Spanish nationality by residence

It means becoming Spanish after living in Spain with a permit for a certain time.

Normally 10 years of continuous legal residence are needed. But there are cases with less time:

**5 years**: if you are a refugee.

**2 years**: if you are from a country in Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, or of Sephardic origin.

**1 year**, if:

You were born in Spain.

You did not use your right to opt for nationality in time.

You spent 2 years under the guardianship or care of a Spaniard or a Spanish institution.

You have been married to a Spaniard for 1 year (without being separated).

You are the widow or widower of a Spaniard.

Your father, mother, grandfather or grandmother were Spanish by origin (and you were born outside Spain).

You also need:

**Good conduct**: no criminal record.

**Integration**: pass the exams (see below).

Fee: €104.05 (in 2025).

Time counts with a valid residence card, without leaving Spain for long periods. It does not count:

Time with a **student visa** or **without papers**.

Time with only a **registration certificate** (it is not a residence permit).

Criminal record from your country and from Spain, with no offenses.

You must pass two exams from the Instituto Cervantes:

A multiple-choice test about the Constitution, society and life in Spain.

Only if Spanish is not your native language. It shows a basic level of Spanish.

There are exceptions for people who are not literate, minors and people with disabilities. Ask us.

Can’t take the exams? There are exceptions for minors, people with disabilities and people who cannot read or write. Ask us.

You have 3 steps left:

Swear or promise loyalty to the King and to respect the Constitution and the laws.
Renounce your previous nationality (not required if you are from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or of Sephardic origin).
Register with the Civil Registry.