Naturalisation by residence in Spain (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Naturalisation by residence needs ten years of residence in general, with shorter periods for some groups. It also needs the DELE A2 and CCSE tests and a declaration renouncing the previous nationality, with exceptions.

RuleWhat applies
Years of residence requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence10 years [1]
Shortened residence periodsOrdinary naturalisation by residenceFive years for refugees. Two years for nationals of origin of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, and for Sephardic Jews. One year in other cases, such as birth in Spain or a year of marriage to a Spanish citizen. [1]
Language level requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residenceA2 (CEFR) [2]
Integration or civic knowledge testOrdinary naturalisation by residenceYes [2]
Giving up previous nationalityOrdinary naturalisation by residenceRequired, with exceptions [1]

Notes

  • Article 22 of the Civil Code sets out several shorter periods for specific groups.
  • People who already hold a DELE of at least A2, and nationals of listed Spanish-speaking countries, are exempt from the language exam.
  • The CCSE tests knowledge of the Constitution, history, culture and society. Reasonable adjustments are provided for people with disabilities.
  • The renunciation requirement does not apply to nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, or to Sephardic Jews originating from Spain.

Sources

  1. Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado: Real Decreto de 24 de julio de 1889 por el que se publica el Código Civil (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado: Real Decreto 1004/2015, de 6 de noviembre, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento por el que se regula el procedimiento para la adquisición de la nacionalidad española por residencia (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.