5 Legal Pathways to Get Spanish Citizenship

Spanish citizenship offers more than just the right to live in Spain. It’s a gateway to the European Union, granting visa-free travel, access to high level healthcare, education, and the freedom to live, work, or retire anywhere across the bloc. But there are many ways to get that coveted red passport.

While most applicants go through the traditional 10-year naturalization route, Spain also offers several legal shortcuts.

From Latin American ties to marriage, family, or even long-term residency through investment, there are multiple ways to qualify, each with its own timeline, benefits, and challenges.

In this guide, we break down the 5 legal pathways to Spanish citizenship. Whether you're looking for the fastest route or the most secure, you’ll find clarity on what it takes to make Spain your official home.

Understanding Spanish Citizenship Requirements

Before diving into the main pathways, it’s essential to understand the legal and procedural foundation for acquiring Spanish citizenship. No matter which route you pursue, there are baseline requirements and formalities that apply to most applicants.

General Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Spanish citizenship, applicants typically must:

• Be over 18 years old, or legally represented if a minor

• Reside legally and continuously in Spain for the required period (ranging from 1 to 10 years depending on the method)

• Demonstrate integration into Spanish society, including knowledge of Spanish culture and language

• Maintain a clean criminal record, both in Spain and in previous countries of residence

• Show good civic conduct and compliance with Spanish laws

• Renounce your original nationality (with exceptions for nationals of Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, and a few others)

Documentation and Application Process

Applicants will need to prepare a comprehensive set of documents, which typically includes:

• Valid passport and NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)

• Proof of legal residency (residence permit, padrón registration, rental contract, or property deed)

• Birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage or family records

• Criminal record certificates from all countries of residence

• Language and integration exam certificates (DELE A2 and CCSE), unless exempt

• Evidence of financial means or employment

• Completed application form and official tax stamp (modelo 790, código 026)

Once submitted, the application is reviewed by the Ministry of Justice. Interviews or additional documentation may be requested.

Legal Fees and Processing Times

The government fee for a citizenship application is relatively low, around €100, but legal support and translation services can add significantly to the cost, especially if you work with an immigration lawyer.

• Legal fees for professional support typically range from €1,000 to €3,000+, depending on the complexity of your case.
• Processing times are notoriously slow. On average, it takes 12 and 24 months after submitting the application to receive a decision, though delays are common.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization is the most common way to obtain Spanish citizenship and is open to foreigners who have lived legally in Spain for at least 10 years. This period must be uninterrupted, with only short absences allowed.

Who qualifies

This route is designed for long-term residents, whether they moved to Spain for work, study, family, or personal reasons. While the standard requirement is 10 years, Spain shortens the timeline for specific groups:

• 2 years for citizens of Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal, as well as Sephardic Jews with Spanish ancestry
• 5 years for refugees

The process

Applicants typically begin with a temporary residence permit, later upgrading to permanent residency after 5 years. Once the 10-year residency mark is reached (or less, for eligible cases), they can apply for citizenship.

To qualify, the applicant must:

• Prove continuous and legal residence in Spain
• Pass the official language (DELE A2) and integration (CCSE) exams
• Show a clean criminal record
• Demonstrate sufficient income or financial independence

In most cases, applicants must also renounce their original nationality, unless they are from a country with a bilateral agreement allowing dual citizenship.

What to expect

The process includes a background check, interviews, and sometimes requests for additional documentation.

This is the default path for most foreign residents, offering full citizenship rights at the end of a long-term commitment to life in Spain.

Thinking about making the move before applying for citizenship? Explore what life is really like in Spain in this full Guide to Spanish Residency.

Citizenship through Marriage

Marrying a Spanish citizen opens a significantly faster route to citizenship. Instead of the standard 10-year requirement, spouses can apply after just one year of legal and continuous residence in Spain.

Who it applies to

This option is available to:

• Foreign nationals who are legally married to a Spanish citizen
• Widows or widowers of Spanish citizens, provided they were not legally separated at the time of death

Unlike some countries, Spain does not grant automatic citizenship upon marriage. The couple must live together in Spain for a minimum of one year before the foreign spouse can apply.

Key conditions

To be eligible, the applicant must:

• Reside legally in Spain for at least 1 year after marriage
• Be officially registered as living with their spouse (through the local municipal register, or padrón)
• Hold a valid visa or residence permit during this time
• Pass the language (DELE A2) and civic integration (CCSE) exams
• Provide a marriage certificate and proof of cohabitation

Advantages

• Fastest general pathway to citizenship (1 year of residence)
• Lower bureaucratic burden compared to other routes
• No need for investment or extended work history

Things to consider

• Marriages of convenience are heavily scrutinized. Authorities may request interviews or home visits to verify the relationship’s authenticity.
• Dual citizenship rules still apply: most applicants will need to renounce their original nationality, unless exempt.
• Divorce before the citizenship process is complete may affect eligibility.

