Paperwork
How Long Does It Take to Get Spanish Citizenship?
Spanish citizenship by residence takes anywhere from one to ten years, depending on your nationality and circumstances. Here’s how the rules work.
By
How to Live in Spain
·
2 min read
·
Most foreigners can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal, continuous residence. That’s the headline rule, but several groups qualify much sooner.
How long you need
It’s 2 years for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, and 1 year if you’re married to a Spaniard. Your residence must be legal, continuous and immediately before you apply, without long gaps abroad.
The two exams
Everyone takes the CCSE, a test on the constitution and Spanish culture that costs €85 including two attempts. Unless you’re from a Spanish-speaking country, you also need the DELE A2 Spanish exam, which costs €138 in Spain in 2026.
Applying
Gather a recent birth certificate and criminal record certificates, both apostilled and translated, and a historical padrón certificate. Pay the €104.05 fee with modelo 790 código 026, then apply online to the Ministry of Justice, ideally with a digital certificate. After approval, you swear allegiance at the civil registry within 180 days and can then get your DNI.
Plan your application with our Spanish citizenship checklist.
Most people need 10 years of residence
Ibero-American nationals need 2 years
Marriage to a Spaniard cuts it to 1 year
Pass the CCSE and, unless exempt, the DELE A2
Swear the oath within 180 days of approval
Keep reading
