Page Created: 18 September 2026 · Page Updated: 24 September 2026 · Reviewed: October 2026

Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR
We help you obtain Spanish nationality by residence, descent/origin, option, marriage, or naturalisation (carta de naturaleza). We work 100% online with clients worldwide and cover every province in Spain. We assemble court-proof files, submit electronically, answer government requirements, and appeal when it’s the right strategy.
Note: The Democratic Memory Law window closes on 22 October 2026. This page focuses on the other routes.

Who it’s for (main pathways)

• By Residence – after continuous legal stay in Spain
  10 years (general) · 5 years (refugees) · 2 years (nationals of Ibero-American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or of Sephardic origin) · 1 year (special cases: born in Spain; married to a Spanish citizen ≥1 year; widow/er of a Spaniard; child/grandchild of a Spanish national; under guardianship of a Spaniard ≥2 years).
• By Descent / Origin – Spanish from birth in set cases (Spanish parent at birth; born in Spain to foreign parents when one was also born in Spain; adoption by a Spanish citizen, with retroactive effects).
• By Option – simplified route for children or dependents of Spanish nationals in defined scenarios (e.g., after a parent recovers Spanish nationality).
• By Marriage – after one year of legal residence in Spain, provided the marriage to a Spanish citizen has lasted at least one year and there is no legal separation. (It’s the residence that counts.)
• By Naturalisation (Carta de Naturaleza) – discretionary grant by the Government for exceptional service or humanitarian/cultural reasons.

Common requirements across routes: good civic conduct, integration (DELE A2 + CCSE where applicable), properly apostilled and sworn-translated documents, and filing via the Ministry of Justice / Civil Registry.

At a glance

• Problem: Long timelines, changing requirements, apostilles/translations, and online portals that bounce files for small mistakes.
• What we do: Written eligibility → tailored document list → digital build → online filing → responses to requirements → tracking to oath and issuance of DNI/Passport → appeals when appropriate.
• Outcome: A complete, defensible application, realistic timelines, and fewer surprises.

How we work (online, end-to-end)

1. Legal assessment (in writing) – fastest viable route, timing, risks, and evidence plan.
2. Checklist & documents – models, apostilles, sworn translations, name/spelling harmonisation.
3. Exams & integration – plan for DELE A2/CCSE (and applicable exemptions).
4. Build & e-submit – “zero-doubt” digital file, telemetric filing with Justice/Registry or Consulate.
5. Requirements & fixes – formal legal responses to requerimientos.
6. Follow-through – status checks, oath appointment, DNI and passport.
7. Appeals – administrative and court actions when that’s the right path.

We operate online, worldwide and can file/assist for any province in Spain.

Why an online law-led approach helps

• First-time completeness: fewer rejections for formalities (names, translations, expiry dates).
• Built-in legal defence: doctrine and case framing to avoid or win requirements.
• Zero travel hassle: sign and upload remotely; we coordinate with any Registry or Consulate.
• Realistic timing: we pick the shortest lawful route for your facts—and tell you when not to file yet.
• Plan B ready: if refused or delayed, we appeal within deadlines.

Requirements & documents (general)

• Identity: valid passport; TIE if you reside in Spain.
• Birth & civil status: certificates apostilled + sworn translations where required.
• Criminal records: home country and Spain (as applicable).
• Residence / padrón: history and means of support.
• Integration: DELE A2 and CCSE (unless exempt).
• Route-specific: marriage, filiation, adoption, refugee status, etc.
• Fees: Modelo 790 and proof of payment.

Quick scenarios

Democratic Memory Law note: the window ends 22/10/2025. If you believe you qualify, contact us immediately; this page concentrates on other routes.

Practical tips (that prevent delays)

• Start early with certificates: apostilles and exam slots fill up.
• Name consistency: fix diacritics/order before filing.
• DELE/CCSE exemptions: Spanish-speaking nationals, minors, and certain disabilities may be exempt.
• “Legal” residence only: study stays don’t count; plan the upgrade to residence.
• Track online: we provide access and monitor through to the oath.

FAQs (2026)

How long does it take?
Typically 1–3 years from a complete submission, depending on Ministry workload.

