Requirements to apply Spanish citizenship by residency

By residency 

This is the most common procedure to apply for Spanish citizenship. It requires the residence in Spain of the person concerned for a certain period of time under certain legally determined conditions. There are 3 requirements: 

1. Legal residence, continuous and immediately prior to the request. The valid documents to prove this requirement are the residence authorisations or permits provided for in the legislation on foreigners.
2. Good civic conduct. This must be accredited with a criminal record certificate issued by the country of origin.  
3. Integration into Spanish society. Accreditation consists of passing some tests by the Cervantes Institute, which consist of assessing knowledge and use of Spanish as well as constitutional and socio-cultural knowledge of Spain.  

The periods of legal residence are: 

• 10 years: general term. 
• 5 years: for those who have obtained refugee status. 

• 2 years: for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or persons of Shepardic origin. 
• 1 year: 

– Whoever was born in Spain 

– Those who did not exercise their right to acquire Spanish nationality by option 

– Who has been legally under the guardianship, custody or foster care of a Spanish citizen or institution for 2 consecutive years.  

– Who has been married to a Spaniard for one year and is not legally or de facto separated. 

– The widow or widower of a Spanish national, if at the time of the death of the spouse they were not legally or de facto separated.  

– Who was born outside Spain to a mother, father, grandmother or grandfather, as long as these were originally Spanish.  

In addition, the following final requirements are demanded:

• Oath or promise of loyalty to the King and obedience to the Constitution and the laws.

• Declaration of renunciation of previous nationality. Exempt from this requirement are nationals of: Latin America countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, as well as Sephardim originating in Spain.