The full guide
How many years do you need?
| Residence period | Who it applies to |
|---|---|
| 10 years | The general rule, including British and American citizens |
| 5 years | Refugees |
| 2 years | Nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, and people of Sephardic origin |
| 1 year | People married to a Spaniard for a year and living together, people born in Spain, and some others with close family ties |
The residence must be legal, continuous and immediately before you apply. Time on a tourist stay doesn’t count, but time on residence permits such as the non-lucrative or digital nomad visa does. Long trips abroad can break continuity, so keep track of your absences.
The exams: DELE A2 and CCSE
| Exam | What it tests | Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| DELE A2 | Basic Spanish: reading, writing, listening, speaking | €138 at centres in Spain |
| CCSE | Spain’s constitution, institutions, culture and society | €85, including two attempts |
Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries don’t need the DELE A2, and minors are exempt from both. People who studied secondary or higher education in Spanish in Spain, and some others, can request an exemption. CCSE sessions run every month except August and December, and a pass is valid for four years. Book through the Instituto Cervantes. See preparing for the DELE and preparing for the CCSE.
Documents checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport and TIE | Valid, with copies |
| Birth certificate | Recently issued, apostilled and with a sworn translation |
| Criminal record certificate | From your country of origin, apostilled and translated |
| Padrón history | Historical certificate from your town hall |
| DELE A2 and CCSE results | Or proof of exemption |
| Marriage certificate | If applying on the 1-year route through marriage |
| Fee receipt | Modelo 790 código 026, €104.05 |
How the application works
Applications are made to the Ministry of Justice, ideally online through its electronic office using a digital certificate. The legal deadline to decide is one year, but many applications take longer. You can track your file online. Once approved, you swear allegiance to the King and the Constitution at the civil registry within 180 days, register the nationality and then apply for your Spanish DNI and passport.
Do you have to give up your nationality?
Most applicants, including British and American citizens, must formally renounce their previous nationality before the Spanish authorities. What that means in your home country depends on its own laws. Nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and France don’t have to renounce.
Common mistakes
Counting the wrong years. Only legal residence counts. Time before your first permit usually doesn’t.
Expired documents. Birth and criminal record certificates often need to be recent. Order them close to applying.
Gaps in the padrón. Keep your registration renewed and continuous.
Long absences. Extended time abroad can make your residence look interrupted.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
The law sets one year, but waits of one to three years are common. Make sure your residence permit stays valid while you wait.
Can my children apply with me?
Children who live with you can apply separately, often on a shorter route once a parent becomes Spanish. Take advice for your family’s situation.
Can I apply in person?
Yes, but online applications through the electronic office are the norm and easier to track.
