Spain Citizenship: How to Get It in 2026

General Requirements for Obtaining Spain Citizenship

Spain attracts many with its climate, culture, and high standard of living. However, obtaining Spain citizenship is a lengthy and multi-stage process that requires careful preparation and compliance with the law. The main conditions for naturalization are enshrined in articles 21–22 of the Spanish Civil Code and include:

• Long-term legal residency: The residency period varies from 1 to 10 years depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. This is a key condition on how to get Spanish citizenship.
• Legal age: The applicant must be of legal age. For minors, the application is submitted by a legal representative.
• Good conduct: No criminal record in either the country of origin or Spain.
• Integration: Proof of knowledge of the Spanish language and the basics of Spanish culture and constitution.
• Renunciation of previous citizenship: In most cases, renunciation of previous citizenship is required, unless otherwise stipulated by international agreements. For example, citizens of Russia, Ukraine, or Kazakhstan will not be able to retain their original passport. Exceptions apply to citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews.

Main Routes to Obtain Spain Citizenship

There are several main ways to get Spanish citizenship, each with its own characteristics and timelines.

Naturalization by Residency (Nacionalidad por Residencia)

This is the most common path for most foreigners. It involves long-term and continuous legal residency in the country. The typical path on how to get Spanish citizenship looks like this:

1. Obtain a temporary residence permit: Usually issued for 1–2 years.
2. Renew residence permit and transition to permanent residency: After 5 years of legal residency, one can apply for long-term residency (permanent residency).
3. Submit citizenship application: Under the general rule — after 10 years of continuous residency.

It is important to remember that residency must be continuous and legal. Short trips abroad are not a problem, but long or frequent absences may raise questions from immigration authorities. For citizens of certain countries, shortened naturalization periods are provided:

• 5 years: For refugees.
• 2 years: For individuals from Ibero-American countries (Argentina, Mexico, Chile, etc.), Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews. For example, for Argentinians or Mexicans, Spain citizenship is available after just 2 years. This also applies to Spanish citizenship for Argentinians.
• 1 year: For those born in Spain who did not exercise their right to choose in time; spouses and widowers of Spanish citizens; certain individuals of Spanish origin; individuals who have been under official guardianship or foster care for at least 2 years.

Spain Citizenship by Marriage (Nacionalidad por Matrimonio)

Marriage to a Spanish citizen significantly shortens the required residency period. According to Article 22.2.d of the Spanish Civil Code, one can apply for Spain citizenship by marriage after just 1 year of legal and continuous residency in the country following the marriage. It is important that the marriage is valid at the time of application, and the spouses are not legally or factually separated.

Marriage itself does not grant citizenship; all other requirements, including exams and legal residency, must be met.

Spain Citizenship by Birth (Nacionalidad por Origen / Residencia)

Spain operates on the principle of ‘jus sanguinis’ (right of blood), meaning children of Spanish citizens automatically acquire citizenship regardless of their place of birth. This rule also applies to adoption cases.

‘Jus soli’ (right of soil) does not apply unconditionally, as in some Latin American countries. However, there are several cases where a child born in Spain can obtain citizenship:

• One of the parents was born in Spain (regardless of their citizenship).
• Parents are stateless persons or cannot transmit their citizenship to the child due to their country’s laws.
• Parents are unknown.

If a child is born in Spain to foreign parents, the mere fact of birth does not give the parents any privileges for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship. However, the child can obtain Spain citizenship by birth after one year of residency in the country if their parents cannot transmit their citizenship to them. This is one way Spanish citizenship by birth can be processed.

Spain Citizenship for Special Merit or by Government Decision

In exceptional cases, citizenship may be granted for special services to Spain or by government decision. These cases are extremely rare and are considered individually.

Spain Citizenship by Investment

It is important to note that it is not possible to directly obtain Spain citizenship by investment. A Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has never existed in Spain. Until April 3, 2025, there was a ‘Golden Visa’ program (Visado de residencia para inversores en España), which allowed obtaining a residence permit through investment. However, this program has been closed, and applications are no longer accepted. Investors who obtained a residence permit through the ‘Golden Visa’ before its closure could apply for naturalization after 10 years on general grounds. Currently, foreigners most often immigrate to Spain for business, financial independence, or as digital nomads, which are the most accessible ways to obtain a residence permit on the path to citizenship.

