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How to obtain Spanish residency in 2024?

 

How to Apply for Spanish Nationality in 2024: Requirements, Deadlines and Documentation.

 

Spanish nationality is an important objective for those seeking greater stability and rights in Spain. However, there are several ways to obtain Spanish nationality, each with its own requirements and timeframe. In this article, we explain the different ways to obtain Spanish nationality in 2024, who must take the CCSE nationality exam, and the necessary documents.

 

General Requirements: Legal and Continuous Residence.

 

For most applicants, it is essential to comply with a period of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This general period is 10 years for most foreigners, although there are certain exceptions:

• Five years for refugees.
• Two years for nationals of countries with historical or cultural links to Spain, such as Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and all Latin American countries.
• One year for those born in Spain or people married to a Spanish citizen.

It is important to clarify that residence must be legal and continuous, and applicants must have a valid visa or residence permit, with no history of having been in an irregular situation in Spain.

 

Who must take the Spanish nationality test?

 

One of the most important parts of the naturalisation process is the Spanish nationality test. This exam is compulsory for most applicants, although there are certain exceptions:

• Those who opt for nationality by birth are exempt from the exam.
• For all other applicants over 16 years of age and with the capacity to act, the exam is compulsory.
• The nationality exam includes two tests: the DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) to assess Spanish language proficiency and the CCSE (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España) to assess knowledge of Spanish culture and laws. It is important to note that citizens from Latin American countries and those who have studied ESO or Bachillerato in Spain are exempt from the DELE, but must still pass the CCSE exam.

 

 

Deadlines for obtaining Spanish nationality

 

Once the period of residence has been completed and the dossier has been submitted, obtaining nationality can take between one and three years to complete. The length of the process depends on the processing of the dossier and the passing of the exams, if necessary. Therefore, if you are considering applying for Spanish nationality, it is advisable to start the process well in advance and make sure you have all the documentation in order.

 

Ways to obtain Spanish Nationality in 2024

 

There are three main ways to obtain Spanish nationality, each with its own requirements:

• Nationality by Residence: Requires a period of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the most common route for foreigners who have lived in the country uninterruptedly and with a valid legal status.
• Nationality by Origin: This option applies to people born in Spain to foreign parents, if they meet certain criteria, or to children of Spanish citizens born outside the country.

• Nationality by family roots: This route is aimed at people with certain family ties to Spanish citizens or who are entitled to nationality due to special circumstances, such as direct kinship.

It is essential to remember that having nationality and having a visa or residence permit are not the same thing. Nationality confers citizenship rights and duties, while a visa or residence permit only grants permission to stay temporarily or permanently in Spain