Nationality of Spain: all obtaining pathways
The most common moored-upon-arrival point is the residence-based naturalization pathway: ten years of legal residence, reduced to two for Ibero-American nationals and other countries with a historical link, and to one after marriage to a Spaniard. Moreover, nationality is transmitted by descent from birth and an option exists for certain people born in Spanish territory.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain (5 for refugees, 2 for nationals of Ibero-America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic people)
- 1 year for those born in Spanish territory or children or grandchildren of Spaniards of origin
- Good civic conduct and no criminal record
- Sufficient integration into Spanish society
- Demonstrable link with Spain
- Civil Code, art. 22: 10 years of legal, continuous residence immediately prior; 5 years refugees; 2 years nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or Sephardim; 1 year: born in Spain, optants, under guardianship 2 years, married 1 year to a Spaniard, widowers, born abroad to originally Spanish parents/grandparents.
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Certificate of continuous municipal registration (empadronamiento)
- Criminal record certificates from Spain and the country of origin
- Legal residence permit
- Means of livelihood
- Spanish language and civic-knowledge certificates CCSE and DELE A2 (for non-Ibero-American nationals)
2Nationality through marriage to a Spaniard
Nationality through marriage to a Spaniard
Requirements
- 1 year of legal residence in Spain
- Marriage to a Spaniard not legally separated at the time of the application
- Not being separated de facto or legally from the Spanish spouse
- Good civic conduct
- Sufficient integration
- Civil Code, art. 22.2(d): 1 year of residence suffices for those who at the time of application have been married for one year to a Spaniard and are not legally or de facto separated.
Documentation
- Marriage certificate (family book or civil registry certificate)
- Municipal registration certificate (1 year)
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
- Proof of cohabitation with the spouse
3Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Spaniard of origin at the time of birth
- Grandchildren of Spaniards of origin may opt for the nationality within 2 years of the entry into force of the Democratic Memory Law (until October 2025, extendable)
- Children of Spaniards of origin born outside Spain: option until age 20, or by 1 year of residence
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the Spanish parent or grandparent
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Literal birth record from the Spanish civil registry
- Under the Democratic Memory Law: proof of the Spanish grandparent's exile
4Nationality by option (limited ius soli and special cases)
Nationality by option (limited ius soli and special cases)
Requirements
- Minor born in Spain to foreign parents if at least one was born in Spain and holds legal residence
- Over 18, born in Spain and with 1 year of continuous residence immediately before the application
- Sephardic Jews of origin: 2 years of residence or a special link with Spain (a report from the Federation of Jewish Communities is required)
- Nationality by possession of state: those who have possessed and used Spanish nationality for at least 10 years in good faith
Documentation
- Spanish birth certificate
- Municipal registration certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- For Sephardim: certificate from the Jewish federation and proof of the Sephardic link
- Valid passport
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Spain
How many years of residence does Spain require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Spain (Naturalization by residence), the term is 10 years (5 refugees; 2 Ibero-Americans, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardim; 1 year in art. 22.2 CC cases). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Spain be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Nationality through marriage to a Spaniard pathway (1 year of residence married to a Spaniard and not legally or de facto separated). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Spain require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport; Certificate of continuous municipal registration (empadronamiento); Criminal record certificates from Spain and the country of origin; Legal residence permit; Means of livelihood; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Spain?
Spain provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Nationality through marriage to a Spaniard, Nationality by descent, Nationality by option.
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Anything to correct or add about Spain?
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