How long does it take to get Spain citizenship

How Long Does Spain Citizenship Take?

Getting Spanish citizenship is not a quick process. Most people wait 2-10 years from start to finish, depending on their situation and how fast they complete each step. The timeline varies widely because Spain has different pathways to citizenship with different timelines.

Main Residency Requirements

Before you can apply for citizenship, you must live in Spain legally for a certain amount of time. The standard requirement is 5 years of continuous residency. However, this can be shorter for certain groups:

• Citizens of former Spanish colonies may have a 2-year requirement
• People married to Spanish citizens may qualify in 1 year
• Refugees typically have a 3-year requirement
• EU citizens have their own separate process

The clock starts when you get your first legal residency permit. Make sure you don't leave Spain for long periods—extended absences can interrupt your residency timeline.

The Application and Processing Steps

Once you meet the residency requirement, the actual citizenship application process involves several stages:

• Prepare documents (birth certificate, residency proof, medical exam, etc.)
• Take the Spanish language and civics test (if required for your situation)
• Submit your application to local authorities
• Wait for processing at the civil registry office
• Attend a final interview (if requested)
• Receive citizenship decision

Each step can take weeks to months. The civil registry office typically needs 6-12 months to review and decide on your application, though this varies by region.

What Affects Your Processing Time

Several factors can speed up or delay your citizenship:

• How complete and organized your documents are
• Your local civil registry's workload
• Whether you need to take language or civics tests
• If there are any background checks required
• Whether you have any legal issues in Spain or your home country

Tips to Stay on Track

Keep your residency legal and continuous. Maintain records of your time in Spain. Get started on language skills early if you're not yet fluent in Spanish. Contact your local civil registry office about specific document requirements before you apply—requirements vary by location.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.