Spain Citizenship Requirements: How to Become a Spanish Citizen

Exam Exemptions

Certain applicants are exempt from taking the DELE A2 language exam. Exemptions apply to native Spanish speakers, individuals from countries where Spanish is an official language, those educated in Spanish-language institutions, minors, and individuals with legal incapacity.

These exemptions recognize that requiring language testing would be redundant for those who already use Spanish as their primary language.

Renunciation of Previous Nationality

Spain generally requires applicants to renounce their previous citizenship upon acquiring Spanish nationality. However, important exceptions exist that allow dual citizenship in specific circumstances.

Citizens of Ibero-American countries (all Latin American nations including Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and others), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and France are exempt from the renunciation requirement. These countries have special reciprocal agreements with Spain recognizing historical and cultural ties, allowing their nationals to retain their original citizenship when acquiring Spanish nationality.

Additionally, individuals who acquire Spanish citizenship through the Democratic Memory Law or other special provisions may be allowed to maintain dual citizenship regardless of their country of origin.

Spaniards by origin who acquire citizenship from the countries listed above automatically retain their Spanish nationality without needing special permission.

Citizenship by Descent

Spanish citizenship by descent applies to individuals born to Spanish parents, even if born outside Spain. If either of your parents held Spanish citizenship at the time of your birth, you likely already possess Spanish nationality and simply need to register it rather than apply anew.

The registration process involves submitting documentation at a Spanish consulate or embassy proving your parent's Spanish citizenship and your relationship to them. Processing typically takes one to two years depending on the consulate's workload.

The Democratic Memory Law (Grandchildren's Law)

Spain's Democratic Memory Law, introduced in October 2022, addressed historical injustices by granting citizenship to descendants of Spaniards forced into exile for political, ideological, or other reasons during Spain's civil war and dictatorship.

This law allowed grandchildren of Spanish exiles to claim citizenship even if their parents had not retained or acquired Spanish nationality. Importantly, applicants under the Democratic Memory Law were permitted to maintain dual citizenship regardless of their country of origin.

However, the application window under the Democratic Memory Law closed on October 22, 2025, and Spanish authorities have confirmed no extensions will be granted. New applications received after this date are automatically rejected. Consulates continue processing applications submitted before the deadline, but no new filings are accepted.

For those who missed this deadline, alternative pathways remain available, particularly citizenship by residence with reduced timelines for qualifying applicants.

Citizenship by Marriage

Foreign nationals married to a Spanish citizen can apply for citizenship after just one year of legal residence in Spain while married. This represents one of the fastest routes to Spanish nationality.

The marriage must be legally recognized in Spain, and both spouses must be living together. Applicants must still meet the good civic conduct requirement and pass the CCSE and DELE A2 exams unless exempt.

Processing times for citizenship by marriage applications vary but typically range from one to two years from submission to resolution.

Citizenship by Option

Citizenship by option (opción) applies to specific categories who have a particular connection to Spain but may not automatically qualify for citizenship by descent.

This includes individuals who were under the legal guardianship of a Spanish citizen or institution for at least two consecutive years, individuals whose parent was originally Spanish but lost citizenship before the applicant's birth, and certain other defined circumstances.

The option pathway typically has simpler requirements than standard naturalization and does not require renunciation of previous nationality.

Application Process and Timeline

Citizenship applications are submitted through Spain's Ministry of Justice, either at Spanish consulates abroad or within Spain at designated offices. Many applications can now be processed electronically through the official portal.

Required documentation typically includes:

• Valid passport and residence permit (for residence-based applications)
• Birth certificate with apostille
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) with apostille
• Criminal record certificates from all countries of residence with apostille
• CCSE and DELE A2 certificates
• Proof of continuous residence in Spain
• Recent photographs meeting official specifications

All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by an official sworn translator.

Processing times vary significantly depending on application type and volume. Standard naturalization applications typically take one to two years, though some cases extend longer. Citizenship by descent registrations also average one to two years at most consulates.

Once approved, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to the King of Spain and pledge obedience to the Spanish Constitution and laws. This ceremony is conducted at a Civil Registry office or Spanish consulate.

Dual Citizenship Rules

Spain maintains restrictive dual citizenship policies compared to many countries, though significant exceptions exist.

As mentioned earlier, nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal may retain their original citizenship when acquiring Spanish nationality. These countries have reciprocal agreements allowing their citizens to hold dual nationality with Spain.

The Democratic Memory Law allowed all qualifying applicants to maintain dual citizenship regardless of country of origin, representing a major departure from Spain's traditional policy. However, with that law's application window now closed, this broad exception no longer applies to new applicants.

Applicants from other countries must typically renounce their previous nationality before acquiring Spanish citizenship. Spain provides a formal renunciation process that occurs after citizenship is granted but before it becomes fully effective.

Some individuals find ways to maintain their original citizenship through their home country's laws, particularly if that country does not recognize renunciations made under foreign law. However, this varies by country and individual circumstances.

Recent Legal Changes and Reforms

Spanish citizenship law has evolved significantly in recent years to address historical issues and adapt to modern immigration patterns.

The Democratic Memory Law represented the most significant recent change, though its application period has now ended. This law granted an estimated 400,000 descendants of Spanish exiles the opportunity to reclaim citizenship.

Spain has also streamlined administrative processes, introducing electronic application systems and improving coordination between the Ministry of Justice, Civil Registry, and consulates abroad. These technological improvements have reduced processing times compared to previous years.

Language and integration requirements have become more standardized through the CCSE and DELE exams, replacing previous inconsistent assessment methods. This change ensures all applicants meet uniform standards while making requirements clearer and more predictable.

Spain continues evaluating its citizenship policies in response to demographic needs and European Union coordination on citizenship and immigration matters. Future reforms may further adjust residency requirements or exam standards.

Conclusion

Spanish citizenship offers substantial benefits including EU citizenship rights, visa-free travel to over 190 countries, and the ability to live and work throughout the European Union.

Multiple pathways accommodate different applicant profiles, from standard naturalization after 10 years to expedited routes for those with Spanish family connections, marriages, or qualifying national origins. Understanding which pathway applies to your situation is the first step toward successful application.

The closing of the Democratic Memory Law application window in October 2025 eliminated one popular route, but alternative pathways remain accessible for committed applicants. Many individuals qualify for reduced residency periods of just two years or even one year based on their circumstances.

Thorough preparation, proper documentation, and passing the required exams are essential for successful citizenship applications. Consulting with immigration lawyers familiar with Spanish nationality law can help navigate complex cases and ensure applications meet all requirements.

For those committed to building a life in Spain, citizenship represents the final step in full integration into Spanish society and access to all rights and responsibilities of Spanish nationals.