Introduction: Why Spanish citizenship matters
Spanish citizenship is more than a passport. It provides full access to EU rights, the ability to live, work, and study across 27 countries, and full political and social rights in Spain. For families, it represents security, stability, and long-term integration into Spanish society.
Recent updates for 2025/2026 have made citizenship processes more structured but also stricter in certain aspects, particularly around dual citizenship, integration exams, police records, family pathways, and digital tracking of residence. Understanding the current rules ensures applicants avoid mistakes that could delay or prevent approval.
Understanding Spanish nationality law
Spanish nationality law allows several paths to citizenship. Each has unique conditions, timelines, and legal nuances, making careful selection crucial.
Dual citizenship: Romania and other agreements
Spain permits dual citizenship in specific agreements. As of 2025/2026, citizens of Ibero-American countries, Portugal, France, and Romania can acquire Spanish nationality without renouncing their original citizenship.
The Romania-Spain agreement was fully ratified in the Spanish Parliament in 2025, providing a fully settled path. This is particularly important for the Romanian diaspora, allowing them to integrate fully into Spain while retaining their original nationality. Citizens from other countries generally must renounce their previous citizenship unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Residency-based citizenship
Residency remains the most common path to Spanish nationality. The general rule is 10 years of continuous legal residence. Absences are carefully tracked and can affect eligibility.
Reduced residency periods
Some applicants benefit from shorter periods:
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Citizens of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Romania: 2 years
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Refugees: 5 years
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Marriage to a Spanish citizen: 1 year
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Children born in Spain to non-Spanish residents: 1 year
The “90-day absence” nuance
For the general 10-year path, applicants should avoid leaving Spain for more than 6 consecutive months at any point, with the final year before applying ideally spent mostly in Spain. The EES Entry/Exit System, live since October 2025, monitors departures and arrivals digitally. Even small excesses can be detected, so staying under 90 days abroad in the year prior is a safe “best practice” to prevent rejection.
Family pathways: marriage and the “Family of Spaniard” permit
Marriage to a Spanish citizen continues to allow citizenship after 1 year of cohabitation.
A major 2025 reform introduced the “Family of Spaniard” residency (Arraigo Familiar). This replaces the older “Communitarian Card” for relatives of Spanish citizens. The permit provides 5 years of stable residence and ensures a clear pathway to citizenship. Maintaining continuous cohabitation and legal residence under this regime is critical for eligibility.
Language and integration requirements
Spanish citizenship requires applicants to demonstrate integration into society.
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DELE A2 or higher: Proof of Spanish language proficiency
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CCSE exam: Knowledge of the Spanish constitution and culture
Stricter exemptions
Previously, holding a Spanish university degree might exempt applicants from these exams. As of 2025, the Ministry of Justice limits automatic exemptions to those who completed ESO (Secondary Education) in Spain. Even Master’s or PhD holders may need to take the CCSE unless they can prove they studied the constitutional/social curriculum. Preparing for these exams is now essential to avoid delays.
Criminal record requirements
Spain now applies zero tolerance regarding criminal records. Even cancelled offenses can result in denial. Applicants must ensure that their Spanish and foreign police records are completely clean before submission. Discrepancies, minor offenses, or outdated certificates can lead to immediate rejection.
Citizenship through descent and historical note
Current descent pathways
Applicants may claim nationality if born to Spanish parents, or, in some cases, grandparents. Proper documentation is mandatory, including birth certificates and proof of lineage.
Historical note: Democratic Memory Law
The Ley de Memoria Democrática, which allowed grandchildren of exiles to bypass residency, expired on October 22, 2025. No new applications under this law are accepted. Descendants must now rely on standard “Option” pathways or benefit from 1-year residency reductions if born outside Spain to Spanish parents or grandparents.
Application process and fees
Applicants submit documents to the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) of their residence. While some pre-registration may be digital, in-person verification remains standard.
Updated fees and timelines
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Application fee (Tasa 790-026): €104.05 as of late 2025
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Processing timelines: Digital applications under the Plan de Choque are now resolved in 6-10 months for clean cases. The final Jura (Oath) appointment may add 3-5 months.
Administrative silence
Legally, the Ministry has 12 months to respond to a citizenship application. If no response is provided within that period, the application is technically considered denied by negative silence. However, the Plan de Choque has accelerated real-world processing, making the 6-10 month timeline realistic for most applicants.
Common reasons for delays or refusals
Applications are often delayed or denied due to:
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Missing or inconsistent documents
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Criminal record issues
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Insufficient language or cultural exam results
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Gaps in legal residence
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Misunderstanding family or marriage pathways
Careful preparation and adherence to the current 2025/2026 rules significantly reduce the risk of rejection.
Tips for success
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Maintain continuous legal residence, avoiding extended absences, especially in the final year
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Ensure criminal records are perfectly clean
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Prepare for DELE and CCSE exams, unless exempted under ESO rules
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Keep all documents up-to-date, consistent, and certified
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Verify eligibility for dual citizenship, particularly if you are from Romania, France, or Portugal
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For family or marriage pathways, maintain cohabitation and stable residence under the new Arraigo Familiar permit
How LawSentis can guide you
LawSentis, regulated by the IAA, partners with Spanish immigration specialists to provide complete guidance for citizenship applications. We help applicants:
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Choose the correct pathway based on personal circumstances
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Structure and review documents for accuracy
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Navigate language and cultural exam requirements
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Comply with dual citizenship, family, and marriage regulations
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Minimize the risk of rejection and delays
With LawSentis, applicants have professional support every step of the way, ensuring their Spanish citizenship journey is accurate, efficient, and successful.