Spanish nationality

How to Obtain Spanish Nationality If You Already Live in Spain: A Clear Guide for Foreign Individuals and Families

“We’ve been living in Spain for years, our children were born here, they go to school, we work, we pay taxes… When will we truly be considered Spanish?”

This is a question we hear daily from people who have spent years building their lives in Spain—with effort, patience, and strong roots. Obtaining Spanish nationality is not just a legal formality: it marks the closure of a migration journey and the beginning of a new stage of stability and belonging.

In this article, we explain all the legal pathways to acquire Spanish nationality, using a clear and accessible approach while maintaining the technical precision these procedures require. We’ll also share real-life cases (with fictional names) to help you relate to the most common situations.

1. What Is Spanish Nationality and Why Is It So Important?

Spanish nationality is not just a legal status that defines your relationship with the Spanish State. It also represents full integration into a community, official recognition of your life story in the country, and unrestricted access to the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Acquiring Spanish nationality means leaving behind your dependence on residence and work permits, and gaining the same rights and duties as any other Spanish citizen. This includes:

Political rights, such as voting and standing for election in municipal, regional, and national elections.
Freedom of movement throughout the European Union and the Schengen Area, without the need for visas or special permits.
Full legal equality under the law: access to public healthcare, education, scholarship systems, public employment, social protection, and government resources on an equal footing.
The ability to move to and live in other European countries with the same ease as any EU citizen.
Simplified family reunification, especially for spouses, children, and parents, with faster procedures and fewer requirements than standard residence permits.
The ability to pass on nationality to underage children, or even help relatives access residence or nationality, depending on the case.

🧩 Everyday Example: Sonia, an Ecuadorian woman, has lived in Spain for over 15 years. Her 8-year-old son was born in Madrid but remains a foreign national. When she acquires Spanish nationality, her son becomes eligible as well, and she can apply for a public job as an administrative assistant in her local council.

From a personal and emotional standpoint, many people see the acquisition of nationality as the closing of a circle: after years of adaptation, sacrifices, work, and contribution to the country, they finally feel they are a full part of society.

It’s true that the process may seem complex. It requires gathering documents, meeting certain requirements, going through interviews, and sometimes facing long waits. But with the support of experienced professionals, it becomes a well-structured process, with clear expectations, free of errors that could delay or jeopardize the outcome.

✅ Our advice: Before starting the process, make sure you fully understand which nationality option applies to your case and what requirements you must meet. Good planning is the first step toward a successful result.

2. Types of Spanish Nationality: Which Path Applies to You?

Not all foreign nationals obtain Spanish nationality through the same pathway. Spanish law provides for different methods of acquisition, depending on a person’s origin, family situation, length of residence in the country, or exceptional circumstances.

Understanding which path applies to your situation is essential to avoid mistakes in your application, save time, and submit the appropriate documentation from the very beginning. In fact, many applications are rejected because the wrong procedure was followed or the type of nationality being requested was not properly justified.

These are the main legally recognized forms of acquiring Spanish nationality:

Nationality by origin: for those born Spanish, even if their parents are not.
Nationality by residence: for those who have lived in Spain for a specified period and meet the legal requirements.
Nationality by option: for children or adoptees of Spaniards who were not born as Spanish nationals.
Nationality by carta de naturaleza: granted by the Government in exceptional cases.
Nationality by presumption: for minors born in Spain whose parents cannot pass on their own nationality.
Nationality by possession of status: for those who have lived as Spaniards in good faith, believing themselves to be Spanish for years.

Each of these pathways has specific conditions, timeframes, and required documentation. There is no single procedure—your correct path depends entirely on your personal history.

👩‍⚖️ Realistic Example: Fatima was born in Morocco and has lived in Spain for 12 years with a residence permit. She qualifies for nationality by residence. However, her underage son born in Seville, who cannot obtain Moroccan nationality due to consular issues, could be considered Spanish by presumption.

In the following sections, we will explain each of these options in detail, with practical examples and legal guidance to help you identify which path applies to you and how to begin it with confidence.

