Spanish nationality through residency: everything you need to know

Obtaining Spanish nationality by residence is a key milestone for full integration into Spanish society. If you’ve been living legally in Spain for several years, you may be eligible to apply and secure your Spanish passport. In this guide, we explain the process, requirements, and how our expert team at Adlanter has helped clients achieve favorable resolutions in under six months.

Why Apply for Spanish Nationality by Residence?

The Spanish passport ranks among the most powerful in the world. According to the Henley Passport Index, it allows visa-free travel to 194 destinations. But beyond mobility, Spanish nationality opens doors to employment, social benefits, and administrative rights across Spain and the European Union.

What Is Spanish Nationality by Residence?

Spanish nationality by residence is the most common pathway for foreigners to acquire citizenship. It’s regulated by the Spanish Civil Code and applies to individuals who have lived legally and continuously in Spain for a specific period.
This route is especially relevant for professionals, expatriates, and international employees relocating to Spain under global mobility programs.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Residence Period

• 10 years: General requirement.
• 5 years: Refugee status.
• 2 years: Nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic origin.
• 1 year: Special cases such as:
  • Born in Spain.
  • Married to a Spanish citizen.
  • Grandchild of a Spanish national.

Additional Requirements

• Legal and continuous residence immediately prior to application.
• Good civic conduct.
• Demonstrated integration into Spanish society.
• Limited absences from Spain:
  • Max. 6 consecutive months (for 10-year applications).
  • Max. 3 consecutive months (for 5, 2 or 1-year applications).

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, our nationality experts can assess your case.

What Is Considered Legal and Continuous Residence?

The Spanish Directorate General of Registries and Notaries defines legal and continuous residence as uninterrupted legal stay in Spain, with limited justified absences. Even if you travel occasionally, you must demonstrate strong ties to Spain—such as employment, family, social and administrative connections.

Who Can Apply?

• Adults and emancipated minors.
• Minors aged 14–18 through legal representatives.
• Legal representatives of children under 14.
• Individuals with modified legal capacity, with assistance as per court ruling.

Required Documentation

• Application form.
• Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) or EU citizen registration certificate.
• Valid and complete passport.
• Birth certificate, criminal record certificate, and proof of residence (empadronamiento).
• Cervantes Institute exams:
  • CCSE: Constitutional and sociocultural knowledge.
  • DELE: Spanish language proficiency.
• Proof of fee payment.

All documents must be valid at the time of submission. Additional documents may be requested depending on your case. Expert guidance helps avoid delays or denials.

Can You Get It in Less Than 6 Months?

Yes—if managed correctly. While the average resolution time ranges from 1 to 3 years, our team has achieved approvals in just over 5 months. How?

• We submit complete, well-justified applications.
• We proactively follow up at key stages.
• We avoid common mistakes that cause delays.

A thoroughly prepared nationality application, reviewed end-to-end by experts, has a significantly higher chance of fast approval.

Why Choose Adlanter?

At Adlanter, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals and international professionals obtain Spanish nationality efficiently. Our legal expertise and strategic approach ensure your application is handled with precision.

Whether you’re an expatriate, a global mobility manager, or an international employee relocating to Spain, we’re here to guide you.

Spanish nationality by residence doesn’t have to be a long or complex process. Success lies in preparing your file correctly and relying on expert advice.
Contact our Global Mobility team to evaluate your case, gather the required documents, and submit your application with confidence.