Apply for Spanish nationality by residence
Check for free in 2 minutes whether you can already apply and which exams you need. One fixed price including the Ministry fee and the Instituto Cervantes exams. We also give you the official questions that can come up in the CCSE exam and show you how to practise them with an app on your phone.
What is nationality by residence
It means applying for Spanish nationality after living legally in Spain for the time required by your nationality. Its official name is adquisición de la nacionalidad española por residencia. It is filed online with the Ministry of Justice, not with the Immigration Office.
Years of residence required
- 10 years: general rule (Morocco, Ukraine, Russia, China, Pakistan, Senegal…).
- 5 years: refugees.
- 2 years: Latin American countries (including Brazil), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews.
- 1 year: married to a Spanish citizen for 1 year, born in Spain, widow(er)s of a Spanish citizen and other cases.
Residence must be legal and continuous: years on a student stay or without papers do not count.
Instituto Cervantes exams
- CCSE: 25 questions on the Spanish Constitution and society. The questions come from an official list that we give you to study. 2 attempts included.
- DELE A2: Spanish language exam, only if your country is not Spanish-speaking. 1 attempt included.
How it works
Check your case
You answer a few simple questions: the same ones we ask at the office. We tell you if you can apply and the price.
Think it over or go ahead
Take the quote as a PDF or pay by card or Bizum.
Exams and documents
We register you for the exams and give you the material. Meanwhile, you request the papers from your country.
We file and follow up
Once you pass, we pay the fee and file your application with the Ministry of Justice.
Frequently asked questions
How many years of residence do I need for Spanish nationality?
It depends on your nationality: 10 years in general; 5 if you are a refugee; 2 if you are from a Latin American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or a Sephardic Jew; and 1 year if you are married to a Spanish citizen, were born in Spain and other cases. Residence must be legal and continuous.
Which exams do I have to take?
Almost everyone takes the CCSE (25 questions on the Spanish Constitution and society). The DELE A2 Spanish exam only if your country is not Spanish-speaking. If you completed ESO in Spain you can ask for an exemption.
Can I study the CCSE questions in advance?
Yes. The 25 exam questions come from an official list published every year by the Instituto Cervantes. We give it to you when we register you.
What if I fail an exam?
The CCSE includes 2 attempts. The DELE A2, 1. If you have to retake it, the new registration is charged by the Instituto Cervantes. Our service is not charged again.
Is it filed at the Immigration Office?
No. Nationality is handled by the Ministry of Justice and filed online. We file it for you with your authorisation.
How long does the Ministry take to reply?
The legal deadline is 1 year, although it sometimes takes longer. Once granted, you have 180 days to swear allegiance at the Civil Registry.
What does the price include?
The Ministry of Justice fee, the Instituto Cervantes exams you need, our service and VAT. It does not include legalising or translating documents from your country.
Can I think it over before paying?
Yes. At the end of the test you can download a PDF quote with the price, the timeline and the conditions. It has a QR code to purchase whenever you want, or you can bring it to our office.