2.1. Spanish Nationality by Origin

Spanish nationality by origin is the most direct and automatic way to acquire nationality. It does not require a formal application, as it is granted from birth, under the principle of original attribution.

This type of nationality is considered the most legally solid, as it cannot be lost as a sanction and may only be revoked in extremely rare situations (such as a court-annulled adoption).

It is granted in the following cases:

a) Children of Spanish fathers or mothers

If at least one parent is Spanish at the time of birth, the child automatically acquires Spanish nationality, whether born in or outside Spain.

🧩 Example: Ana is Spanish and her husband, Daniel, is Argentine. Their daughter was born in Buenos Aires. Even though she was born outside Spanish territory, the child is Spanish by origin through parentage.

b) Children born in Spain to foreign parents, where at least one parent was also born in Spain

This case focuses on the second generation of immigrants. If both parents are foreign but one of them was born in Spain, the child born in Spain is considered Spanish by origin, due to territorial connection and generational continuity.

🧩 Example: Ahmed, born in Barcelona, is the son of Moroccan parents. As an adult, he marries Zineb, also Moroccan, and they have a child in Spain. Although neither parent holds Spanish nationality, the child automatically acquires it because the father (Ahmed) was also born in Spain.

c) Children born in Spain when neither parent can pass on their nationality to the child

This is known as "nationality by simple presumption," regulated under Article 17(c) of the Civil Code. It applies to minors born in Spain to foreign parents when the laws of the parents' home countries do not automatically grant nationality to the child.

In these cases, to avoid statelessness, the Spanish State recognizes the child as a national from birth. This recognition is processed through the Civil Registry in an administrative procedure.

🧩 Realistic Example: Camila and Igor, Russian citizens, have a daughter in Barcelona. Under Russian law, if they do not register their daughter at the consulate, she does not automatically acquire Russian nationality. In such a situation, and if foreign nationality cannot be proven, Spain may recognize the child as Spanish by origin through simple presumption.

Documentation and Procedure

In cases of nationality by origin through presumption, although it is an automatic acquisition, it is still necessary to process the case through the Civil Registry so that the minor can be officially registered as Spanish. The requirements may include:

Birth certificates of the parents and the child.
Proof that the foreign laws do not attribute nationality to the child.
Consular reports or certificates.
National ID (DNI) or Foreigner ID (NIE) of the parents.
Certificate of registration at the local municipal registry (padrón).

✅ Professional advice: Each country has different rules regarding the transmission of nationality. It is essential to consult a specialized lawyer to determine whether nationality is automatically conferred and how this should be documented before the Spanish Civil Registry.

2.2. Spanish Nationality by Residence

Nationality by residence is the most commonly used route by foreign nationals who have been legally living in Spain for years. Unlike nationality by origin (which is granted automatically), this type must be formally applied for and requires compliance with certain conditions related to residence duration, conduct, and level of integration into Spanish society.

Requirement of Continuous Residence ⏱

The main requirement is to have resided legally, continuously, and immediately prior to the application in Spain for a specific period. The general period is 10 years, but there are significant reductions depending on the applicant’s circumstances:

10 years: for most foreign citizens.
5 years: for persons who have obtained refugee status in Spain.
2 years: for nationals of countries with historical ties to Spain, such as:
- Ibero-American countries (e.g., Colombia, Peru, Argentina, etc.)
- The Philippines
- Equatorial Guinea
- Andorra
- People of Sephardic origin (with accredited links)
1 year: in special cases provided for in Article 22.2 of the Civil Code, including:
- People born on Spanish territory.
- Those who have been under the legal guardianship or care of Spanish citizens or institutions for at least two consecutive years.
- People married to Spanish citizens for at least one year (provided they are not legally or de facto separated).
- Widows or widowers of Spanish citizens, if not legally separated at the time of death.
- Children or grandchildren of Spanish nationals by origin.

📌 Important: Residence time must be proven with legal documentation (valid residence card, renewals, continuous municipal registration certificates, etc.). Time spent in irregular status does not count.

Good Civic Conduct ⚖️

Applicants must have no criminal or police records in Spain or in their country of origin. Any records must be formally expunged, if applicable. Social behavior is also evaluated: serious debts, document fraud, or administrative sanctions can negatively affect the application.

