Citizenship by Naturalization (Residency)

To qualify, you must demonstrate "good civic conduct" and a sufficient degree of integration into Spanish society. The primary requirement is the length of your legal and continuous residency.

Residency Timelines

The number of years you must live in Spain before applying depends on your nationality or personal circumstances:

• 10 Years: The general rule for most foreign nationals (e.g., citizens of the USA, UK, China, India).
• 5 Years: For individuals with officially recognized Refugee status.
• 2 Years: For nationals of Ibero-American countries (including Brazil), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or persons of Sephardic origin. You must be a national of these countries by origin (birth) to use this fast-track.
• 1 Year: For those born in Spain, those married to a Spanish citizen for one year, or children/grandchildren of Spanish nationals by birth.

Critical Eligibility Rules

• Legal vs. Stay: You must hold a valid residency card (TIE). Time spent on a Student Visa (Estancia por Estudios) is legally considered a "stay" and does not count toward the years required for citizenship.
• Continuity: Your residency must not be interrupted. For the 2-year path, you should not be outside Spain for more than 3 consecutive months. For the 10-year path, individual absences should not exceed 6 months.
• Good Civic Conduct: The Spanish government will check your criminal records in both Spain and your home country. Even minor police records or pending legal cases can result in a denial.