Can I apply for Spanish nationality by residence?
Yes, if you meet the legal-residence time and requirements. You can obtain Spanish nationality by residence if you've resided in Spain legally, continuously and immediately before the application for the required time: 10 years in general; 2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews; 5 years for refugees; and 1 year in certain cases (married to a Spaniard, born in Spain, children or grandchildren of a Spaniard by origin, among others). You must prove good civic conduct and sufficient integration, which in practice means passing the CCSE exam (constitutional and sociocultural knowledge) and, if you're not from a Spanish-speaking country, the DELE A2 Spanish exam. Finally, you must swear or promise the Constitution. It's applied for electronically with its fee.
📋 The rules
- 10 years of legal residence in general
- 2 years: Latin Americans, Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, Sephardim
- 1 year: married to a Spaniard, born in Spain, children/grandchildren of a Spaniard
- Exams CCSE and, if not a Spanish speaker, DELE A2
- Prove good conduct and swear the Constitution
🔓 Exceptions
- Refugees: 5 years of residence
- Spanish speakers: exempt from DELE A2 (CCSE only)
- Certain people (by age or circumstances) may be exempt from exams
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no 'penalty': the application can be denied if the legal-residence time, good civic conduct (record) or integration (exams) isn't proven, and can be shelved if documentation is missing. Falsifying data in the file has serious consequences, including loss of nationality obtained by fraud. The decision can take time, and negative silence allows an appeal. It's wise to gather the documentation well (residence certificate, criminal record, exam certificates, legalised birth certificate) and, in complex cases (dual nationality, renunciations), get advice.
📎 Official sources
- Ministry of Justice · Nationality by residence →
- Instituto Cervantes · CCSE and DELE exams for nationality →
- BOE · Civil Code (acquisition of nationality, art. 21-23) →
❓ Frequently asked
How many years of residence do I need?
Generally, 10 years of legal, continuous residence. It's reduced to 2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews; to 5 for refugees; and to 1 year in cases like being married to a Spaniard or born in Spain.
Which exams must I pass?
The CCSE exam, on constitutional and sociocultural knowledge of Spain, which all applicants must pass. Also, those who aren't nationals of a Spanish-speaking country must pass the DELE A2 Spanish exam. Both are run by the Instituto Cervantes.
Do I have to renounce my original nationality?
It depends. In general you must renounce the previous nationality, except for nationals of countries with which Spain recognises dual nationality (such as Latin Americans, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal), who can keep it.
How do I apply for nationality by residence?
Electronically, submitting documentation proving legal residence, good civic conduct (criminal record), the exam certificates and the birth certificate, and paying the fee. After the grant, you must swear or promise the Constitution and be registered.
How long does it take and what if I'm denied?
The decision can take quite a while. If denied or not decided in time, you can appeal. Denial usually stems from not proving the residence time, record issues or not passing the exams. It's wise to prepare the file well and, if needed, get advice.
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