Citizenship Application in Spain

Who it is for

Becoming a Spanish citizen gives you the right to live and work in Spain and across the European Union, the right to vote, and the other rights citizens have. It can suit people who have no right to live in the country, and also people who already live there legally. You may be able to apply if:

• your parents, grandparents or children are Spanish
• you have lived there legally for ten years or more
• you are married to a Spanish citizen

Special rules and limits may apply, so it helps to check whether you qualify.

What is needed

• Through living there: usually ten years of legal residence, but only two years for people from certain countries.
• Through marriage or family roots: different conditions apply.
• Usually, passing a basic Spanish language exam and a test on Spanish culture and society.

How it works

• Marriage: the marriage is registered, legal residence is obtained, then the application is made with the required papers.
• Residence: proof of legal residence, passed tests and the required papers.
• Family roots: proof of Spanish ancestry sent with the application.

What the service includes

• Help making sure you have the right papers for your route.
• Help filling in the forms.
• Going with you to the government offices.
• Arranging payment of the official fee.
• Following the case until it is approved and you can collect your new passport and ID card.