How to Get Spanish Citizenship: Requirements, Process, and Pathways in 2026

Introduction: Pathways to Spanish Citizenship

Spain attracts many foreigners with its climate, culture, and high quality of life. The question of how to get Spanish citizenship is relevant for many who are planning a long-term relocation or already reside in the country. In 2026, the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship is regulated by legislation that provides several main pathways. It is important to understand that citizenship brings not only privileges but also responsibilities, and the process itself requires thorough preparation and adherence to all legal nuances. For those interested in other European options, you might also consider what’s new with Malta immigration 2026.

For most foreigners, the primary route is obtaining citizenship by residency, but other options exist, such as marriage, option, and rare cases via Carta de naturaleza. Each of these pathways has its own timelines, requirements, and specific features, which we will examine in detail to help you get Spanish citizenship. You can also explore the benefits of Spain residency.

Citizenship by Residency: The Main Path to Naturalization

This is the most common way to get Spanish citizenship for most foreigners, including Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians. It involves legal and continuous residence in Spain for a specific period. The required duration for submitting an application depends on the applicant’s nationality and personal circumstances.

Residency Periods for Citizenship by Residency

• 10 years: The general rule for citizens of most countries, including Russia and Belarus. This is the minimum period of legal residence preceding the application for Spanish citizenship.
• 5 years: For individuals who have obtained refugee status or subsidiary protection.
• 2 years: This reduced period applies to citizens of Ibero-American countries (Latin America, Portugal, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra) and individuals of Sephardic origin.
• 1 year: In the following exceptional cases:
• Persons born in Spain.
• Persons who did not exercise their right to choose citizenship in due time.
• Persons who have been under legal guardianship, curatorship, or in foster care of a Spanish citizen for one year.
• Spouses of Spanish citizens who have been married for at least one year at the time of application and are not legally or de facto separated. This is one way how to get Spanish citizenship through marriage.
• Widows or widowers of Spanish citizens, if there was no legal separation at the time of the spouse’s death.

It is important to note that the countdown begins from the moment the first legal residence permit (VNP) is obtained, not from the moment of entry into the country or the start of actual residence. Tourist visas and student visas (estancia) are generally not counted towards this period, as they are considered temporary stays, not residency. Continuous residence is a key requirement. Any breaks in legal status, even for a short period, can reset the count or significantly prolong the Spanish naturalization process.

For those considering relocation, it is crucial to carefully plan their relocation abroad to avoid such complications.

Citizenship by Marriage and Other Special Cases

How to get Spanish citizenship through marriage? Marriage to a Spanish citizen does not automatically grant citizenship but significantly shortens the required period of legal residence to one year. The key condition is that at the time of application, the marriage must have lasted at least one year, and the spouses must not be legally or de facto separated. It is important that the applicant has also legally resided in Spain for this year.

Citizenship by Option (Optación)

This pathway is provided for certain categories of individuals, for example, for children of foreigners who have recently obtained Spanish citizenship, or for those who have been under the guardianship of a Spanish citizen. Although not the most common method, it can be significantly faster than standard naturalization under the right circumstances.

Citizenship by Carta de Naturaleza

This is an exceptional measure granted by royal decree in special cases. This usually occurs in humanitarian situations or for individuals who have rendered significant services to Spain. This path is extremely rare and not a typical way to get Spanish citizenship.

Requirements and Necessary Documents for Obtaining Citizenship

Regardless of the chosen path, the applicant will need to gather a set of documents and pass exams to obtain Spanish citizenship.

Mandatory Exams

Most adult applicants must pass two exams administered by the Cervantes Institute:

• DELE A2: An exam on Spanish language proficiency. It assesses basic language skills, the ability to understand simple texts and dialogues, and to communicate in standard situations. Level A2 is not the highest, but it requires preparation, especially if you do not actively use Spanish in daily life.
• CCSE (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España): A test on Spanish society, history, culture, and the fundamentals of the constitutional system. The questions for this exam are published in advance in an official bank, allowing for thorough preparation.

