Obtaining a Spanish passport marks the end of one integration cycle and the beginning of a new era of security and rights in Europe. However, Spanish nationality regulations can seem like a labyrinth of deadlines and documents.
At MBT Abogados, we specialize in simplifying this process, taking advantage of the legal benefits available to citizens of Latin American countries. We explain how you can obtain citizenship in just two years and how our team handles everything so you don't have to worry about a thing.
The benefit of the 2 years: A privileged path
Although the general rule in Spain requires 10 years of residence to apply for nationality, the law establishes reduced periods for certain groups.
If you are a national of any Ibero-American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or have Sephardic origin, you can start your application after only 2 years of legal and continuous residence in Spanish territory.
An important detail to know: For the clock to start ticking, your residency must be legal. You must have a valid residency permit (whether for work, non-lucrative residence, family reunification, or residency based on roots in the country) before submitting your application. Unfortunately, time spent on a student visa does not count towards this two-year period.
All the steps to obtain citizenship
Below, we detail step by step the legal process from preparing documents to obtaining the ID card.
1) Preparation of documentation at origin
The first step, and often the most complex, is obtaining documentation from the applicant's country of origin. For these documents to be valid in Spain, they must be original and recent. The essential documents are:
- Birth certificate: Duly legalized.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by the authorities of the country of origin.
Both documents must have the Hague Apostille (for countries that are signatories to the convention) or be legalized through diplomatic channels to be accepted by the Spanish Ministry of Justice.
2) Passing the integration tests (CCSE)
Except in cases of exemption (such as having completed secondary or university studies in Spain), the applicant must take the CCSE exam (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain), managed by the Cervantes Institute.
- This test certifies the degree of integration into Spanish society.
- Citizens of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from taking the language test (DELE), which speeds up the process.
3) Payment of fees and electronic submission
Once the documentation has been gathered and the exams passed, the Fee 790-026 must be paid, the current amount of which is €104.05.
The most efficient way to submit your application is through the Ministry of Justice's online portal. Professional online submission allows for immediate indexing of your file, which typically reduces waiting times compared to other registration methods.
4) The resolution phase and the act of "Oath"
After the Administration reviews the application and issues the grant award, the applicant has 180 days to take the oath of allegiance and swearing of allegiance to the flag. Currently, there are two ways to complete this process:
- Civil Registry: It is the traditional and free way, although the timeframes depend on the availability of appointments at each local registry.
- Via Notary: An option introduced to streamline the system. The applicant can take the oath before a Notary Public, which allows the process to be completed much more quickly (this involves the payment of notary fees).
5) Issuance of National Identity Document and Passport
With the sworn statement and the official birth certificate for the National Identity Document (issued by the Civil Registry), the new citizen must go to the Police Station to obtain their Spanish identity documents. In this final step, the fee for issuing the National Identity Document is paid, which is 12€.
Timeframes: How long will it take me to become Spanish?
The estimated resolution time is between 2 and 5 months, depending on the speed in obtaining apostilled documents in origin.
How can we help you?
At MBT Abogados we understand that bureaucratic burdens and uncertain deadlines can be obstacles. Therefore, we offer comprehensive management designed so that the client doesn't have to worry about the technical complexities of the process.
Our service includes:
- Complete Document Management: Depending on your country of origin, our firm can obtain your birth certificate and criminal record from your country of origin (including the Hague Apostille).
- Exam and Fee Management: We process your CCSE registration and manage the payment of all administrative fees.
- Presentation and Follow-up: We handle the professional online submission and monitor your file monthly until approval.
- Final Accompaniment: We advise you during the oath phase and manage your final appointment to obtain your ID card.
We offer a fixed price quote that guarantees complete transparency. If you wish to begin your journey toward citizenship with the assurance of an expert team, we invite you to contact our office for a personalized assessment.
We are a law firm specializing in services for citizens throughout Latin America. Our main office is in Barcelona, and we also offer in-person appointments in Madrid periodically. You can contact us by email or Whatsapp.
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Frequently Asked Questions / Spanish Nationality by Residence
- Who can apply?
Nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and people of Sephardic origin. - Does student time count?
No. The law requires legal "residence." Time spent on a student visa is considered a "stay" and does not count towards the period required for citizenship. - Do I need to have my residency permit valid?
Yes, it is essential that your residence permit is legal and valid at the time of submitting the application. - Do I have to renounce my previous nationality?
No. Thanks to dual nationality agreements, Latin American citizens can retain their original nationality and obtain Spanish nationality.
- What tests should I take?
If Spanish is your official language, you only need to pass the knowledge test (CCSE). You are exempt from the language test (DELE). - What are the official rates?
The Ministry of Justice fee is €104.05, the CCSE exam costs €85 and issuing the ID card at the police station costs €12. - How does it work for minors?
Minors under 18 do not take exams. If they are under 14, their parents sign; between 14 and 18, the minor signs along with their parents.
- How long does the process take?
With professional online submission, the current average resolution time ranges between 2 and 5 months.
- Civil Registry or Notary for the Oath?
The Civil Registry is free but slower. The notary route involves fees, but it's the fastest way to obtain a national identity card.