Level of Integration: DELE and CCSE Exams 🧠

To demonstrate integration, applicants must pass two official exams from the Instituto Cervantes:

DELE A2: Spanish language test (not required for citizens of Spanish-speaking countries or those who can prove education in Spanish).
CCSE: Test on constitutional and sociocultural knowledge of Spain.

Both exams are offered several times per year, and exemptions are available for people over 70 years old or those with recognized disabilities.

🧩 Practical Example

Mariana, a Colombian citizen, has been living with her family in Valencia for three years. She holds a long-term residence permit, works as an administrative assistant, and pays taxes. After completing two years of legal residence in Spain (as a national of an Ibero-American country), she can begin her nationality application. We help her prepare the form, gather her apostilled criminal record certificates, registration certificates, and CCSE test results, and submit her application digitally through the platform provided by the Ministry of Justice.

Cases Requiring Only One Year of Residence 🧾

Some individuals may apply for nationality with just one year of legal residence. This includes:

Those married to Spanish citizens, provided they have legally lived together for at least one year and are not separated.
Widows or widowers of Spanish citizens, if no legal separation existed at the time of death.
Individuals born in Spain, even if they did not acquire Spanish nationality at birth.
People who have been under legal guardianship or foster care of Spanish citizens or institutions for two consecutive years.
Children or grandchildren of Spanish nationals by origin, even if not born in Spain.

✅ Professional recommendation: Before submitting your application, make sure the minimum legal residence period has been met exactly. Many applications are rejected for being filed just a few days before completing the required one or two years.

Common Mistakes in This Path 🚫

Overlooking interruptions in registration or legal residence.
Applying before meeting the exact minimum residence requirement.
Failing to legalize or properly translate documents like criminal records.
Not adequately proving cohabitation with a Spanish spouse in marriage cases.
Failing to take the required exams or justify the exemption from them.

Nationality by residence is not automatically granted. It is a discretionary procedure in which the administration evaluates the applicant’s conduct, social integration, submitted documentation, and the coherence of the entire case file.

2.3. Spanish Nationality by Option

Nationality by option is not a discretionary grant, but a right recognized by law that allows certain foreign individuals to acquire Spanish nationality due to a direct or derived relationship with a Spanish citizen. It does not require years of residence in Spain, but it does require meeting very specific personal conditions.

This right must be exercised within specific timeframes, so it is important to act with proper legal advice in order not to miss the opportunity.

Who can opt for Spanish nationality?

According to Article 20 of the Spanish Civil Code, the following individuals may exercise the right to opt:

a) Individuals who are or have been under the parental authority of a Spanish citizen
This includes underage children (biological or adopted) of Spanish citizens. It can also apply if the parental authority was exercised in the past, even if it no longer exists at the time of the application.
🧩 Practical example: Brayan, age 12, came to Spain from Bolivia with his mother. His mother married a Spanish citizen who later legally adopted him. Brayan can opt for Spanish nationality due to having been under the parental authority of a Spanish citizen.
b) Individuals whose father or mother was Spanish and born in Spain
Even if they did not acquire nationality at birth, they may opt for it if one of their parents was a Spanish national by origin (i.e., born in Spanish territory).
🧩 Example: Luisa was born in Mexico. Her mother was also born there, but her maternal grandmother was born in Seville and never lost her nationality. Luisa can opt for Spanish nationality if her mother recovers her own nationality and proves the family link.
c) Individuals adopted by Spanish citizens after reaching adulthood
If a foreign national is adopted by a Spanish citizen as an adult, they may exercise their right to opt for Spanish nationality within two years following the adoption.
📌 Note: If the adoption takes place while the adopted person is still a minor, nationality is acquired automatically as nationality by origin.
🧩 Realistic example: Ahmed, age 17, was adopted by a Spanish couple six months ago. He may opt for nationality by option without having to wait years of residence or fulfill other conditions. The procedure is carried out before the Civil Registry.

Formal Requirements to Exercise the Option

Although it is not an evaluative procedure like nationality by residence, a formal legal process must still be followed. It is processed before the Civil Registry, usually in the applicant’s place of residence.