Standard Document Package

The list of documents may vary depending on specific circumstances, but usually includes:

• Valid passport from the country of origin.
• Resident card (TIE) — confirmation of Spanish residency.
• Birth certificate with an apostille and official translation into Spanish (by a sworn translator).
• Police clearance certificate from the country of origin, legalized and translated.
• Spanish police clearance certificate.
• DELE A2 and CCSE certificates.
• Empadronamiento — certificate of registration at the place of residence.
• Proof of payment of the state fee (does not include exam costs).
• Depending on the grounds: marriage certificate with a Spanish citizen, birth certificates of parents/grandparents (if they were Spanish), etc.

All documents must be current, and apostilles and translations must be executed in accordance with Spanish requirements. Inaccuracies in documents or expired certificates can lead to rejection or significantly prolong the process of obtaining citizenship.

Application Process and Review Periods

In 2026, the primary method for applying for citizenship is online through the Spanish Ministry of Justice. Although in-person submission is formally possible, the system is geared towards an electronic format. After submitting the application, the state fee is paid.

By law (Ley 39/2015), the maximum processing time for an application is one year. However, in practice, waiting often takes from 12 to 36 months, and sometimes longer, due to the high workload of the Ministry of Justice, especially for those seeking to get Spanish citizenship.

Silencio administrativo

If after one year from the date of application there is no approval, no rejection, and no request for additional documents, the mechanism of silencio administrativo comes into play. Under Spanish law, this is interpreted as a conditional rejection. However, it gives the applicant the right to appeal to court and demand that the administration make a decision. Judicial practice shows that such a tool can be effective, and courts often oblige officials to provide an answer within specified deadlines.

Dual Citizenship and Renunciation of Previous Citizenship

Spanish law does not recognize dual citizenship with most countries. Article 23 of the Spanish Civil Code obliges an adult applicant to renounce their previous citizenship upon obtaining Spanish citizenship. Exceptions apply to citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. For them, dual citizenship is permitted.

For example, for citizens of Russia or Belarus who wish to get Spanish citizenship, a declaration of renunciation of their former citizenship is required. However, the mere fact of such a declaration does not mean the automatic termination of citizenship of another country. It is necessary to consider the legislation of one’s country of origin and the procedure for terminating citizenship provided therein. For example, for Ukrainian citizens, Spain does not decide on the termination of Ukrainian citizenship, and the applicant will need to separately go through the renunciation procedure in accordance with Ukrainian law.

Tax residency issues are also important when changing citizenship or residence. You can find more information on how to confirm tax residency in other countries in our articles.

How to Avoid Rejection: Common Reasons

Despite the seeming simplicity of some stages, the process of obtaining Spanish naturalization requires careful attention. Here are the most common reasons for rejection:

• Breaks in residency: The most common mistake is incorrect calculation of the legal residency period. Any period without a valid residence permit resets the count or significantly shifts the possible application date.
• Inaccuracies in documents: Expired certificates, incorrectly prepared translations, discrepancies in data across different documents—all these lead to delays or rejections.
• Insufficient level of Spanish language or lack of CCSE knowledge: Unsatisfactory exam results are a direct cause for rejection of citizenship.
• Criminal record or legal issues: Spain takes legal compliance very seriously.

To avoid these problems, it is recommended to carefully check all documents and prepare for the exams. If you are considering other immigration options, our guide on business immigration to Europe may be useful.

Conclusion

Obtaining Spanish citizenship is a lengthy and multi-stage process that requires patience and attention. In 2026, the main requirements for Spanish citizenship and procedures remain stable, but it is always important to monitor current legislative changes. Regardless of how to get Spanish citizenship for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, or other foreigners, a successful outcome depends on strict adherence to all conditions, timely submission of documents, and successful completion of exams. Planning and, if necessary, consulting with immigration lawyers will help navigate this path as effectively as possible and ultimately obtain your Spanish passport.

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