Spanish nationality through residence, step by step with you
We help prepare your Spanish nationality application through residence, review documents and follow your case. Personalised service from Tomelloso for clients across Spain.
How does TRALIF help with Spanish nationality?
Before starting, we listen and explain which procedures we can handle. You can decide knowing scope, budget and documents needed.
Requirements review
We review residence circumstances, exam questions and documents to prepare.
Application preparation
We organise certificates, check validity and prepare the file for submission.
Follow-up and guidance
Check your case status and how to respond to notices or document requests. We agree the included follow-up with you.
Spanish nationality through residence requirements
Prove continuous lawful residence in Spain for your required period immediately before applying, plus good civic conduct and integration.
The period depends on nationality of origin and personal circumstances. Identifying the applicable case is the first step.
Check general requirements with the Ministry of Justice and residence periods in Article 22 of the Civil Code.
| Period | Case |
|---|---|
| 10 years | General rule. |
| 5 years | People with refugee status. |
| 2 years | Nationals by origin of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, and people of Sephardic origin. |
| 1 year | Specific cases such as birth in Spain or one year married to a Spanish national without legal or factual separation. |
These are residence periods for applying, not processing times. The one-year category includes other statutory cases; check each case’s conditions.
Documents for Spanish nationality
The list depends on age, country and family circumstances. Common adult-application documents include:
- Identification and residenceValid passport and identification and residence documents.
- Birth certificateIssued by the origin country with the applicable legalisation and translation.
- Criminal recordsOrigin-country certificate and additional documents where necessary.
- Exams and feeCCSE and DELE evidence where applicable and fee payment receipt.
Before ordering certificates or translations, ask what your case needs. For documents in another language, we can help with sworn translation of Arabic, French and English.
Document reference: Order JUS/1625/2016 and its annex.
Exams for Spanish nationality
Generally, pass CCSE and prove Spanish through DELE A2 or higher. Exemptions and dispensations should be checked before registering.
Nationals of countries with Spanish as an official language are exempt from DELE under the rules. This does not automatically exempt them from CCSE.
Check which tests apply to you
Tell us about existing diplomas or possible exemption questions. We help organise this part of your application.
Information: Instituto Cervantes DELE A2, test regulations and dispensation procedure.
Your nationality application in three steps
Tell us your circumstances
State your nationality, when lawful residence began and whether you started applying. You can begin without attachments.
We organise the next step
We review preparation needs and explain services, budget and conditions before starting.
We move forward with you
We prepare documents for the contracted service and guide submission and follow-up.
Frequently asked questions about Spanish nationality
What does a nationality application cost?
The quote depends on work needed. Administrative fee, exams and professional fees are separate. Before contracting, we explain inclusions and separately paid costs.
How long does a nationality decision take?
Actual time varies by case and administration. Good preparation reduces document issues but guarantees neither date nor approval. Ask about your case and follow-up.
Can I apply online?
Yes. The Justice Ministry portal allows electronic filing with identification, signature and required documents. Representatives must prove authority. We explain this route and our service scope.
How do I check my application status?
The electronic portal offers residence-nationality case tracking. It does not replace official notification: monitor communications and document requests too.
Does marrying a Spanish national give me nationality?
Marriage does not automatically grant nationality. A one-year residence route exists after one year married to a Spanish national without legal or factual separation, with other requirements.
Can you help with a document request or refusal?
Contact us with the notice and date. We assess available guidance and services, including appeal assessment where relevant. Scope and quote are agreed before starting.
Take the first step towards Spanish nationality
Tell us your situation and clarify preparation needs. TRALIF offers personal guidance from Tomelloso and a quote tailored to your case.
General information reviewed on 9 October 2026. Official sources: Ministry of Justice, nationality electronic portal and Civil Code. Requirements and documents must be checked for each application.