How to Get Spanish Citizenship? A Guide to Acquiring Nationality in Spain 2025

Thinking about swapping your American life for sunny Spanish shores? Read on for more on becoming a Spaniard!

Moving abroad is a big leap, and if Spain has captured your heart, you’re not alone. From the vibrant energy of Madrid to the beaches of Costa del Sol, there’s a lot to love about living in Spain. But if you’re serious about making Spain your permanent home, you might be considering Spanish citizenship.

So, what’s involved in becoming a Spanish citizen? Well, it’s a process with specific requirements and steps and it gives you a European passport! For us non-Europeans, there’s a lot of benefits to be gained.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about acquiring Spanish nationality in 2025. We’ll cover the main routes to citizenship, walk you through the key requirements, costs, and other details important to the process.

Permanent residence or Spanish Citizenship?

Since Permanent residence needs to be obtained before Spanish Citizenship can be considered in many cases, lets take a look at wether the extra work needed to get citizenship is actually worth your while.

Permanent Residence in Spain

With permanent residence in Spain, you get the freedom to live and work here indefinitely, along with access to public services like healthcare and education. Plus, you don’t have to give up your original nationality, which is a huge plus if you want to keep your current passport. 

The downside? You won’t have political rights in Spain—meaning no voting or running for office—and you’ll still need permits to live or work in other EU countries. But for those who want stability without the full commitment of citizenship, permanent residency can be a fantastic option.

Spanish Citizenship

If you’re looking for the full Spanish experience, citizenship has some big advantages. Not only can you vote in all elections and run for office, but you also gain the freedom to live and work anywhere in the EU, thanks to that coveted Spanish passport. It’s great for frequent travelers too, as the Spanish passport offers broad visa-free access. 

On the flip side, getting citizenship can be a longer process, and Spain usually asks you to renounce your original nationality, which might be a tough decision. If your heart’s set on fully immersing in Spanish life and enjoying all the rights of a citizen, citizenship could be well worth it!

Acquiring Spanish Nationality as a Foreign National

There are five main ways to get a Spanish passport, each with different requirements. Whether you’re marrying a Spaniard, tracing family roots, or simply putting in your time as a resident, there’s likely a path that fits your situation.

1. Spanish Citizenship by Marriage

If you’re married to a Spanish citizen, you’re in luck, but there are a few key steps. First, keep in mind that civil partnerships don’t count, so you’ll need to be officially married. 

After tying the knot, make sure your marriage is registered in Spain, and get your copy of your marriage certificate here. Then apply for a residence permit and work authorization. Once you’ve lived in Spain for a full year with your residence permit, you’re eligible to apply for citizenship by marriage. 

2. Spanish Citizenship by Option

This option is pretty specific: it’s mainly for children of Spanish citizens, and it’s only open to minors. If one or both of your parents are Spanish but you were born elsewhere, you may be eligible for citizenship by option without needing to live in Spain. For adults, though, this path isn’t available.

3. Spanish Citizenship by Descent

For those with Spanish grandparents, this route is worth exploring since it is the fastest way to gain Spanish nationality. Like citizenship by option, it doesn’t require residency in Spain, which can make it simpler.

 If you can prove your grandparent’s Spanish nationality, you may be eligible to claim Spanish citizenship by descent. 

4. Spanish Naturalisation by Discretionary Conferral or Royal Decree

This one’s quite rare but possible for specific cases. Spain has granted nationality to certain groups based on historical or cultural ties.  For instance, individuals of Sephardic Jewish descent with Spanish origins have been eligible for citizenship under a royal decree. The requirements for this path can be complex, and they’re not available to everyone, but it’s an option for those who fit specific criteria.

5. Acquiring Nationality by Residence

This is the most common route for foreigners living in Spain. It requires continuous, legal residency for a set period, along with good civic conduct (proven by clean criminal records in both Spain and your home country) and passing the Spanish language and culture tests.

 The length of residency depends on your background: most people need 10 years, but refugees need only five. Nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and people of Sephardic origin can apply after two years. 

After meeting these requirements, you’re eligible to start the citizenship application process and can start by filling out the documents found on this page.

How to Apply for Spanish Naturalization?

Once you’ve chosen the path to Spanish citizenship that fits your situation, you’ll need to complete a Spanish citizenship application form. You can either submit it in person at your local Civil Registry Office or fill it out online—both options cover the same questions, so it’s a matter of preference.

The Spanish Ministry of Justice also provides an online tool that lets you track your application’s status at any point, which is helpful if you’re hoping for a faster approval.

Regardless of the application route, you’ll need to gather supporting documents, which include:

What about Dual Nationality?

This is where it gets a little complicated. Spain’s stance on dual nationality isn’t totally straightforward—it largely depends on where you’re from. In most cases, Spain asks new citizens to renounce their previous nationality, but there are some important exceptions.