This pathway is ideal for genuine couples building a shared life in Spain. With legal residence and a valid marriage, full citizenship can be achieved in just 12 months.

Citizenship by Descent or Choice (Origin-Based)

Spain offers citizenship by origin to individuals with Spanish ancestry or family ties. This path is often faster and more straightforward, as it’s rooted in the principle of jus sanguinis, the “right of blood.”

There’s also an option called citizenship by choice (opción), available to certain people with a close legal or familial connection to Spain, even if they weren’t born there.

Who qualifies

You may be eligible if:

• You were born to at least one Spanish parent
• One of your parents was born in Spain, even if they were not a citizen at the time
• You were adopted as a minor by Spanish citizens
• You're a grandchild of a Spanish citizen who lost or gave up their nationality
• You’re a foreigner who has been under Spanish guardianship or in care for two consecutive years

Children born in Spain to foreign parents may also qualify under specific conditions, especially if the child would otherwise be stateless.

Citizenship by choice (opción)

This option is for individuals who:

• Have a parent who gained Spanish citizenship later in life
• Were adopted by Spanish citizens as adults
• Are children of Spanish citizens born abroad

The application must usually be filed before the applicant turns 20, though exceptions can apply.

Key benefits

• In many cases, no minimum residency requirement
• Applicants are often exempt from language and integration exams
• Dual citizenship is usually permitted for Latin American nationals and others with historical ties

This route is particularly valuable for individuals of Spanish or Latin American heritage seeking to reconnect with their roots while gaining full EU citizenship.

Citizenship through Family Reunification

For those with close family already living in Spain, citizenship through family reunification offers a legal path to join them and eventually apply for a Spanish passport. While most applicants need 10 years of residence to qualify, this timeline can be shortened in specific family situations.

Who is eligible

This route applies to foreign nationals who have:

• A spouse or registered partner who is a Spanish citizen
• Children under 18 or adult dependents
• Parents or in-laws who rely on them financially
• A relative under their legal guardianship

The process starts by applying for a residence permit through family reunification. Once granted, the applicant lives in Spain legally and begins accruing the time needed for citizenship.

Citizenship timeline

• Standard requirement: 10 years of continuous legal residence
• 1 year for spouses and children of Spanish citizens (if already living together in Spain)

The applicant must reside continuously in the country, maintain legal status, and demonstrate integration over time.

What’s required

• Proof of family ties (marriage, birth, guardianship documents)
• Proof of income and housing from the sponsor
• Valid passports and residency status

This route is especially beneficial for families looking to build a shared life in Spain. While the process may involve paperwork and waiting, the emotional and practical benefits of reunification often make it worth the effort.

Citizenship through Guardianship

Spain offers a unique route to citizenship for minors or vulnerable individuals who have been placed under legal guardianship in the country. This path shortens the usual 10-year residency requirement to just 1 year, recognising the close integration of the individual into Spanish society.

Who qualifies

This option applies to:

• Foreign nationals who have been under the care or protection of Spanish citizens or institutions
• Minors who were legally fostered, adopted, or placed in guardianship by Spanish families or the state

The guardianship must have lasted for at least 2 consecutive years before applying for citizenship.

Conditions

• Must reside legally and continuously in Spain for 1 year
• Guardianship must be officially registered and documented
• The applicant must pass standard requirements such as language and integration tests, unless exempt due to age or condition

This pathway is generally designed for vulnerable individuals, especially minors, who have become deeply integrated into Spanish life through care arrangements. It reflects Spain’s commitment to protecting those under its guardianship and offering them a permanent place in society.

Key Advantages of Spanish Citizenship

Spanish citizenship goes far beyond just a passport, it offers a secure, long-term foundation for life in Europe, with privileges that extend across borders, industries, and generations.

Visa-free travel to 180+ countries

Spanish passport holders can access over 180 countries visa free, with a visa on arrival, or with an eVisa, including the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and all EU/Schengen countries. This makes international travel for business, tourism, or family visits extremely flexible and cost-efficient.

Read more about Spain's visa-free travel access here.

The right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU

As a Spanish citizen, you are automatically a citizen of the European Union, which means you can relocate to countries like Germany, France, the Netherlands, or Italy with no visa, work permit, or sponsorship required. You can also enrol in universities at local tuition rates, open businesses freely, and access social services across member states.

Access to Spain’s healthcare and education systems

You gain full access to Spain’s public healthcare system, which is ranked among the best in the world and is largely free or heavily subsidised. Public education, including universities, is also accessible at low or no cost, with the added option to apply for state scholarships and EU academic programs like Erasmus+.

