Good to know · Legal
Spanish nationality by residence: how it works
Nationality by residence generally requires 10 years of legal, continuous residence immediately before applying, good civic conduct, integration shown through Instituto Cervantes tests (DELE A2 and CCSE), and an oath or promise; shorter periods and some exemptions apply to listed groups.
- Why it matters
- A long-term goal for some residents. Knowing the rules early helps because the required residence must be legal, continuous and immediately before the application.
- When
- You are approaching the required years of legal residence or want to understand the long-term path.
- How long it takes
- The regulation sets one year from the application’s entry at the Dirección General for the resolution; without an express decision the application is treated as denied (administrative silence).
- Official page
- Acquisition of nationality by residence
- Last checked
- 23 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 4 steps, what to bring (6 items), and 3 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
A request for exemption from the Instituto Cervantes tests must be made before the nationality application is filed, and is resolved within six months, with silence meaning refusal (Orden JUS/1625/2016, art. 10).
Do these first
- Renew temporary residence and move to long-term residence (5 years)
- Take the CCSE exam (constitutional and sociocultural knowledge)
- Take the DELE A2 Spanish exam for nationality
- Apply for Spanish nationality by residence online
- Learn Spanish at official schools and get certified
- Obtain the TIE residence card