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How to obtain Spanish citizenship: through investment in real estate, naturalisation and more

Home » Blog » How to obtain Spanish citizenship: through investment in real estate, naturalisation and more

A state with a population of 48 million people offers a clear algorithm for those who want to understand how to obtain Spanish citizenship. The Law on Foreigners (LOEX) has systematised all channels – from naturalisation to investment. The period of residence, the amount of capital, the legality of the source of income, the level of integration – each criterion affects the result. Practice shows: the key to the passport is hidden in the details.

Property investments: capital works for status

Citizenship is not granted directly for the purchase of assets. The golden visa mechanism opens a direct path to residence permit and then to permanent residence and naturalisation. Since 2013, the investor admission programme offers a simplified procedure if the applicant has purchased a home for €500,000 or more without loans. This amount is sufficient for an apartment in Alicante, a townhouse in Malaga or a penthouse in Valencia.

The path includes:

  • the purchase of the property;
  • processing the application through a consulate or in-country;
  • processing of an investor visa with the right to work;
  • renewal of the residence permit after two years;
  • applying for permanent residence in five years;
  • formalisation of citizenship status after 10 years.

Thus, how to obtain Spanish citizenship through property investment is a task with a predictable outcome and a clear payback period.

Naturalisation: the law through patience

The longest, but massive way. The law establishes 10 years of legal and continuous residence as a condition for obtaining citizenship. For natives of Latin America, Portugal and a number of countries, the period is reduced to 2 years, in case of marriage to a citizen of the country – to 1 year. Among all the options for obtaining Spanish citizenship, the path through naturalisation is used more often than others.

Key Terms:

  • Having a residence permit or long-term residence;
  • confirmation of integration;
  • passing language (DELE A2) and culture (CCSE) examinations;
  • renunciation of previous citizenship (unless otherwise provided for).

The procedure is governed by Articles 21 and 22 of the Civil Code. The Ministry of Justice processes up to 150,000 applications per year, with approval rates varying by region.

Marriage and descent: the shortest route

Not everyone knows how to obtain Spanish citizenship through marriage, but this channel is one of the fastest. A year of cohabitation with a citizen of the country in a registered marriage is enough. At the same time, it is required to live in Spain legally.

The right of descent applies – for children born to Spaniards or adopted under the age of 18. The law takes into account special cases – being in the country at the time of birth, if both parents are stateless.

How to obtain Spanish citizenship: ways

The variety of legal mechanisms allows you to choose an approach depending on your goals, time and budget. The system covers:

  1. Naturalisation – if you have lived for 10 years or more with permanent residence.
  2. Property investment – through residence permit, residence permit and subsequent filing.
  3. Conclusion of marriage – with confirmed cohabitation.
  4. Birth or adoption – if there is direct descent.
  5. Study or work – after the extension of the temporary residence permit.
  6. Refugee – with asylum and integration conditions.
  7. Citizenship by descent – if you have Spanish ancestors.

Each of these paths demonstrates how to obtain Spanish citizenship based on legal rules and life circumstances.

Documents and requirements

Migration authorities have specific document requirements for Spanish citizenship. A typical package includes:

  • proof of legal residence;
  • NIE – foreigner’s identification number;
  • examination certificate;
  • a criminal record certificate from Spain and the country of origin;
  • a certificate of income or tax return;
  • health insurance;
  • completed application form and fees paid.

The system supports electronic feeding via the Mercurio platform, which halves the processing time. Correctly completed documents for Spanish citizenship shorten the path to the final decision by 4-6 months.

Causes of failures

The Department of Justice strictly monitors background violations. Statistics show that denial of Spanish citizenship status is most often explained by:

  • incomplete or inaccurate documentation;
  • lack of legal income;
  • long trips out of the country;
  • by refusing to take the exam;
  • a criminal record or an administrative record.

Judicial practice demonstrates: in 70% of cases appeals after refusal remain unsuccessful. Mistakes in the CV are worth several years of waiting.

Peculiarities of the dual status of a citizen

Dual citizenship in Spain is only available for a limited number of countries. Latin America, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines – citizens of these countries retain both passports. For the rest, a renunciation of the previous citizenship is required.

Spanish law strictly controls the retention of a second passport without notification. Attempts to conceal the fact will result in the cancellation of naturalisation. It is therefore important to prioritise and understand the consequences of your choice.

