valid residence cards.

---

Need Help With Your Citizenship Application?

Our legal team specializes in Spanish citizenship and immigration law. We’ll guide you through the entire process—from exam prep to document review and final submission.

Contact us support@docsinside.com to book your consultation and get expert advice tailored to your case.