The requirements include:

A document proving the relationship with the Spanish citizen (e.g., literal birth certificate, family book, adoption resolution, etc.).
The applicant’s identity document.
Literal birth certificate registered in the country of origin (legalized and translated if applicable).
Proof of nationality of the Spanish parent or adoptive parent (DNI or certificate from the Civil Registry).

What Are the Deadlines to Exercise the Right?

The right of option is not indefinite. The general time limits are:

Up to age 20, if the applicant acquired parental authority or the family link before reaching legal adulthood (unless the personal law of the applicant sets adulthood at 19 years old, in which case the limit is 21).
In cases of adoption of adults, the deadline is two years from the adoption date.
If the applicant does not reside in Spain, they may exercise the option before the Spanish consulate in the country of residence.

✅ Professional recommendation: Although this procedure is simpler compared to other routes, documentation errors, incomplete translations, or lack of guidance on deadlines can result in missed opportunities.

2.4. Nationality by Presumption ("Simple Presumption Value")

Spanish nationality by simple presumption is regulated under Article 17(c) of the Civil Code and applies to minors born in Spain whose parents are both foreigners, when neither parent can pass on their nationality to the child automatically, according to the legislation of their country of origin.

In these cases, to prevent the child from becoming stateless, the Spanish State presumes that the child is Spanish from birth and authorizes their registration as such in the Spanish Civil Registry.

This pathway is especially relevant for families from countries where nationality is not granted simply by the fact that the parents are nationals, or where specific registration at the consulate or other formalities are required for the child to acquire nationality.

What Does “Presumption” Mean?

It means that Spain acts in favor of the child by applying a legal presumption of nationality. It is not that the nationality is “granted” as a favor or discretionary decision, but rather presumed from birth due to the absence of another automatically assignable nationality.

This type of nationality is considered nationality by origin, with full legal effects: the child may obtain a Spanish ID (DNI) and passport, and it confers the same rights as any other form of original nationality.

Practical Example

Tatiana and Pavel, Russian citizens, have a child in Madrid. According to Russian legislation, the child may only acquire Russian nationality if the parents register them at the Russian consulate and complete a specific procedure. They decide not to do so. In this case, the Spanish Civil Registry may determine that the child has no other automatically attributed nationality and proceed to register them as Spanish under the value of simple presumption.

Procedure and Documentation

The procedure is carried out at the Civil Registry corresponding to the place of birth of the child. It is not automatic: documentation must be submitted proving that neither parent can directly pass on their nationality. This usually includes:

Literal birth certificate of the child born in Spain.
Birth certificates of the parents.
Documentation proving the national laws of the parents' countries (consular reports or legal certificates).
A sworn statement from the parents declaring that they have not registered the child with their consulate and that no other nationality has been assigned.

In some cases, the Civil Registry may request a report from the Ministry of Justice to confirm whether this presumption applies.

Important

This procedure may only be requested while the child is still a minor, preferably in early childhood. Once the child grows up and acquires another nationality (for example, if they are later registered at a consulate), this presumption can no longer be applied.

Professional Recommendation

Many parents are unaware of this possibility and fail to apply in time. If you have a child born in Spain and are unsure about their nationality status, we strongly recommend consulting a specialized lawyer or visiting the Civil Registry as soon as possible to determine whether this option may be applied.

2.5. Spanish Nationality by Carta de Naturaleza

Spanish nationality by carta de naturaleza is an exceptional and discretionary pathway through which the Spanish Government, by Royal Decree, may grant nationality to a foreign individual without requiring residence periods, exams, or any other ordinary prerequisites.

This modality is regulated under Article 21.1 of the Civil Code and is granted when exceptional circumstances exist, whether for reasons of national interest, humanitarian grounds, or special ties with Spain.

What Does “Discretionary” Mean?

It means that the decision to grant nationality lies solely at the discretion of the Government. It is not a right, as with nationality by option, nor a general procedure like nationality by residence. Although individuals may voluntarily submit an application, the process may also be initiated by the State itself (for example, by the Ministry of Justice).

What Kind of Cases May Qualify Under This Path?

