Methods of Acquiring Spanish Nationality
Residence
Context
For those who have the right to Spanish nationality and need guidance on the process.
Requirements
Minimum of 1 to 10 years of legal and continuous residence, depending on the nationality or status of the applicant.
Benefits
Access to citizenship for you (and, in some cases, your children), with the right to a Spanish passport and full civil rights.
Simple Presumption
Context
For babies born in Spain to foreign parents, who do not automatically inherit another nationality.
Requirements
Individual analysis of ties with Spain and absence of another recognized nationality.
Benefits
Citizenship recognized by exclusion guarantees legal belonging to children born in Spanish territory.
Option
Context
For people with direct ties to Spanish citizens (fathers or mothers).
Requirements
Children of Spaniards born abroad or people who were adopted by Spaniards, with documentary analysis.
Benefits
Right to nationality recognized without the requirement of prior residence.
Democratic Memory Law
Context
For grandchildren or children of Spaniards exiled during the Civil War or Franco regime.
Requirements
Documents proving descent and links to the history of repression or exile.
Benefits
Recognition of citizenship as a form of historical reparation and cultural belonging.
Count on EspanhaJur to
Free initial screening
You fill out a quick form so we can understand your situation and identify the best path.
Technical consultation with a specialist
You schedule a meeting with our legal team so we can explain the viable options and answer your main questions.
Personalized action plan
Based on the consultation, we create a specific action proposal for you, with practical guidelines and a list of necessary documents.
Complete monitoring
Throughout the process, you will have ongoing legal support, with updates, clarifications, and support at every stage.
Know the procedure
Applying for Spanish nationality through residency requires organization, compliance with legal requirements, and adherence to deadlines. Learn about the two possible paths to applying, as well as the steps involved in each.
Option 1
Via direct submission to the Ministry of Justice
Legal residence for 2 years in Spain
Minimum time requirement to apply for nationality (for citizens of Ibero-American countries).
DELE A2 and CCSE exams
Proof of knowledge of Spanish language and culture. May be taken before completing the two-year residency.
Preparation of documentation
We organize the required documents, providing guidance to ensure everything complies with legal criteria.
Telematic sending of documentation
The request is made digitally, directly to the Spanish Ministry of Justice.
Analysis of documentation by the Spanish government
The government reviews the documents and verifies the applicant's eligibility.
Resolution (approval of nationality)
With approval, the process advances to the citizenship formalization stage.
I swear
This is a mandatory step in which the applicant declares allegiance to the Spanish Constitution. This can be done in two ways:
At the Civil Registry (free, by appointment)
With a Notary
Request for DNI and Spanish Passport
Appointment at the Police Station to issue Spanish identification documents.
Option 2
Via College of Managers
Legal residence for 2 years in Spain
Minimum time requirement to apply for nationality (for citizens of Ibero-American countries).
DELE A2 and CCSE exams
They can be done before the child is 2 years old.
Preparation of documentation
Complete organization of all required documents.
Physical presentation of documentation to the Board of Managers
The documentation is physically delivered to the institution that represents and mediates the request.
Analysis of documentation by the College of Managers
The documentation is physically delivered to the institution that represents and mediates the request.
Telematic submission to the Spanish government
The College of Managers digitally files the request.
Analysis by the Spanish government
Verification and validation stage.
Resolution
Official approval of the application
I swear
Declaration of fidelity to the Constitution, with the two options already mentioned in Option 1.
Issuing a Spanish birth certificate
Official document that formalizes citizenship.
Request for DNI and Spanish Passport
Last step: go to the Police Station to collect your Spanish documents.