If you’re from a Latin American country, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea, you can keep your original nationality when you become a Spanish citizen. Spain also makes an exception for people of Sephardic Jewish descent, allowing them to hold dual nationality. For most other countries, though, you’ll need to officially give up your original citizenship to take on Spanish nationality.

However, there’s a bit of a loophole: while Spain may require renunciation, your home country might not recognize it. This could mean you end up unofficially holding both nationalities, though it’s a legal gray area. 

It’s a good idea to check with a legal expert or your country’s consulate to know exactly what your options are, especially if dual nationality is a priority for you.

How long does the Spanish citizenship process take?

The road to Spanish citizenship isn’t a quick one, so patience is key. Here’s a closer look at how long the process can take, building on what we’ve covered about different eligibility paths.

First, there’s the residency period required before you can apply. That’s either the full 10 years or for many of the previously mentioned countries, it’s reduced to two years. Refugees also have a shorter 5 year period, or just 1 year through marriage.

Once you’ve met the residency requirement (or the specific conditions for other paths like descent or marriage), the application itself can take 1 to 3 years to process, though Spain officially aims for decisions within a year. 

After approval, you’ll need to take an oath of allegiance to the King and commit to following the Spanish Constitution, usually within six months of approval. Finally, your nationality must be registered in the Spanish Civil Register, officially completing the process.

All in all, from beginning your residency to receiving citizenship, it could take anywhere from a few years to up to about 13 years for the full residency route. 

Once your citizenship is approved and you’ve registered in the Spanish Civil Register, you can apply for a Spanish passport. The process to issue the passport itself is generally quicker, typically taking a few weeks. You’ll need to schedule an appointment at a local police station or passport office to submit your application, photo, and fingerprints.

You’re looking at an additional two to three weeks to receive your Spanish passport after the citizenship process is finalized, depending on appointment availability and local processing times.

How much does it cost?

Spanish citizenship involves several expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect:

🇪🇸 Application Fee: The fee for submitting your Spanish nationality application is €104.05.

🇪🇸 Language and Culture Tests: To show your integration into Spanish society, you’ll need to pass the DELE A2 Spanish language test and the CCSE cultural knowledge test. The DELE A2 exam costs €130, and the CCSE exam is €85.

🇪🇸 Document Translation and Legalization: If your documents are not in Spanish, you’ll need certified translations, which can cost between €60 and €100 per document. Additionally, some documents may require legalization or an Apostille, adding to the expense.

🇪🇸 Passport Issuance: After obtaining citizenship, applying for a Spanish passport costs €30.

🇪🇸 Additional Costs: Depending on your situation, there may be other expenses, such as obtaining a criminal record certificate, which costs €3.78, or fees for registering your marriage or birth in Spain.

🇪🇸 Estimated Total Cost:

• Application Fee: €104.05
• DELE A2 Exam: €130
• CCSE Exam: €85
• Document Translation (estimate for 3 documents): €180–€300
• Passport Fee: €30
• Additional Costs (e.g., criminal record certificate): €3.78

🇪🇸 Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €532.83 to €652.83

Please note that these figures are estimates and can vary based on individual circumstances and any additional services you might require. Make sure to consult with legal experts or official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information on cost.

How to Get Spanish Citizenship? FAQ

Is it easy to get citizenship in Spain?

Getting Spanish citizenship is a clear process, but it’s not exactly easy or quick. The most common route requires you to live in Spain legally for 10 years, maintain a clean record, and show you’re integrated by passing Spanish language and culture tests. 

Certain applicants we’ve already discussed can apply after just two years of residency. Overall, while the steps are manageable, it’s a path that’s not difficult, but takes time.

Does Spain allow dual citizenship?

Spain’s approach to dual citizenship is pretty selective. In most cases, Spain requires new citizens to renounce their original nationality. 

However, there are some exceptions: if you’re from a Latin American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or have Sephardic Jewish roots, you’re allowed to keep your original citizenship when becoming a Spanish citizen. For others, holding dual citizenship usually isn’t an option under Spanish law.

What is the easiest EU passport to get?

When it comes to getting an EU passport, Portugal is often considered one of the easier options. You only need five years of residency before you’re eligible to apply for citizenship, and Portugal offers flexible visa options like the Golden Visa, which allows you to gain residency through investment. 

Different EU countries have varying paths and timelines, but Portugal is a popular choice for those looking for a relatively straightforward faster route.

How to become a Spanish citizen: The Wrap-Up

Citizenship opens up doors, from political rights to the freedom to live and work across the EU, making it a fantastic option if you’re ready to dive fully into Spanish life. Just remember that the process takes time and a bit of patience, but for many, the benefits of being a Spanish citizen make it all worthwhile.

Now that you know the steps, you’re ready to plan, gather your documents, and start on your path to Spanish citizenship. Here’s to a future filled with sunny Spanish days, siestas, fiestas, and all the experiences that make Spain an incredible place to call home. ¡Buena suerte!