Examinations: the key to recognition

The state requires mandatory language (DELE A2) and culture (CCSE) tests. The Instituto Cervantes certifies the results. The national average pass rate is 92%. The exam lasts 45 minutes and includes knowledge of the Constitution, history, way of life, geography, symbols and rights.

Candidates who have studied the tests in advance pass the threshold in 95% of cases. Preparation takes 2-3 months. Without passing the exam, it is impossible to explain how to obtain Spanish citizenship even with all other conditions fulfilled.

Residence, residence, residence permit and permanent residence: the basis for a future passport

The path to Spanish citizenship always starts with legal residence. The first step is a temporary residence permit, valid for up to 1 year, with the possibility of extension. After 5 years – a permanent residence permit, which gives full rights, except for electoral rights. The residence permit status opens a direct path to applying for a passport.

Residence requires physical presence and active participation in the social and fiscal life of the country. Successful adaptation and a stable income are mandatory parameters. In 2023, the minimum subsistence level was €600 per month per person, equivalent to an annual income of €7,200 or more. This data is used to assess financial solvency.

Everyone who realises how to obtain Spanish citizenship should consider the residence permit and residence permit not as a formality, but as a foundation.

Law and practice: what influences the decision

Formally, the law defines the process, but administrative practice clarifies the details. For example, the legislation does not specify that long journeys abroad are an obstacle. However, if the migration services record absence of more than 90 days per year without a valid reason – the application is rejected.

The law “on citizenship through naturalisation” does not set out a specific list of proof of integration, but in practice it is required:

  • language skills;
  • social engagement;
  • the existence of a labour contract;
  • participation in the tax system;
  • absence of offences.

Therefore, you should not limit yourself to the formal fulfilment of conditions. To understand exactly how to obtain a Spanish passport, it is necessary to take into account both the letter of the law and real cases.

How to obtain Spanish citizenship: conclusions

The path is built sequentially: residency, residence, integration, exams, filing. When choosing how to obtain Spanish citizenship, it is important to consider each stage. Investment, marriage, origin accelerate the process, but do not replace preparation. Civil status is formalised only with a clear strategy.

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What gives you Spanish citizenship: What opportunities a Spanish passport opens up

Getting a Spanish passport is more than just opening a red cover with a coat of arms. It is a transition to a new level of access to a full European life, where borders and restrictions virtually disappear. What gives citizenship of Spain? Much more than a formal status. Legal entry into the EU economy, expanded civil rights, freedom of movement and a high standard of living with a guarantee of European quality.

What Spanish citizenship gives you in everyday life

Spanish passport opens 191 countries without visas, including Japan, USA, Canada, Australia. A citizen can cross EU borders as a resident, not a tourist. He or she registers a business in any country of the Union without bureaucratic blocks and gains access to health and education systems on an equal footing with local ones.

Access to the labour market of 27 EU countries, the ability to enter into contracts without a work permit, obtain loans from European banks, purchase real estate with a simplified procedure. Legalisation – no additional statuses are required. Residence registration is available without being tied to a residence permit.

Passport as an economic instrument

Due to the civil status of the country, businessmen register an IE in 48 hours. They register a company in 3 days, receive an NIE number and start operations with minimal restrictions.

What gives Spanish citizenship to a specialist – the right to work in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, France without obtaining a labour visa. Employers all over Europe purposefully hire lawyers, architects, IT-specialists and doctors. These are the professions that remain most in demand in the global marketplace.

Borderless mobility is transforming work contracts. Remote employment is becoming available on European terms, including social packages, pension savings, and insurance.

Opportunities through kinship care

The family of a Spanish citizen becomes eligible for accelerated reunification. Spouse – by marriage after 1 year of residence. Children – automatically. Parents – by dependency.

What gives Spanish citizenship on repatriation – the opportunity to apply through historical roots, if one of the ancestors was born in the territory of the country. Since 2022, the possibility of obtaining under the law on Sephardic Jews is open.

Registration of Spanish citizenship with family grounds – the fastest way: up to 2 years under a simplified procedure.

Social Lift: Culture, Education, Voice

Voice is not a figure of speech. Citizenship status includes the right to participate in elections at any level: from municipal to European.

What gives Spanish citizenship to students – access to prestigious universities with subsidies: Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universitat de Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra. Tuition fees for citizens start from €500 per year instead of €3000 for foreigners.

