Applying for Spanish Nationality
Everything you Need to Know
What is it?
Understanding Spanish Nationality
Nationality establishes a legal link between an individual and the Spanish state, granting fundamental rights and legal status. Foreign citizens can acquire Spanish nationality through various routes, including naturalization, which leads to registration in the Spanish Civil Register. This process allows individuals to obtain a Spanish ID card and passport, enabling full integration into Spanish society.
Routes to Naturalization
Four Main Paths to Citizenship
By Option:
Granted to individuals with close family ties to Spanish citizens, such as:
- Those under the parental authority of a Spanish national.
- Descendants of Spanish nationals exiled during the Civil War or dictatorship.
- Adopted individuals over 18.
By Residency:
The most common method, requiring continuous legal residency. The period varies:
- 10 years: General requirement.
- 5 years: For refugees.
- 2 years: For nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, and others.
- 1 year: For those born in Spain, married to a Spanish national, or with certain family ties.
By Discretionary Conferral:
Granted by the government under exceptional circumstances, such as cultural, scientific, or historical contributions. A specific provision under Law 12/2015 allows Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin to apply via this route.
By Possession of Status:
Granted to individuals who have possessed and used Spanish nationality in good faith for at least 10 years, even if the record was annulled.
Requirements
Final Steps to Naturalization
For all routes, the following requirements must be met:
- Swear allegiance to the King and obey the Spanish Constitution and laws.
- Declare renunciation of previous nationality (exemptions apply for Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, and Sephardic Jews).
- Register the acquisition of nationality in the Spanish Civil Register.
Additionally, applicants by residency must demonstrate:
- Good civic behavior (criminal record checks).
- Integration into Spanish society through language and cultural knowledge tests, unless exempt.
Integration and Documentation
Registration of Nationality
Once granted, nationality is registered in the Civil Register. This process involves a birth registration entry noting the date and route of acquisition of Spanish nationality. This registration enables individuals to obtain official Spanish documents, such as a national ID card and passport, solidifying their status as Spanish citizens.
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