Being a national of a country implies being considered a citizen of that place, which entails a series of special rights and responsibilities.
Nationality is an official bond that connects a person to a specific country and can be acquired in several ways:
To obtain nationality by residence in Spain, it is necessary to meet certain legal residence periods and specific requirements:
The standard residence period to apply for Spanish nationality is ten years of legal, continuous residence immediately prior to the application.
However, this period can be reduced in certain cases:
- Five years: for individuals who have obtained refugee status in Spain.
- Two years: for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or individuals of Sephardic origin.
Additionally, there are special situations that allow for a one-year legal residence period to apply for nationality, such as:
- Those who have been married to a Spanish man or woman for at least one year and are not legally or factually separated.
- Those born in Spanish territory.
- Those who do not exercise their right to acquire Spanish nationality by birthright.
- Those who have been under the guardianship, custody, or care of Spanish citizens or institutions for two consecutive years.
- Widows or widowers of Spanish men or women, provided they were not separated at the time of the spouse's death.
- Individuals born outside of Spain to a father, mother, grandfather, or grandmother, provided they were originally Spanish.
In addition to meeting residence periods, applicants must demonstrate good civic conduct and a sufficient degree of integration into Spanish society.
At BEA, we are here to assist you in the process of obtaining Spanish nationality, guiding you through the necessary requirements and periods to achieve this important legal milestone.
Contact us for more information and to start your Spanish nationality application. We are committed to making this experience efficient and successful for you.