Eligibility for low-interest EU loans, grants, and public services

Citizenship gives you the ability to apply for EU-wide funding schemes, including startup grants, agricultural subsidies, and education loans. Spanish citizens are also eligible for national aid programs in housing, family benefits, and small business support that are not open to foreigners or temporary residents.

Ability to buy and register property in your name without restrictions

While non-EU citizens can purchase property in Spain, citizenship removes any restrictions or added steps. You can register real estate, vehicles, and even firearms under your name directly, without additional reporting or risk of foreign ownership limitations in other EU countries.

Potential for lower tax burdens under Spain’s treaties and deductions

As a Spanish citizen, you can benefit from Spain’s double taxation treaties with over 90 countries, helping reduce tax on foreign income. Citizens may also qualify for deductions on mortgage interest, pension contributions, family dependents, and other areas that are not always available to non-residents or temporary permit holders.

Family inclusion, allowing children and spouses to benefit too

Your spouse and children under 18 (or adult dependents) can often be included in your citizenship or residency rights, gaining access to the same healthcare, education, and mobility benefits. Children born after you naturalise may automatically qualify as Spanish citizens.

Dual Citizenship Considerations

While Spanish citizenship opens the door to Europe, it also comes with strict rules on dual nationality. Spain generally requires applicants to renounce their original citizenship, though there are key exceptions based on international agreements and historical ties.

Countries with Dual Citizenship Agreements

Spain allows dual citizenship only with specific countries that share close cultural, linguistic, or historical bonds. These include:

• Latin American nations (e.g. Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, etc.)
• Andorra
• Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• Portugal
• France (based on a more recent bilateral agreement)

If you're a citizen of one of these countries, you can retain your original nationality while acquiring Spanish citizenship, without the need to renounce or give it up formally.

Impact on Original Citizenship

For most other nationalities, such as the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, or China, Spain requires formal renunciation of your previous citizenship during the naturalization process. This is a legal requirement, even if your home country does not formally recognise the renunciation.

It's important to note that:

• Some countries (like the U.S. or Canada) may still treat you as a citizen, even after formal renunciation in Spain
• Others (like Germany or India) may strip you of your original nationality once you take up Spanish citizenship

Before applying, it’s crucial to consult with legal advisors in both countries to understand the practical and legal consequences of losing or maintaining dual status.

Rights and Obligations

Becoming a Spanish citizen gives you full legal rights in Spain and across the EU, including:

• The right to vote in Spanish and European elections
• Full access to public healthcare, education, and social benefits
• The ability to run for public office, own firearms, and work in regulated professions
• Military or civil service obligations (in theory, though rarely enforced)

However, you are also expected to comply fully with Spanish laws and tax obligations, and in some cases, you may be treated as a Spanish citizen exclusively, meaning Spain may not recognise protections or consular support from your previous country, especially in legal matters.

If you're considering making Spain your permanent home, it’s essential to evaluate the right path for your background, nationality, and long-term goals. Consulting with an immigration advisor or legal experts like Savory and Partners, can help you navigate the requirements with clarity, and move forward with confidence.

FAQs on Spanish Citizenship Options

1. How long does it take to get Spanish citizenship?

The standard naturalization process takes 10 years of legal and continuous residence. However, some pathways, like marriage or descent, can reduce this to 1 or 2 years, depending on your personal circumstances.

2. Do I need to give up my current nationality?

In most cases, yes. Spain generally requires renunciation of previous citizenship, except for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and France, who may retain dual nationality.

3. Is Spanish citizenship passed to children?

Yes. Children born to a Spanish citizen, regardless of where they are born, can typically obtain citizenship by descent. In many cases, adopted children or those born in Spain under certain conditions may also qualify.

4. Can I apply without speaking Spanish?

No. Applicants must pass the DELE A2 language exam and the CCSE cultural test, unless exempt due to age or education. These are mandatory for demonstrating integration into Spanish society.

5. Is it possible to apply from outside Spain?

Generally, no. Spanish citizenship requires legal and continuous residence in Spain. Applications are submitted within the country, and physical presence is usually required during the process.

References

Ministerio de Justicia. (n.d.). Nacionalidad española por residencia. Gobierno de España. Retrieved from https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/es/tramites/nacionalidad-espanola-residencia

Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE). (2024). Código Civil: Título I – De los españoles y extranjeros. Agencia Estatal BOE. Retrieved from https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1889-4763

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación. (2023, July 9). Extensión de solicitudes bajo la Ley de Memoria Democrática. Gobierno de España. Retrieved from https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/Comunicacion/Noticias/Paginas/Noticias/20230709_SOLICITUDES_LEY_MEMORIA.aspx

Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones. (n.d.). Requisitos para la obtención de la nacionalidad española. Gobierno de España. Retrieved from https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/es/InformacionInteres/Nacionalidad/index.html