Spanish nationality: updated requirements and timeframes
Learn the current requirements for obtaining Spanish nationality by residence, the necessary documentation and the real timeframes of the procedure.
Spanish nationality by residence is the most common route for foreigners settled in Spain. As a general rule, 10 years of legal and continuous residence are required, reduced to 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews, and to 1 year in specific cases such as marriage to a Spanish citizen.
In addition to the residence period, applicants must prove good civic conduct and sufficient integration into Spanish society, generally through the DELE A2 and CCSE exams run by the Instituto Cervantes.
The application is filed electronically with the Ministry of Justice. Actual resolution times vary but usually range between 18 and 36 months. At Trámites Jurídicos Arnao we continuously monitor the file and, if necessary, file the corresponding appeals.