‘How can I get a Spanish passport?’ – All you need to know

The Spanish passport is known to be one of the most powerful in the world.

A new ranking this week placed it in fifth position, although previous studies have placed it at number one alongside Singapore.

It’s no surprise then that many people are interested in becoming Spanish citizens and acquiring the document.

Below is a step‑by‑step guide based on current law and official sources.

1. Choose the right pathway

There are several routes to Spanish nationality:

• Nationality by residence – the most common route.
• Nationality by descent (‘por opción’) – for those born to Spanish parents or grandparents abroad.
• Nationality by marriage – available after one year of residency if married to a Spaniard.
• Special routes – such as for refugees (five years) or Sephardic Jews (two years).

2. Check residency requirements

If you’re pursuing nationality by residence, you must have legal, continuous presence in Spain:

• 10 years: standard.
• 5 years: for recognised refugees.
• 2 years: for nationals of Latin‑American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Jews of Sephardic origin.
• 1 year: in specific cases (e.g. married to a Spaniard, born in Spain, children/grandchildren of Spaniards).

Time spent outside Spain shouldn’t exceed six months per year during this period, or the clock may reset.

3. Obtain the right residency permit first

To build legal residence, start with a temporary visa:

• Work visa (if employed),
• Non‑lucrative visa (if you can financially support yourself),
• Or previously, the Golden Visa, though this ended in 2025.

Renew as needed to ensure continuous legal status.

4. Demonstrate integration

Spanish nationality requires showing your knowledge of the language and culture, you will need to pass:

• DELE A2 (Diploma de Español) – unless you’re from a Spanish‑speaking country.
• CCSE test – constitutional and sociocultural knowledge of Spain, 25 questions, with a pass mark of 15.

Some applicants, like minors or school graduates in Spain, may be exempt.

5. Assemble your documentation

Common requirements include:

• Valid passport + NIE/residence card,
• Birth certificate (apostilled & translated),
• Criminal record certificates from Spain and your home country,
• Proof of continuous residency (empadronamiento, passport stamps),
• DELE & CCSE certificates,
• Proof of financial means (e.g. employment, bank statements).

6. Submit the citizenship application

Apply via the Ministry of Justice’s online portal, or at the Civil Registry. A digital certificate is needed for online submissions.

Expect to pay a processing fee (around €104).

7. Wait for a decision

Legally, a response is due within 12 months, though practical wait times vary. Reports suggest some decisions arrive in a few months, depending on region and completeness of the file.

8. Take the oath and register

Once approved, you must take an oath of allegiance to the Spanish Constitution and King.

Afterwards, you’re registered in the Civil Registry and obtain a Spanish DNI (identity card).

9. Apply for your Spanish passport

With DNI in hand, apply at a National Police station or Spanish consulate:

• Provide DNI, photos, and form EX‑15.
• Biometric data will be taken.
• A fee of around €30 applies.

Spanish passports are valid for 5 years (or 10 years if over 30) and allow visa-free travel to many countries.

10. Understand dual nationality rules

Spain allows dual nationality without renouncing your previous citizenship only if you’re from Latin America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal.

Others must formally renounce their original one.