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Civil Code Art. 22 · CCSE & DELE A2 Exams · Timelines from 3 to 24 Months
5 Main Routes to Acquisition
The Spanish Civil Code (Article 22) outlines five primary legal pathways for applying for Spanish nationality by residence or origin:
1. General Length of Residence
Requires 10 years of legal, continuous, and uninterrupted residency immediately preceding the application.
2. Marriage to a Spanish Citizen
A reduced requirement of just 1 year of legal residence alongside proof of marriage or registered partnership (pareja de hecho).
3. Nationals of Exempt Countries
2 years of legal residence for nationals of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, Andorra, and France.
4. Sephardic Origin & Special Merit
Granted upon proof of Sephardic Jewish ancestry originating from Spain or through a royal decree (carta de naturaleza).
5. By Origin or Birth
For individuals born to a Spanish parent or adopted by Spanish citizens.
In practice, the Registro Civil demands comprehensive proof of cohabitation (joint registration, lease, utility bills), a passing grade on the CCSE test, and a DELE A2 diploma. Lack of cohabitation evidence is the top reason for refusal.
Procedure, Timelines & Oath
Applications are submitted electronically through the Ministry of Justice online portal. Real resolution timelines in 2026 range from 3 to 24 months depending on regional civil registry caseloads.
Upon approval, the applicant undergoes the notarial oath (jura notarial). During the oath, applicants from countries without a dual nationality treaty with Spain sign a formal declaration of renunciation of their former nationality pursuant to Article 23 of the Civil Code.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Temporary Protection count towards residency?
Yes. According to DGRN doctrine and case law, the period under Temporary Protection status fully counts towards the legal residency requirement for citizenship.
Is DELE A2 required if I hold a degree taught in Spanish?
Official university degrees issued by Spanish-language institutions can exempt applicants from the DELE exam. An individual document review is recommended.
What happens if I fail the CCSE test?
The constitutional and sociocultural knowledge test can be retaken. Registration and scheduling are managed directly via the Instituto Cervantes portal.
Evaluate your eligibility and EU passport options:
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