Eligibility Quiz
Are you 18 years or older?
Overview
Spanish citizenship by naturalization is the legal process of acquiring Spanish nationality after living in Spain for a specific, continuous period. Governed by Article 22 of the Spanish Civil Code, this pathway transforms a temporary or permanent resident into a full citizen with the same rights as a Spaniard by birth.
Unlike citizenship by descent, this pathway is based on your "effective integration" into Spanish society. It is important to distinguish this from Permanent Residency; while both allow you to live in Spain indefinitely, citizenship grants you the right to a Spanish passport, the right to vote, and the status of a European Union citizen.
Mandatory Integration Exams
Most applicants must pass two exams administered by the Instituto Cervantes:
- DELE (A2 or higher): Proves you have a basic command of the Spanish language. You are exempt if you are a national of a Spanish-speaking country.
- CCSE: A 25-question test on Spanish geography, government, culture, and history. This is mandatory for almost everyone, though exemptions may be granted to those who completed secondary or university education in Spain.
Dual Nationality and Renunciation
Spain has specific rules regarding holding two passports.
- Dual Nationality Allowed: If you are a national of an Ibero-American country, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea, you can keep your original nationality and hold a Spanish passport simultaneously.
- Renunciation Required: Nationals of other countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada) must technically renounce their previous nationality during the "Oath of Allegiance." While Spain requires this declaration, it does not usually notify your home country of the renunciation.
Rights as a Spanish Citizen
Once you have completed the Jura (Oath of Allegiance) and received your DNI (National ID) and Passport, you hold the following rights:
- EU Freedom of Movement: The right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 European Union member states without a visa.
- Voting Rights: The right to vote in all Spanish local, regional, national, and European Parliament elections.
- Consular Protection: Access to Spanish and EU diplomatic missions for protection when traveling abroad.
- Unrestricted Work: The right to access any employment in Spain, including certain civil service positions reserved exclusively for citizens.
- Family Reunification: Enhanced rights to bring non-EU family members to live with you in Spain under the more favorable "EU Citizen Family Member" regime.
- Permanent Status: Unlike residency, citizenship cannot be lost simply by staying outside of Spain for long periods (provided you do not use your old nationality exclusively for three years after moving abroad).