Spanish nationality by residence

Spanish nationality per residence is a right for those who have been legally resident in Spain for a certain period of time, usually 10 years of continued residence, but there are some cases in which this time can be reduced:

Five years legal residence for the granting of Spanish nationality to persons who have obtained refugee status.

Two years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or persons of Sephardi origin.

One year:

1. The one born in Spanish territory.
2. He who did not exercise his right to acquire Spanish nationality by choice.
3. The person who has been legally subject to guardianship (under the supervision of a guardian), care or care (the care that allows the reduction of legal residence to one year is the one in which there is a decision of the public entity which in each territory has the protection of minors and the care that is legally recognized) of a Spanish citizen or institution for two consecutive years, even if it continues in this situation at the time of the application.
4. The person who, at the time of the application, has been married to a Spanish or Spanish for a year and is not legally or in fact separated.
5. The widower or widow of Spanish or Spanish, if at the time of the death of the spouse they were not separated, in fact or in court.
6. He born outside Spain to a father or mother (born also outside Spain), a grandfather or a grandmother, provided that all of them had originally been Spanish.

It is important to note that the required time of residence must be legal and continuous, that is, that there can be no period of time in which the person has illegally resided in Spain.

Once the required residence time is fulfilled, the person concerned may initiate the process of applying for Spanish nationality. This process is initiated by submitting an application to the Civil Registry for his place of residence.

In any case, it is important to know all the requirements and procedures necessary to acquire Spanish nationality.

If you need legal advice in this regard, in our law firm we can help you resolve any questions and advise you throughout the process.