Will I lose my current nationality?
If your country has a dual-nationality framework with Spain, no. Otherwise, formal renunciation may be required (often a formality—check your case).

Do student-stay years count?
No. Only legal residence years count.

Can I apply from abroad?
Only where the route allows (e.g., origin/option or some naturalisation cases). Residence-based routes require living legally in Spain.

Do I have to live in Spain while it’s processed?
Yes, for residence-based applications—until nationality is granted and you take the oath.

Can I appeal a refusal?
Yes. We handle administrative and contentious-administrative appeals within statutory deadlines.

How we help (start to finish)

• Eligibility in writing (route, timing, risks).
• Document checklist with templates, apostilles, and sworn translations.
• Digital file and online submission.
• Formal responses to government requirements.
• Tracking to oath, DNI, and passport.
• Appeals before the Administration and the Courts, when appropriate.

Official sources (for reference)

• Civil Code & nationality regulations (BOE)
• Ministry of Justice — Nationality by residence / origin / option / naturalisation
• Instituto Cervantes — DELE A2 and CCSE exams

Contact

We work online with clients worldwide and cover every region of Spain.
Email: web@costaluzlawyers.es · Phone: +34 919 49 93 42

CTA — Map your route (free)
Tell us whether your path is residence, origin, option, marriage, or naturalisation. You’ll receive a route + timeline + personalised quote proposal within one business day.

Related Immigration & Residency Guides

• Immigration to Spain — Complete Residency & Visa Guide (2026)
• Non-Lucrative Visa Spain
• Digital Nomad Visa Spain
• Family Reunification Spain
• NIE Spain Guide 2026
• Arraigo Social Spain
• Immigration Lawyers in Spain

Related Citizenship & Nationality Guides

• Spanish Citizenship — Complete Guide to All Routes (2026)
• Dual Nationality Spain — Can You Hold Two Passports? (2026)
• Citizenship After the 2026 Deadline — Routes Still Available
• Citizenship for a Baby Born in Spain
• Can You Be British and Spanish at the Same Time?
• Cuban Families — Spanish Nationality via Democratic Memory Law

Spanish Nationality by Residence — How Many Years Do You Need?

The standard route to Spanish nationality (citizenship) is through continuous legal residence. The required period depends on your circumstances:

Important: During the qualifying period, you must not leave Spain for more than allowed under your residence permit, and you must demonstrate buena conducta cívica (good civic conduct) and integration into Spanish society.

Residency Options Comparison: Which Visa Is Right for You?

Choosing the right residency path depends on your situation. Here is a comparison of the most common options for foreign nationals in 2026:

⚠️ Important: The Golden Visa / Investor Visa in Spain has been eliminated and is no longer available in any modality. Following recent legal changes, Spain has ended the Golden Visa program. Our team can advise on the most suitable alternative based on your profile, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, Non-Lucrative Visa, or Entrepreneur Visa.

The Nationality Application Process in 2026

Since 2015, Spanish nationality applications are submitted online through the Ministry of Justice portal. The process involves:

1. Online application via sede.mjusticia.gob.es
2. CCSE exam — Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España (25 questions about Spanish society, government, and culture — 60% pass rate required)
3. DELE A2 exam — Spanish language proficiency at A2 level (exempted if you are from a Spanish-speaking country)
4. Document submission — birth certificate (apostilled), criminal record, proof of residence, proof of financial means
5. Interview at the Civil Registry — basic questions about your life in Spain and integration
6. Oath of allegiance to the King and the Constitution at the Civil Registry

Processing time: Currently 1-3 years from application to resolution (the legal maximum is 1 year, but backlogs exist). A silencio positivo (positive silence) rule means if you don’t receive a response within 1 year, your application is deemed approved.

Dual Nationality: Can You Keep Your Original Passport?

Spain has dual nationality agreements with the following countries — citizens of these nations do not have to renounce their original nationality when acquiring Spanish citizenship:

• All Latin American countries
• Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal
• France (since 2022 interpretation changes)

Citizens of all other countries (including the UK, USA, Germany, etc.) are technically required to renounce their previous nationality. However, in practice, Spain does not verify whether you have actually completed the renunciation process with your home country, and many countries (including the UK) do not recognise a forced renunciation made under another country’s law.

Related guide: Spain residency options for UK nationals.