Exams for Obtaining Spain Citizenship

For most applicants, including those planning for Spanish citizenship for Russians in 2026, two mandatory exams must be passed:

1. DELE A2 Exam (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera, Nivel A2): Confirms basic knowledge of the Spanish language. The cost of the exam in 2026 is approximately 138 euros. Citizens of countries where Spanish is an official language, minors, and holders of recognized Spanish language diplomas are exempt from the DELE A2 exam.
2. CCSE Exam (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España): Tests knowledge of Spain’s constitutional structure and socio-cultural realities. Minors, persons with limited legal capacity, and holders of a Spanish ESO diploma (secondary education) are exempt from CCSE. Citizens of Spanish-speaking countries are not exempt from CCSE.

Both exams are administered by the Instituto Cervantes. It is recommended to take them in advance, as DELE language test results may be ready within 90 days, and the certificate after another 90 days. CCSE results are typically known in about 20 days.

Citizenship Application Process

After fulfilling all conditions and passing the exams, you can submit an application on how to get Spanish citizenship. The process includes the following steps:

1. Document preparation:
   • Completed application form (available on the Ministry of Justice website).
   • Residence permit card / permanent residence card or other identity document in Spain.
   • Valid passport and previous ones, if they changed during the stay in the country.
   • Birth certificate.
   • Certificate of no criminal record, issued in the home country (can be replaced by a consular certificate).
   • Instituto Cervantes diplomas for passing the tests or a document confirming exemption from them.
2. Payment of state fee: The application fee is 104.05 euros. To pay, you need to download form modelo 790 026, fill it out, and pay at a bank.
3. Submitting the application: The application can be submitted online through the website of the Spanish Ministry of Justice (Ministerio de Justicia España) or in person at any Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in Spain.

After submitting the application, the review process begins, which can take a significant amount of time. If approved, the applicant swears allegiance to the King and the Constitution of Spain, after which they receive a Spanish passport. This is the final step for Spain citizenship to be formalized.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Spain Citizenship

Do I need to renounce my first citizenship to obtain Spain citizenship?

Yes, in most cases, renunciation of previous citizenship is required. This rule does not apply to citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Sephardic Jews, with whom Spain allows dual citizenship. For citizens of Russia, Ukraine, or Kazakhstan, retaining their original passport while obtaining Spain citizenship is not possible. This is an important consideration for Spanish citizenship for Russians.

Can I get Spain citizenship by having a child in the country?

No, the birth of a child in Spain does not give parents advantages in obtaining a residence permit or citizenship. A child can obtain citizenship after one year of residency in the country if their parents cannot transmit their citizenship to them. This falls under the category of Spain citizenship by birth. However, for parents, the legislation does not provide accelerated conditions, as in Argentina or Chile.

What exams do I need to take to obtain Spain citizenship?

You need to pass two exams: DELE A2 (for Spanish language proficiency) and CCSE (for knowledge of Spain’s constitutional structure and socio-cultural realities). Both exams are administered by the Instituto Cervantes. These are mandatory requirements on how to get Spanish citizenship.

Can I get Spain citizenship by investment in 2026?

No, it is not possible to directly obtain Spain citizenship by investment. The ‘Golden Visa’ program (Visado de residencia para inversores en España), which allowed obtaining a residence permit, was closed on April 3, 2025. Investors who obtained a residence permit earlier could apply for naturalization after 10 years.

What residency period is required for obtaining Spain citizenship?

The general residency period for naturalization in Spain is 10 years. However, for certain categories of individuals, shortened periods are provided: 5 years for refugees, 2 years for individuals from Ibero-American countries (relevant for Spanish citizenship for Argentinians), 1 year for spouses of Spanish citizens, and other special cases. This is one of the key aspects when you are deciding on how to get Spanish citizenship.

What are the specifics of obtaining Spain citizenship for Russians in 2026?

For Russians in 2026, the general rules for obtaining Spain citizenship remain. The main path is naturalization by residency with a 10-year period. It is important to note that renunciation of Russian citizenship is required, as dual citizenship with Russia is not recognized by Spain. It is also necessary to pass the DELE A2 and CCSE exams.

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