Spanish Nationality Routes Explorer
There are several ways to get Spanish citizenship, from residency and marriage to descent or Sephardic roots. This page helps you explore every option and compare requirements so you can find the specific path that best fits your unique individual personal situation at this time.
Citizenship by Residency
Who is it for?
Foreign nationals who have lived in Spain legally and continuously for the required time based on their original nationality or personal circumstances.
Minimum residency years
- General: 10 years; Refugees: 5 years; Ibero-American countries, Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea: 2 years
Key Requirements
- Legal and continuous residency (no long absences). Good civic conduct (no criminal record background). Proof of integration (DELE and CCSE exams, if they are applicable to you).
Main Benefits
An accessible path for most permanent residents who wish to fully integrate and enjoy the rights of being a European Union citizen.
Citizenship by Marriage
Only 1 Year of Legal Residency
This is the fastest route for spouses of Spanish citizens. If you are married to a Spanish national and reside legally in Spain, you can apply for your nationality after just one year of living together and effective residency.
Requirements & Perks:
- Updated Spanish marriage certificate.Â
- Joint registration (empadronamiento) proving you live together.Â
- CCSE and DELE tests (if not from a Spanish-speaking country).Â
- Huge time reduction compared to the general ten-year residency requirement.
Descent & Sephardic Routes
Special pathways based on historical and family ties. Designed for descendants of Spaniards (Democratic Memory Law) or people of Sephardic origin who maintain a deep and lasting connection with Spain.
Perfect for
Children/grandchildren of Spaniards and those of Sephardic origin.
Minimum Residency
0-1 year. Often, no prior residency in Spain is required.
Primary Needs
Proof of ancestry, birth certificates, and historical connection records.
Key advantages
Direct process and recognition of a permanent blood relationship.
