Spanish Citizenship Application: Process and Requirements

Spanish Citizenship Application: Process and Requirements

Spain has become an attractive country for foreigners due to its rich culture, high quality of life, and job opportunities. Many people wish to live in Spain long-term and apply for Spanish citizenship. The process of obtaining Spanish citizenship involves specific steps and requirements. In this article, we will detail the process, required documents, and application stages for obtaining Spanish citizenship.

1. Requirements for Spanish Citizenship Application

The general requirements for applying for Spanish citizenship are as follows:

• Residence Period: To apply for citizenship, you must have legally resided in Spain for at least 10 years. However, this period may be shorter in certain cases:
  • For citizens of Spanish-speaking countries: 2 years,
  • For those from former Spanish territories such as Gibraltar, Andorra, Latin America, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea: 2 years,
  • For descendants of Spanish nationals or war victims: 1 year.
• Legal Residence Status: You must have legal residence in Spain. Tourist visas or other temporary visa types are not sufficient for citizenship application.
• Good Moral Character and Criminal Record: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character. This means having a clean criminal record. It is important not to have any criminal history in Spain or abroad.
• Financial Independence: Applicants must show that they can financially support themselves and are not reliant on the Spanish state.

2. Spanish Citizenship Application Process

The Spanish citizenship application process involves several steps:

• Preparing Your Application: The first step is gathering the necessary documents for the application. These include valid residence permits, a passport, a birth certificate, police clearance certificates, proof of legal residence in Spain (e.g., rental contracts or employment contracts), etc.
• Language Proficiency: For citizenship, you may need to demonstrate Spanish language proficiency. This can involve passing a language exam to show your ability in Spanish.
• Submitting the Application: To begin the application, you will need to submit an official request (demand) to the Civil Registry office (Registro Civil). This form will need to be filled out and signed. The Civil Registry office will then schedule an appointment for you to submit your application.
• Application Review: After your application is received, Spanish authorities will review your documents and verify their authenticity. This process can take 1 to 2 years. Once your application is approved, the Spanish government will offer you citizenship.
• Oath Ceremony and Citizenship: After approval, applicants must take an oath of allegiance to Spain. This oath signifies that you accept Spanish citizenship and commit to abiding by Spanish laws. Once the oath is taken, you will officially be a Spanish citizen.

3. Documents Required for Spanish Citizenship Application

The documents you will need to submit for your citizenship application include:

• Valid passport,
• Residence permit copy,
• Birth certificate (apostilled),
• Proof of residence in Spain (e.g., lease agreement, work contract, bank statements),
• Spanish language proficiency documents (if applicable),
• Criminal record checks (from Spain and any other countries),
• Proof of financial independence (bank statements, income documents).

4. Spanish Citizenship Application Fees

There is a fee for applying for Spanish citizenship, which may vary depending on the year and local regulations. The application fee must be paid at various stages of the process.

5. Dual Citizenship and Spanish Citizenship

Spain generally does not allow dual citizenship, except in certain circumstances based on international agreements. If your home country allows dual citizenship and you do not need to renounce your previous citizenship, you may not face issues with dual citizenship when applying for Spanish citizenship.

6. Professional Assistance for Spanish Citizenship Application

The citizenship application process can be complex and time-consuming. To ensure that you follow the process correctly and submit all necessary documents, seeking professional help is highly recommended. BCN Consulting offers guidance and assistance throughout the Spanish citizenship application process, ensuring a smooth and efficient application.

In conclusion, applying for Spanish citizenship requires careful planning and attention to detail. If you have completed the required residence period and gathered all the necessary documents, you can confidently submit your application. However, since there are many nuances in the process, obtaining professional assistance can help accelerate the procedure and ensure a successful outcome.