If you’re an expat living in Spain and considering applying for Spanish citizenship, you’ve likely realized that it’s a process that requires patience and preparation. In this article, we provide you with a detailed guide on the steps to follow, the requirements, and the waiting times to achieve your goal of becoming a Spanish citizen.
Why Apply for Spanish Citizenship?
Obtaining Spanish nationality offers numerous benefits. From the ability to travel freely throughout the European Union without restrictions to accessing job and study opportunities across the continent. Additionally, you gain full citizenship rights, which include participating in elections and accessing social programs.
Requirements for Applying for Spanish Citizenship by Residency
The most common way for expats to obtain nationality is through nationality by residency. Below is a summary of the key requirements:
- Period of legal residence: In general, you must have legally and continuously lived in Spain for 10 years. However, there are exceptions:
- 5 years for refugees.
- 2 years for citizens from Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic Jews.
- 1 year for those married to a Spanish citizen or born in Spain to foreign parents.
- Good civic conduct: You must prove that you have no criminal record, either in Spain or in your home country.
- Proof of integration: You’ll need to demonstrate a basic level of integration into Spanish society, which includes passing the CCSE exams and, in some cases, the DELE to certify your knowledge of the language.
Required Documentation for Spanish Citizenship
One of the most crucial aspects to ensure your application is not rejected is having all the necessary documents in order. Some of the key documents include:
- Valid passport.
- Birth certificate, translated and apostilled.
- Criminal record certificates from both your home country and Spain.
- Proof of legal residence in Spain, such as the registration certificate (empadronamiento).
- Proof of passing the CCSE and DELE exams, if applicable.
These documents must be correctly legalized and, in many cases, translated by a sworn translator. It’s also important to ensure that all the information is consistent and complete before submitting your application.
The Process for Applying for Spanish CItizenship
Today, the easiest and fastest way to apply for Spanish nationality is through the online platform of the Ministry of Justice. Here, you can register your application and track its status. Below is an overview of the process:
- Register on the online platform: You must create an account on the Ministry of Justice’s electronic platform (Sede Electrónica).
- Complete the application and attach documents: It is essential that all documents are digitalized and in the correct format.
- Pay the fee: The application for nationality involves an administrative fee, which currently costs around €103.
- Track your application: Once your application is submitted, you can check its status through the “¿Cómo va lo mío?” (How is my application going?) section on the Ministry’s website.
It’s important to note that processing times can vary, but the current average is around 2 years from the date of submission.
What to Do If Your Citizenship Application is Delayed?
Delays in granting nationality are fairly common. In many cases, expats find their applications “stuck” in one stage of the process. If this happens to you, consider the following:
- File an administrative appeal: This option is available if more than a year has passed without receiving a response. This type of appeal involves going to court to demand that the Ministry resolve your case.
- Hire an immigration lawyer: Experts in immigration law can help speed up the process and resolve any legal obstacles.
Exceptions and Other Types of Citizenship
In addition to nationality by residency, there are other, less common but equally valid paths:
- Nationality by option: This is for children of Spanish citizens or those born in Spain who did not acquire nationality at birth.
- Nationality by naturalization: Granted in exceptional cases by the government, such as individuals with special merit or for humanitarian reasons.
Both processes have specific requirements but offer a faster path in certain cases.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Citizenship
- How long does the process take?
The average processing time is around 2 years, although it can be extended depending on the number of applications in progress and the complexity of each case. - Do I need to speak Spanish to obtain nationality?
Yes, unless you are a citizen of a Spanish-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate a basic level of Spanish by passing the DELE exam (level A2 or higher). - What happens if my application is denied?
If your application is denied, you can file an administrative or judicial appeal to challenge the decision.
Conclusion
Obtaining Spanish nationality is a process that requires time, patience, and thorough preparation. Make sure you meet all the requirements, have the correct documentation, and follow the established deadlines to avoid unnecessary delays. If you need more assistance, at JTexpat we are here to offer you the support you need, from preparing the application to tracking your case.
Don’t wait any longer—start your journey towards Spanish nationality today!
Why Choose JTEXPAT?
At JTEXPAT, we’ve got your back! Whether you’re applying from Spain or abroad, we’ll walk you through the entire visa process, making it simple, stress-free, and straightforward. We prepare and submit your documents, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
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