There is no closed list, but some common examples include:

Individuals who have made significant contributions to sports, culture, art, the economy, or science in Spain.
Urgent humanitarian cases, such as seriously ill persons, asylum seekers with strong ties to Spain, or victims of international conflicts with established connections to the country.
Historical or emotional ties with Spain, especially in situations not addressed by other pathways.

🧩 Notable Example 1: A top-level athlete representing Spain in international competitions who cannot compete officially without a Spanish passport may be granted nationality through this route within a few months, due to national interest.

🧩 Notable Example 2: A Cuban artist residing in Spain for several years, whose works have been exhibited in national museums and awarded by the State, may obtain nationality for notable cultural contributions.

🧩 Notable Example 3: A foreign orphaned minor with a disability, taken in by a Spanish family and unable to obtain another nationality, may receive Spanish nationality on humanitarian grounds without needing to meet residency requirements.

How Is It Requested?

The application must be submitted to the Ministry of Justice, justifying the extraordinary circumstances. It is essential to provide:

The applicant’s identity documentation.
Evidence supporting the merits, ties, or humanitarian reasons.
Letters or reports from institutions, academies, official organizations, or authorities endorsing the application.
In some cases, a report from the Council of Ministers is also required.

There is no single standard form or fixed processing time. The procedure may take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the institutional support behind it.

Professional Recommendation

Given its extraordinary nature, the application must be thoroughly substantiated with objective evidence, letters of support, and a strong case explaining the public interest that justifies the grant. The involvement of an experienced legal team can make the difference between an approved application and one that is shelved.

2.6. Spanish Nationality by Possession of Status

Nationality by possession of status (posesión de estado) is a little-known and rarely used path, but it is fully valid under Spanish law. It is regulated under Article 18 of the Civil Code and applies in very specific situations—when a person has acted as a Spanish national for an extended period, believing in good faith that they were one.

This type of nationality is not acquired by application, as in the case of nationality by residence or by option. Instead, it is recognized if certain legal conditions are met and if the individual has demonstrated a consistent appearance of being a Spanish national for at least 10 years.

Key Requirements

To have nationality recognized by possession of status, four essential conditions must be met:

The person must have used Spanish nationality for at least 10 years.
This must have been done in good faith—that is, genuinely believing they were Spanish.
The person must have been recorded as Spanish in public registers, such as the Civil Registry or municipal census.
They must have held a valid Spanish document (DNI or passport) issued by Spanish authorities during that time.

The possession must be constant, public, and continuous—not interrupted by actions or situations that contradict the assumption of nationality.

📌 Important: This provision does not apply if the person knew they were not Spanish and acted fraudulently. Good faith is a critical element for this path to be valid.

Practical Example

Luis was born abroad but was mistakenly registered as Spanish in the Civil Registry of a town in Andalusia by his grandparents. Since the age of 5, he has lived in Spain, held a DNI, been registered in the municipal census, studied in public schools, and traveled using a Spanish passport. At age 18, he discovers that legally, he was not a Spanish national by origin. However, having used Spanish nationality in good faith for over 10 years, he may request that his nationality be recognized through possession of status.

How Is It Processed?

The procedure is usually initiated before the Civil Registry or the Ministry of Justice, with all documentation proving continued use of Spanish nationality:

Literal certification from the Civil Registry showing him as Spanish.
Copies of official documents: DNI, passport, health card, school certificates, etc.
Proof of residence in Spain, historical registration in the census, or participation in electoral processes.
Sworn declaration of good faith.

In some cases, a report from the Public Prosecutor or a court ruling may be required to determine whether the conditions truly apply.

Important Considerations

If it is shown that the person acted in bad faith or deceived the administration, recognition will be denied.
Possession of status is not transferable: if it is recognized for one person, it does not automatically apply to their children.
There are no specific deadlines for applying, but it is advisable to begin the process as soon as the situation is identified.

Professional Recommendation

As this is a sensitive and uncommon procedure, it is essential to have a detailed legal analysis and a thoroughly documented case. Any error in the documentation or misinterpretation of the law can prevent recognition of nationality.