Culture becomes not a background but an everyday part of life. Free access to all cultural integration programmes, Spanish language courses, national historical events subsidised by the state. You learn a language faster when you live in it, not translate it from the outside.

How to obtain Spanish citizenship: requirements and procedures

The formalisation of civil status is regulated at the state level and involves several legal paths. The authorities have developed each of these pathways to suit different life situations and legal grounds.

There are clear ways to formalise:

  1. Through residence – minimum period: 10 years. For natives of Latin America, Andorra, Philippines – 2 years. For persons with refugee status – 5 years.
  2. For marriage, 1 year after the union is registered and residence is established.
  3. Repatriation is on the basis of origin.
  4. Birth in Spain – provided that the parents are resident in Spain.
  5. Through naturalisation – by decision of the authorities for contribution to culture, science and economy of the country.

Each pathway requires fulfilment of requirements: legal residence, passing language (DELE A2 and above) and constitutional knowledge exams (CCSE), no criminal record, stable income.

What gives Spanish citizenship after fulfilment of all conditions – the final legal status, not limited by time and territory.

Residence permit and citizenship: differences

A residence permit grants the right to stay and work in the country, but not to participate in politics, not to have access to elections, and does not open the whole EU.

What gives Spanish citizenship over and above this: freedom not only to move, but also to participate in government, political activity, the right to vote. Residence permit requires renewals, civil status is for life.

Citizenship status allows you to refuse residence permits of other countries, combining all the benefits under one legal “umbrella”.

What are the advantages of Spanish citizenship

The pros are not limited to geography. They are in comfort, protection, prospects. The passport is available:

  1. Education in the best universities in Europe.
  2. Employment without visa restrictions.
  3. Freedom of Business.
  4. The right to political activism.
  5. Visa-free travel to 191 countries.
  6. EU social guarantees.
  7. Children are automatically granted civil status.

What gives you Spanish citizenship is not a theoretical list, but a real life scenario without bureaucracy and restrictions.

Spain as a strategic choice

The choice of a destination for naturalisation is rarely random. The Spanish kingdom is not just a southern point of Europe, but a full-fledged strategic hub. Geographically – access to the Mediterranean, Portugal, France, Morocco. Logistics – a developed network of high-speed trains (Renfe AVE), more than 50 airports, including the international hub in Madrid (Barajas) and the most powerful port in Valencia.

The climate provides comfortable year-round living. The southern regions enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year, while the north enjoys the mildness of the Atlantic and verdant landscapes. For families with children – access to ecological zones, developed schools and sports infrastructures.

What gives Spanish citizenship in combination with geography – the opportunity to live, holiday and work in a country that combines Mediterranean culture, EU infrastructure and flexible adaptability to any lifestyle. This flexibility is a rare asset in today’s world, where sustainability and mobility have become the new currency.

Conclusion

Citizenship status combines freedom, legality, security and status in one document. What gives Spanish citizenship is the ability to build a life without geographical and legal walls. It is not a passport. It is a platform of access to resources, security and a future in the heart of Europe.

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Naturalization Citizenship: Grounds, How to Obtain, and Tips

Are you dreaming of a new home in another country? Naturalization is the most common way to obtain a passport and full citizenship status if you do not have direct roots, marriage with a foreigner, or the opportunity to invest huge sums. This process takes time, patience, and compliance with strict requirements, but it opens the door to new opportunities and rights. In this article, we will discuss in detail the grounds on which citizenship can be obtained by naturalization, what steps need to be taken and how to increase the chances of success.

Citizenship by naturalization: legal grounds

The procedure for obtaining citizenship by naturalization is based on specific conditions stipulated in the law of each country. The starting point is legal stay. Only an officially registered status, including a residence permit and permanent residence, gives the right to start counting down. Spain requires 10 years of legal residence. For immigrants from Latin America, the Philippines, Andorra and Sephardim, the term is reduced to 2 years. An important condition is the continuity of domicile, even for short—term trips outside the country. The legislation also provides for additional criteria: a positive reputation, no criminal record, stable income, proficiency in Spanish and knowledge of the basics of the constitution.

Proving participation: integration and engagement

Citizenship by naturalization is granted not only based on the length of time, but also on the applicant’s involvement in the country’s social and economic life. The naturalized candidate demonstrates integration through employment, tax returns, and participation in educational, social, and cultural programs.

