How to Obtain Spanish Citizenship: Complete Guide 2026

The process of obtaining Spanish citizenship

Obtaining Spanish citizenship opens up wide opportunities for residence, work, and travel not only within the country itself but throughout the entire European Union. Spanish citizenship can be acquired through several different pathways, each with its own specific features and requirements.

The main pathways to naturalization in Spain are:

• Residency in the country for the period established by law
• Marriage to a Spanish citizen
• Special categories (descendants of Sephardic Jews, descendants of Spanish emigrants)
• Refugees and those granted asylum — reduced naturalization period (5 years)

Basic requirements for obtaining citizenship

Regardless of which pathway is chosen, each candidate for Spanish citizenship must meet the following criteria:

• Legal residence in the country for the required period
• Knowledge of Spanish language (minimum DELE A2 level)
• Passing an exam on knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and culture (CCSE)
• Absence of a criminal record
• Means of subsistence
• Confirmation of integration into Spanish society

The process of obtaining Spanish citizenship requires careful document preparation and can take from several months to several years depending on the grounds for acquiring citizenship. In the following sections, we will examine in detail each aspect of the naturalization process, the necessary documents, and the specifics of obtaining Spanish citizenship for various categories of applicants.

Ways to obtain Spanish citizenship

Naturalization by residency period

The most common way to obtain Spanish citizenship is naturalization after a certain period of legal residence in the country. The residency periods vary depending on the applicant's category:

• 10 years — standard period for most foreigners
• 5 years — for refugees and those granted political asylum
• 2 years — for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal
• 1 year — for special categories (born in Spain, married to Spanish citizens, and others)

Spanish citizenship through marriage

When marrying a Spanish citizen, you can obtain citizenship one year after marriage registration. The requirements include:

• Official marriage registration
• Cohabitation for one year
• Legal presence in Spain at the time of application
• Confirmation of the genuine nature of the marriage relationship

Investments and the Golden Visa: Program closed

You cannot obtain Spanish citizenship through investments. Direct investment citizenship has never existed in the country: investments provided only a residence permit (Golden Visa), and citizenship could only be requested after 10 years of legal residence on general grounds.

Moreover, as of April 3, 2025, the Golden Visa program has been completely abolished. The corresponding law was published in the official bulletin (BOE) on January 3, 2025, and came into force three months later. From that date, Spain no longer issues residence permits for property purchases from €500,000 or other investments, and new applications are not accepted. Those who submitted documents before April 3, 2025, retain their rights to renewal of residence permits and further naturalization.

Thus, investments in Spanish real estate or the economy in 2026 provide neither citizenship nor a new residence permit under this program. For investors looking to relocate, other options remain — for example, a digital nomad visa or an entrepreneur visa.

Special categories of applicants

Spanish legislation provides a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship for:

• Descendants of Sephardic Jews (documentary confirmation of origin is required)
• Persons born on the territory of Spain
• Children with at least one parent who is a Spanish citizen
• Persons under the guardianship of Spanish citizens

Regardless of which method is chosen for obtaining citizenship, all candidates must:

• Pass the Spanish language exam (DELE)
• Pass a test on knowledge of the Constitution and socio-cultural aspects (CCSE)
• Provide documents on the absence of a criminal record
• Prove a sufficient level of integration into Spanish society

Main requirements for candidates seeking Spanish citizenship

Terms of legal residence

To obtain Spanish citizenship, you must comply with the requirements for the period of legal residence in the country:

• Permanent residence on the territory of Spain (physical presence)
• Continuity of residence (short-term trips are allowed)
• Possession of a valid residence permit throughout the entire period
• Confirmation of actual place of residence through registration with the municipality

Requirements for language proficiency

Candidates for citizenship must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish:

• DELE certificate of at least A2 level
• Ability to communicate on everyday topics
• Understanding of written texts
• Exceptions for certain categories (age over 70, special circumstances)

Integration into society

Confirmation of successful integration into Spanish society includes:

• Passing the CCSE exam on knowledge of the Constitution and culture
• Participation in community life
• Presence of social connections
• Understanding and acceptance of local traditions

Financial requirements

The applicant must confirm their financial stability:

• Stable legal income
• Absence of debt to the state
• Possession of health insurance
• Ability to support yourself and family members

Requirements for the applicant's personal qualities

The following requirements are placed on the candidate's character:

• Absence of a criminal record in Spain and in the country of origin
• Good reputation in society
• Absence of violations of migration legislation
• Attainment of majority (18 years)

Documentary confirmation

All requirements must be confirmed by appropriate documents:

• Certificate of absence of a criminal record with apostille
• DELE and CCSE certificates
• Documents on income and employment
• Confirmation of registration at place of residence
• Documents on education or professional activity in Spain