3. What Are the Timeframes and Required Documentation?

One of the most common questions from those starting the process of applying for Spanish nationality is how long the procedure takes and which documents need to be prepared. Although the law provides indicative deadlines, in practice, the resolution times are often longer, and proper preparation of documentation is key to avoiding delays, additional requests, or even denials.

Resolution Timeframes ⏱

The maximum legal deadline for resolution is 1 year, counted from the date the application is formally accepted for processing.
However, in practice, many applications take between 1 and 3 years, depending on the workload of the Ministry of Justice, the Autonomous Community where it is processed, and whether there are errors or missing documents.
In the case of administrative silence (that is, if one year passes after acceptance without a resolution), the applicant may:
- Wait for a resolution (although the case remains open).
- File a contentious-administrative appeal before the Audiencia Nacional to obtain a judicial response.

📌 Important: Administrative silence does not mean automatic approval. It only allows you to take the matter to court to demand a decision.

Common Required Documentation 📁

Valid NIE and full passport (including all pages, even blank ones).
Literal birth certificate from the country of origin, legalized or apostilled, and translated by a sworn translator if not in Spanish.
Criminal record certificate from the applicant’s home country (and any other countries of residence during the past five years), recently issued, legalized/apostilled, and officially translated.
Historical and current registration certificate (empadronamiento), proving uninterrupted residence in Spain.
Exams from the Instituto Cervantes:
- DELE level A2 or higher (unless the applicant is from a Spanish-speaking country or qualifies for exemption).
Proof of integration into Spanish society, which may include:
- Employment contracts and payslips.
- School certificates from Spain (for the applicant or their children).
- Participation in associations, neighborhood groups, or volunteer activities.
- Social integration report (in some cases required by the administration).

Additional Documents Depending on the Case 🧾

Marriage certificate with a Spanish citizen (if applying through marriage).
Family book and birth certificates of children (if applicable).
Adoption resolution or guardianship ruling (in cases of nationality by option).
Consular or legal report on non-attribution of nationality to a minor (in cases of simple presumption).

✅ Professional recommendation: All foreign documents must be properly legalized or apostilled and translated by a sworn translator recognized in Spain. Many applications are delayed or denied due to errors at this stage.

Where Is the Application Submitted? 📤

Currently, applications for nationality by residence are submitted electronically through the Ministry of Justice’s online platform, using a digital certificate or with the assistance of an authorized lawyer.

They may also be submitted at the Civil Registry or at official assistance offices for registration procedures, although processing times are usually longer there.

Final Advice

Prepare all documentation in advance, check its validity (many certificates are only valid for a limited time), and make sure you meet the deadlines before applying. A well-structured, complete, and coherent application is far more likely to be approved and resolved without unnecessary delays.

4. What Mistakes Are Commonly Made in the Process?

Although the process of applying for Spanish nationality may seem straightforward on the surface, a large number of rejections or long delays are due to avoidable mistakes. Properly preparing the application and understanding the technical and administrative details of the process is essential to avoid frustration, wasted time, and—often—having to start over from scratch.

Below are the most frequent mistakes and how to prevent them:

• Applying Before Meeting the Exact Legal Residency Period ❌

One of the most common errors is submitting the application even a few days before having completed the minimum required legal residence period (1, 2, 5, or 10 years, depending on the case). The law is strict on this point: the full legal residency period must have passed immediately prior to the application.

📌 Common example: A Colombian citizen applies exactly two years after obtaining their residence permit, not realizing that the card was issued one week late. The application is rejected for not having completed the full required period.

Recommendation: Always wait a few extra days after meeting the legal requirement and verify the timing with a legal professional.

• Improperly Legalized or Untranslated Documents ❌

Another frequent mistake is submitting foreign documents without consular legalization, Hague Apostille, or without an official sworn translation into Spanish. All documents issued abroad must meet the formal requirements established by the Spanish administration.

📌 Typical example: A criminal record certificate is submitted in English without a sworn translation. The administration deems it invalid and issues a request that delays processing by several months.

Recommendation: Check that all documents are properly legalized and translated before submission.

