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Path to Spanish nationality by residence

Reviewed on October 28, 2026

Summary

You can apply for Spanish nationality if you have lived in Spain legally and without breaks for a certain time: 10 years in general, 5 if you are a refugee, 2 if you are from an Ibero-American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal (or Sephardic), and 1 year in special cases. Usually you must pass two Instituto Cervantes exams (CCSE and DELE A2) and pay a fee of 104,05 €. You apply online on the e-office of the Ministerio de Justicia (Ministry of Justice). The law gives 1 year to decide, but in practice it usually takes longer; after that you have 180 days to swear or promise (jura o promesa).

Who is this for?

For foreigners who live in Spain with legal residence (residence permit, TIE, refugee status) and want to become Spanish. It does not apply to nationality by option (opción), by origin or by carta de naturaleza (special grant).

Key facts

Residence needed
10 years general · 5 refugees · 2 Ibero-Americans, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardic Jews · 1 year special cases
Nationality fee
104,05 € (modelo 790 código 026)
CCSE exam
85 € (check at examenes.cervantes.es)
DELE A2 exam
About 138 € in Spain in 2026 (it varies by centre; check)
Legal time to decide
1 year; if they do not answer, it is treated as refused (silencio negativo, 'negative silence')
Oath or promise
Within 180 days after you are notified that it is granted
Where to apply
Ministerio de Justicia e-office (online)

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Official sources

Nuevo en España offers public information from official sources, quoted and dated. It is not legal advice, it does not book appointments (cita previa) and it does not carry out procedures on anyone's behalf. Rules change: always check the linked official source. For your specific case, consult a lawyer or a free support organisation for migrants.

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