Spanish nationality by residence: complete 2026 guide
Date Published
Who can apply?
The general rule requires ten years of continuous legal residence in Spain. Reduced periods exist: two years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews; one year for spouses of Spanish citizens, people born in Spain, and other cases.
Main requirements
Continuous legal residence, no criminal record, and passing the Instituto Cervantes exams: DELE A2 (if Spanish is not your native language) and the CCSE constitutional knowledge test.
Documents
Full passport, TIE card, criminal record certificate from your country (legalised and translated), birth certificate (legalised and translated), padrón certificate and Cervantes exam certificates.
Common mistakes
Letting the criminal record certificate expire, breaking residence continuity with long absences, or filing non-sworn translations. A poorly prepared file can add years of waiting.
How long does it take?
Resolution usually takes one to three years. After one year you can consider it rejected by administrative silence and file a judicial appeal to speed up the decision.