Procedure for obtaining Spanish citizenship

Necessary documents

To submit an application for Spanish citizenship, you need to gather the following documents:

• Application in the prescribed form (Modelo de solicitud)
• Valid passport and its copy
• Birth certificate with apostille
• Document confirming legal residence in Spain
• Certificate of absence of a criminal record from the country of origin
• DELE certificate (A2 level or higher)
• Certificate of passing the CCSE exam
• Documents on family status
• Proof of income and employment

Stages of submitting an application

The process of obtaining citizenship includes the following stages:

1. Preliminary document preparation
   • Collection of necessary documents
   • Translation into Spanish
   • Legalization and apostille
2. Taking a language exam and test on knowledge of Spain
   • Registration for the DELE exam
   • Preparation and taking the CCSE test
   • Receipt of certificates
3. Submission of documents
   • Filling in an electronic form
   • Payment of state fee
   • Uploading documents to the system
4. Application review
   • Document verification
   • Possible request for additional materials
   • Decision

Processing timeframes

The duration of the citizenship acquisition process can vary:

• Standard review period: 1–2 years
• Expedited review for certain categories: 6–12 months
• Possible delays if additional checks are necessary
• Time for collecting and preparing documents: 2–3 months

Cost of processing

The following expenses arise during the citizenship acquisition process:

• State fee for application review: approximately €100
• Cost of the DELE exam: €130–200
• CCSE test: approximately €85
• Translation of documents: €30–50 per page
• Apostille and legalization: €40–100 per document
• Notary services: €30–60 per document

Important recommendations

• All documents must not be older than 3 months from the date of submission
• Translations must be performed by certified translators
• It is recommended to keep copies of all submitted documents
• It is necessary to track the status of the application through the official portal

Specific features of obtaining Spanish citizenship for Russians

Specific requirements

For Russian citizens, the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship has a number of specific features:

• Standard naturalization period — 10 years of legal residence
• Need to confirm exit from Russian citizenship or intent to exit
• Special requirements for legalization of documents from Russia
• Specifics of translation of Russian documents

Necessary documents from Russia

Russian citizens must prepare the following documents:

• Birth certificate with apostille
• Certificate of absence of a criminal record from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs
  • Validity — 3 months
  • Legalization is required
  • Certified translation is required
• Russian passport
  • Notarially certified copy
  • Translation of all significant pages
• Educational documents (if necessary)
  • Apostille is required
  • Official translation

Processing timeframes

The timeframe for Russians may differ from standard:

• Preparation and legalization of documents: 3–4 months
• Translation and certification process: 1–2 months
• Application review: from 1 year to 2 years
• Procedure for exit from Russian citizenship: 6–12 months

Common difficulties

The main problems encountered by Russians:

• Length of document legalization process in Russia
• Difficulties with confirming sources of income
• Peculiarities of recognition of Russian education
• Issues with confirming place of residence

Practical recommendations

• Begin document preparation well in advance
• Use accredited translator services
• Take into account document validity periods
• Keep all documents confirming legal residence in Spain
• Plan trips to Russia in advance to obtain documents

Important aspects

• Need to confirm legitimate source of funds
• Importance of preserving all documents on stay in Spain
• Requirements for continuity of residence
• Specifics of confirming social integration

Dual citizenship in Spain

Legislative framework

Spanish legislation takes a special approach to dual citizenship:

• Main provisions are regulated by the Spanish Civil Code
• Special agreements exist with certain countries
• Different conditions for different categories of citizens
• Special naturalization rules

Possibility of retaining previous citizenship

Dual citizenship in Spain is allowed for citizens of the following countries:

• Latin American countries (including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and others)
• Andorra
• The Philippines
• Equatorial Guinea
• Portugal

Special features for citizens of other countries

For citizens of countries not on the list of exceptions:

• Formal requirement to renounce previous citizenship
• Need to sign a declaration of renunciation
• Special order of naturalization procedure
• Specific requirements for documents

Special features for Russian citizens

The specifics of obtaining Spanish citizenship for Russians include:

• Formal requirement to renounce Russian citizenship
• Need to sign a declaration of renunciation upon acquiring Spanish citizenship
• No automatic termination of Russian citizenship
• Peculiarities of interaction with Russian state bodies

Practical aspects

When deciding on citizenship, consider:

• Tax obligations in both countries
• Military service and peculiarities of its performance
• Use of passports when traveling
• Consular protection abroad

Important points

• Procedure for taking an oath of loyalty to Spain
• Obligations to the Spanish state
• Rights and responsibilities of a Spanish citizen
• Consequences of violating citizenship legislation

Current changes

When considering dual citizenship, it is necessary to take into account:

• Current legislation and possible changes
• Requirements for document submission
• Application review timeframes
• Procedure peculiarities in different autonomous communities of Spain

Advantages of Spanish citizenship

Freedom of movement

A Spanish passport opens up wide opportunities for travel:

• Visa-free entry to more than 180 countries worldwide
• Free movement throughout all Schengen zone countries
• Right to permanent residence in any EU country
• Simplified entry to the USA, Canada, Australia, and other developed countries

Employment and business

Spanish citizenship provides wide opportunities for work and business:

• Right to work in any European Union country without special permits
• Opportunity to start a business in the EU on favorable terms
• Access to Spanish public service
• Right to professional practice in regulated fields

Social protection

Spanish citizenship provides access to a well-developed social protection system:

• Free high-quality medical care
• Access to the state pension system
• Social benefits and privileges
• Unemployment benefits and other forms of government support

Educational opportunities

Holders of Spanish citizenship receive advantages in the field of education:

• Free higher education at public universities in Spain
• Access to educational programs of all EU countries
• Right to receive European grants and scholarships
• Recognition of qualifications in all EU countries

Political rights

Citizenship provides full political rights:

• Right to participate in elections at all levels
• Possibility of running for office
• Participation in referendums
• Right to establish political associations

Financial advantages

• Access to the European banking system
• Opportunity to obtain loans on favorable terms
• Investment opportunities in the EU
• Tax advantages for residents

Family benefits

• Simplified acquisition of citizenship for family members
• Access to European education system for children
• Family social benefits
• Opportunity for family reunification

Property rights

• Right to purchase real estate without restrictions
• Access to mortgage programs on favorable terms
• Protection of property rights under European law
• Opportunity to rent out real estate without additional permits

Obtaining a Spanish citizen passport

Types of documents confirming identity

After obtaining Spanish citizenship, you can obtain the following documents:

• DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) — national identity card
• Pasaporte español — foreign passport
• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is replaced by DNI

Procedure for obtaining a DNI

DNI is a mandatory document for all Spanish citizens over 14 years of age:

• Registration for an appointment at the nearest police station
• Presentation of documentation on acquisition of citizenship
• Photograph of the prescribed format
• Payment of state fee
• Fingerprinting

Procedure for obtaining a passport

To obtain a foreign passport, you need to:

• Possess a valid DNI
• Registration for an appointment at the passport office
• Preparation of necessary documents
• Personal presence of the applicant

Necessary documents for obtaining a passport

• Application in the prescribed form
• Valid DNI or document confirming citizenship
• Two color photographs of the prescribed format
• Receipt of payment of state fee
• Previous passport (if available)

Characteristics of the Spanish passport

• Biometric passport of European standard
• Validity period — 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 14
• 32 pages for visas and stamps
• Built-in electronic chip with personal data

Processing timeframes

• DNI — issued on the day of application
• Standard passport production time — 5–7 business days
• Urgent processing — 3 business days
• Emergency processing — on the day of application (if there are valid reasons)

Cost of document processing

• DNI — approximately €12
• Standard passport processing — approximately €30
• Urgent processing — double rate
• Emergency processing — triple rate

Important notes

• The procedure requires personal presence
• For children under 18, the presence of both parents is required
• It is necessary to register for an appointment in advance
• Documents are accepted only in original form

Conclusion

Brief summary of the citizenship acquisition process

Obtaining Spanish citizenship is a complex process requiring careful preparation and compliance with all legal requirements. Successful completion of the naturalization procedure depends on several key factors:

• Choosing the right grounds for obtaining citizenship based on individual circumstances
• Compliance with legal residency periods in the country
• Preparation of a complete package of necessary documents
• Successful passing of the language exam and test on knowledge of the country

Key points requiring special attention

When obtaining Spanish citizenship, special attention should be paid to:

• The need to maintain legal status throughout the entire residence period
• Importance of timely document preparation and submission
• Requirements for integration into Spanish society
• Procedure peculiarities depending on the chosen grounds

Practical advice

For successful citizenship acquisition, it is recommended to:

• Begin document preparation well in advance
• Study Spanish from the first days of residence in the country
• Keep all documents confirming legal residence
• Actively participate in community life

Timeframes and expectations

When planning to obtain citizenship, it is important to consider:

• The total duration of the process, including the preparation stage
• Possible delays in document review
• Time to take required exams
• Timeframes for obtaining final documents

Prospects after obtaining citizenship

Obtaining Spanish citizenship opens the following opportunities:

• Full integration into European society
• Wide opportunities for work and business in the EU
• Access to social protections at the European level
• Freedom of movement throughout EU countries

Useful resources

For additional information, it is recommended to contact:

• Official government institutions of Spain
• The website of the Spanish Ministry of Justice
• Consular institutions
• Official sources of information on immigration law