How to get Spanish nationality: these are the documents you need

Spanish nationality by residence is one of the most common ways to acquire citizenship in Spain. This process is intended for foreigners who have lived in the country for a certain period and meet certain legal requirements. Although the path towards Spanish nationality residency can seem long and complex, the terms and conditions are adapted to different situations, which makes access to citizenship easier for many people.

In general terms, the main condition to access the Spanish nationality Residence is having lived in Spain for a certain period of time. This period varies depending on the personal situation of the applicant, as stipulated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, both entities of Spain.

(You may be interested in: Do you want dual nationality? Countries that grant it to Colombians)

Requirements to obtain Spanish nationality

• General Residency: For most applicants for the Spanish nationalityit is necessary to have resided in Spain for 10 years legally and continuously. This period begins to be counted from the moment the person enters the country regularly (with a residence permit or visa).
• Reduction of the term of residence: At 5 years they would have the Spanish nationality people who have obtained refugee status in Spain. This shorter period is used based on the need for international protection.
• For citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and people of Sephardic origin (Jews who historically lived in the Iberian Peninsula) it takes only 2 years to obtain the Spanish nationality.

In certain cases, only one year of residence is required to have the Spanish nationality. This applies to:

• Those who were born in Spanish territory.
• Those who did not exercise their right to acquire Spanish nationality by option.
• Those who have been under the guardianship or care of Spanish citizens or institutions for at least two years.
• People married to a Spanish citizen for one year (and are not legally separated).
• Widows or widowers of Spaniards, provided that at the time of the death of the spouse there was no legal or de facto separation.
• Children of Spaniards born outside of Spain.

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Documents to apply for residence in Spain

The application process Spanish nationality residence requires the presentation of a series of documents that demonstrate compliance with the requirements. The necessary documentation varies depending on each case, but generally includes:

• Application form: This form must be completed electronically or in person depending on the case. It is possible to make the request electronically if you have a digital certificate.
• Registration certificate: It is the document that certifies residence in Spain and its duration. It must be obtained at the Town Hall of the place of residence if you wish to obtain the Spanish nationality.
• Passport or valid identification document: It must be the passport of the country of origin or a valid identification document.
• Criminal record certificates: You must present a criminal record certificate from both Spain and your country of origin.
• Proof of financial means: In some cases, it is required to prove that you have sufficient means to survive in the country.
• Administrative fee: The application process involves the payment of an administrative fee, the amount of which varies depending on the application and the method of processing. Payment is made using a specific form (form 790) that must be downloaded and presented to the bank.

How to apply for Spanish nationality

There are several ways to apply to obtain the Spanish nationality by residence, the most common being the electronic procedure.

• Electronic application: If you have a digital certificate, you can complete the application Spanish nationality by residence through the web portal of the Ministry of Justice. This process allows you to attach the digitized documentation and track the file.
• In-person application: If you prefer to complete the process in person, you can do so at the Civil Registry in your area. In this case, you must also complete form 790 and pay the corresponding fee at a bank.

Once you have submitted the application for Spanish nationalitythe Administration will begin to process your file. It is important to note that this process can be lengthy, as depending on the volume of applications, it may take several months, or even years, to complete. During this time, management may request more documentation or additional information.

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In addition to meeting the residency deadlines and presenting the necessary documentation, applicants must demonstrate good civic conduct and a sufficient degree of integration into Spanish society. This means that you must comply with Spanish laws and be active in the community, whether through work, education or social participation. In some cases, to obtain the Spanish nationality knowledge of the Spanish language and Spanish culture exams may be required.

What happens if your Spanish nationality is not approved?

Once all the documentation has been submitted for Spanish nationality and all requirements have been met, the Administration will review the file and make a decision. If the application is approved, you will receive a notification of granting the Spanish nationality. In some cases, it may be necessary to attend an appointment to swear or promise fidelity to the king and obey the Constitution and Spanish laws.

If the request is denied, you can file an appeal or challenge the decision through established channels. However, it is important to note that the denial is usually not final and, in many cases, the errors that led to the denial can be corrected.