By the end of this article, you’ll understand every route to become a Spanish citizen, recent law updates you shouldn’t miss, and practical tips to navigate tests, fees, and paperwork.

Main Paths to Spanish Nationality

Spain offers several routes—each with its own requirements and timelines.

1. Nationality by Residence

You can apply after legally living in Spain for a set period:
– 10 years generally
– 5 years for refugees
– 2 years for Ibero-Americans, Andorrans, Filipinos, Equatorial Guineans, Portuguese, and Sephardic Jews
– 1 year if you’re married to a Spaniard or born in Spain residence requirements on the Spanish Ministry of Justice website

You must also demonstrate good civic conduct, no criminal record, and a stable income according to the Spanish consular service guidelines.

2. Nationality by Option

Reserved for special categories—
– Children whose parents acquire Spanish citizenship
– Adults under the guardianship of a Spanish citizen
– Former Spanish nationals
(Learn more in the Nationality by Option article on Wikipedia).

3. Nationality by Marriage

If you’re married to a Spanish citizen and have lived in Spain for at least one year, you can apply without waiting the usual residence period, as outlined in Britannica’s overview of Spain’s nationality by marriage.

4. Nationality for Spaniards of Origin

You may already be Spanish if:
– You were born to a Spanish parent
– You were born in Spain to foreign parents if at least one was also born here
– You lost Spanish nationality and want to recover it (see Articles 17 and 18 of the Spanish Civil Code).

5. Sephardic Heritage Path

Descendants of Jews expelled in 1492 can apply under a special program, provided they demonstrate Sephardic origin and cultural ties—check this step-by-step guide for Sephardic citizenship by Para Inmigrantes.

What’s New in Spanish Citizenship (2025 Updates)

Spain recently tweaked its nationality laws to make the process more transparent and inclusive, including a streamlined online portal, legal aid for denied applications, faster “jura de nacionalidad” (oath) appointments, and expanded recognition for 2nd- and 3rd-generation descendants under the Ley de Memoria Democrática (2022), as detailed in an El País report on 2025 Spanish nationality law updates.

“Getting the oath scheduled used to take six months; now it’s down to a few weeks”—Ana Rodríguez, immigration attorney

Dual Citizenship Restrictions

Spain generally requires renouncing your prior nationality, except if you’re from an Ibero-American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal. For a concise breakdown, see this BBC guide to Spanish dual citizenship restrictions.

Special Provisions for Refugees & Stateless Persons

Refugees need just five years’ residence instead of ten, and stateless individuals can face even shorter requirements under recent EU directives—details on these provisions are outlined by UNHCR.

Golden Visa vs. Citizenship

Investors can get a Golden Visa with a real-estate or capital investment of €500,000 or more, but that visa alone doesn’t guarantee citizenship—you’ll still need to meet the residence and integration conditions (see the official Golden Visa Spain guide).

Your Step-by-Step Application Journey

1. Confirm the route that fits you
2. Gather documents (residence certificates, background checks, proof of income)
3. Pass the CCSE (constitutional knowledge) and DELE A2 (language) exams
4. Submit your application online or at Registro Civil
5. Attend the jura de nacionalidad (oath ceremony)
6. Pick up your Certificado de Nacionalidad Española

Processing times can exceed 24 months for residence-based applications, according to a Murillo y Ruiz law firm overview of Spanish citizenship processing times.

Language & Culture Tests

• CCSE: 25 questions on Spanish constitution, history, and culture
• DELE A2: Basic Spanish proficiency
  Exemptions exist for applicants over 70 or with certain disabilities. For full details on exam formats, visit the Cervantes Institute’s CCSE and DELE A2 exam pages.

The Oath of Allegiance

After approval, you must swear allegiance to the King and obey the Spanish Constitution and laws. This final step makes it official.

Key Considerations Before You Apply

• Non-refundable fee of around €103.02
• Potential backlog—submit early
• Income requirement: some routes expect proof of around €26,000 annually
• If your home country doesn’t allow dual nationality, prepare for renunciation

Ready to Take the Plunge?

Choosing Spanish citizenship is a big step—whether you want to reconnect with family roots, enjoy EU mobility, or settle here permanently. With up-to-date knowledge of new laws, clear expectations about tests and fees, and a solid plan for documents, you’ll steer through the process with confidence.