• Failing to Demonstrate Sufficient Integration ❌

Although passing the CCSE and DELE exams is mandatory in most cases, the administration also evaluates the applicant’s degree of integration into Spanish society. A life disconnected from the local environment (no job, no studies, no community activity) may raise concerns in the file.

📌 Realistic example: An applicant passes the exams but does not work, is not continuously registered, and shows no social ties. The case may be negatively impacted due to a lack of integration.

Recommendation: Always accompany the application with documents proving genuine ties to Spain: employment, studies, volunteer work, children’s schooling, etc.

• Not Responding Correctly or Within the Deadline to Requirements ❌

The Directorate-General for Legal Security and Public Faith (DGSJyFP) may issue requests for corrections or additional documents. Many applicants fail to respond properly or miss the deadline (typically 3 months), resulting in expiration or rejection of the case.

📌 Frequent example: The Ministry requests a sworn translation of a certificate, and the applicant responds with a non-official translation or submits it late. The case is closed.

Recommendation: Regularly check the status of the case on the electronic platform and respond to any requests with professional support.

• Lack of Consistency and Order in the Application File ❌

A file with incomplete, disorganized, or inconsistent documentation (e.g., conflicting dates, duplicate data, or irregular registrations) raises doubts and slows down resolution.

Recommendation: Organize all documents before submission, including a clear index, legible copies, and consistent narrative throughout the file.

A poorly prepared application can lead not only to direct rejection but also to years of delay and unnecessary frustration. Remember that obtaining nationality is a major legal step, and having legal guidance from the start can save you time, money, and complications.

5. Experience Makes the Difference

Applying for Spanish nationality is not just about filling out a form and submitting documents. It is an administrative process that requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and a comprehensive understanding of constantly evolving regulations. Many applications fail or become excessively delayed not due to a lack of merit on the part of the applicant, but because of formal errors, unintentional omissions, or the absence of a legal strategy.

In our team, we have had the privilege of guiding hundreds of families and foreign individuals through this process. We’ve seen all kinds of situations: from single mothers with children born in Spain to mixed-nationality marriages, senior citizens, students, long-term residents, and minors under guardianship. Every case is unique and deserves a tailored approach.

We know how to:

Identify potential legal obstacles in documentation early (e.g., unexpunged criminal records, interrupted census registrations, nationalities not recognized by other states, etc.).
Optimize the file with the most appropriate documents to demonstrate integration, good conduct, and strong ties.
Address requests for corrections quickly and effectively, avoiding unnecessary delays.
Escalate the case in court if the administration fails to respond, using judicial proceedings to obtain a binding resolution.

But beyond the technical aspects, we also understand what this process means to you. We know that nationality is not just an administrative matter: it is a way of feeling truly part of a country that is already your home, of securing your children's future, of closing a long chapter of permits, renewals, and immigration procedures.

That’s why we work with empathy, dedication, and a human approach—without ever compromising the legal rigor needed to achieve results. Our experience allows us to anticipate problems before they arise and to make the process clearer, faster, and more secure for you.

🤝 Because obtaining Spanish nationality should not be a source of stress, but the beginning of a new stage of legal stability and personal fulfillment.

So… Is Now the Right Time?

If you’ve been building your life in Spain for a long time, if your children were born here, if you’ve worked, studied, contributed to the country’s economy… then maybe it’s time to take the step you’ve been considering: applying for Spanish nationality.

It’s not just a legal change. It’s a formal recognition of your effort, your long-term presence, your current roots, and your desire to continue growing here—with full rights and no bureaucratic barriers. It means leaving behind the uncertainty of renewals, conditions, and permits, and officially becoming part of a society that already feels like your own.

Many people delay this decision out of fear, insecurity, or lack of information.

But the truth is that with proper preparation and professional support, the process can be clear, predictable, and successful. You are not alone.

We can help you.

We’ll guide you on which path applies to your case, what documents you need, how to prepare a complete application, and how to act in case of delays or requirements. Our goal is not only for you to obtain nationality, but for you to experience the process with peace of mind and confidence.

Get in touch with our team and let’s start this journey toward your nationality together.
We’ll listen to you, guide you, and support you every step of the way.