In Spain, the DELE A2 exam confirms basic language proficiency. Additionally, the CCSE test is conducted to assess knowledge of laws, traditions, history, and administrative structures. The applicant provides proof of income, employment contracts, work certificates, and tax returns.

Steps of the process: from the request to the passport

The process is a sequential chain of steps, each of which requires confirmation and official approval. Naturalization citizenship includes:

  1. Obtaining a legal basis for residence — a visa, residence permit or permanent residence.

  2. Accumulation of the required length of residence (for example, 10 years in Spain).

  3. Collection and submission of documents: passport, certificate of non-criminal record, proof of income, lease or property agreement.

  4. Passing a language and civil examination.

  5. Background check, criminal record, tax and immigration history.

  6. Interviews or additional checks are at the discretion of the migration authorities.

  7. Taking the oath of allegiance to a new country.

  8. Obtaining an ID card, passport, and full civil rights.

The financial side: sufficient income and no debts

Financial viability remains one of the key conditions for obtaining citizenship by naturalization by a foreigner. The State considers how much the applicant can provide for himself and not apply for social support. The Spanish authorities take into account:

  • stable income at least below the minimum threshold;
  • regular payment of taxes;
  • no outstanding utility, administrative, or tax obligations.

For families with children, the requirements increase in proportion to the number of dependents.

Problematic factors: mistakes and risks when obtaining citizenship by naturalization

The naturalization process requires precision. Errors in the submission, lack of documents or non-compliance with the minimum criteria lead to a refusal. For example, undeclared trips can lead to a reset of the accumulated length of stay.

Common reasons for refusals:

  • incomplete documents;
  • lack of exams;
  • criminal record;
  • unreliable data;
  • insufficient language level.

Naturalization citizenship requires careful attention to all the details. You can fix the error, but the re-process will take at least a year.

Features of citizenship by naturalization in Spain: a detailed analysis of the conditions and the process

Spain offers a path to citizenship through naturalization as a long-term but stable and predictable mechanism for legalization. The country’s legal system combines loyalty towards integrated residents with a high level of formalities. Each stage of the process requires proof of loyalty, inclusion, and compliance with the law.

Documents and conditions: what the Ministry of Internal Affairs checks

Naturalization citizenship in Spain involves not just a legal application, but a full background check, lifestyle assessment, and integration level. The list of mandatory conditions includes:

  • stable income (availability of an employment contract, business or other source of financing);
  • continuous residence (departures should not exceed 90 days per year or 6 months in total over the entire period);
  • a positive tax history (tax returns, missing debts);
  • a certificate of no criminal record from all countries where the applicant has lived in the last 5 years;
  • a residence permit in Spain and proof of residence (rental agreement, bills, medical insurance);
  • DELE A2 and CCSE certificates are exams that test knowledge of the Spanish language and the basics of the legal, political, and cultural system.

In addition to formal criteria, the candidate’s reputation is important, including feedback from employers, participation in local events, courses, and social activism.

Oath and renunciation of previous citizenship

The final stage is the signing of a solemn oath in front of a representative of the Ministry of Justice. From this moment on, the candidate becomes a legal Spanish citizen. The procedure is conducted in the local registry, where the candidate’s consent to the country’s constitutional order, loyalty to the Spanish nation, and renunciation of their previous citizenship are recorded.

However, Spain only allows dual citizenship with a select few countries, including most Latin American nations, as well as Portugal, the Philippines, and Andorra. For citizens of other countries, renouncing their previous citizenship is a mandatory requirement. Exceptions are allowed only if the refusal is officially prohibited by the laws of the country of origin.

Practical advice: how to get citizenship by naturalization without mistakes

Even if the length of stay coincides, an error in one of the points will delay the process for months. Recommendations:

  • arrange official accommodation from the first day of entry;
  • maintain stability of residence and income;
  • take exams in advance;
  • confirm integration by participating in local projects and courses;
  • maintain an impeccable reputation;
  • avoid even administrative offenses;
  • keep copies of all migration documents.

Only if these conditions are met will the path be completed successfully.

Conclusion

Naturalization citizenship remains a reliable but complex method of legalization. It requires patience, systematic approach, respect for the laws of the host country, and full adaptation to its rhythm. For those seeking to accelerate the process, investments in real estate or business offer an alternative. However, citizenship is not just a document; it is a reflection of one’s genuine contribution to society, respect for its norms, and appreciation of its history.

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