Change to Spanish Nationality
David Wilde • 8 October 2019
A guide to applying for Spanish Nationality (Citizenship) through residency
With the uncertainty of Brexit, several of our customers have recently enquired about what it actually takes to become a Spanish National (Citizen). In this blog, I explain what to expect when applying.
First of all, it's important to know if you qualify to apply. It is necessary to have been a registered resident in Spain for a minimum of 10 years before applying (this length of time is shorter if you are married to a Spanish citizen or if you are from certain Latin-American countries). Please note that Spain doesn't recognise dual-nationality with most nations. Therefore you would be expected to renounce your nationality (in the eyes of Spain).
If you match this criteria then you will have to take two exams, the first is a language exam (level A2) and a cultural exam (CCSE). Both of these exams can be taken in Dénia, on several dates throughout the year. For more information regarding the exam structure, past papers and courses, get in touch with us.
Once the exams are past, we then have to apply for several documents in your country of birth. For example, your birth certificate and police records check (all documents have to be legalised with the Hague Apostle). Due to the fact that each country has a different system, we ask the individual to apply for them online via their own government's website. We will assist you with this process.
When your documentation arrives from your country of birth, we have all of the documents sworn translated into Spanish.
The final stage is applying via the National College of Gestores Administrativos.
It is important to note that due to the fact we apply via the National College, as opposed to the 'Ministerio de Justicia', the application times are heavily reduced.
The typical amount of time it takes, should you apply yourself through the ministry, is around 3 to 4 years.
Although there is no fixed time as such, we generally expect our applications back within 18 months of application.
At LingoMar, we have prepared a complete package which takes care of the whole process for you. We book and pay for the exams and our immigration specialist oversees the complete administrative process. The only thing you have to do yourself is study for and pass the exams and apply for your documents from your country of birth (which we will assist you with).
Our pack costs 875 Euros. This price includes IVA, all goverment taxes and charges, the exam fees and all necessary sworn document translations.
Please note, the price does not include the cost of obtaining your documents from your country of birth.
We are at your disposal should you wish to ask any questions or go ahead with the Spanish Nationality application.