Spanish citizenship How to move and get a passport?

The term citizenship

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Living in such a great country and having Spanish citizenship is the dream of many foreigners.

First, let's look at the term citizenship itself. And then we’ll look at all the ways to get it.

Nacionalidad española (Spanish citizenship)

The term citizenship is a stable legal connection between a person and the state, which is determined by the mutual rights and obligations of citizens and the state in cases specified in the law.

Citizenship is determined:

  1. the scope of rights and freedoms that can be enjoyed in a particular state
  2. the volume of responsibilities assigned to him by this state, which are directly dependent on the presence or absence of citizenship of this state https://vivovoco.astronet.ru/VV/LAW/SPAIN.HTM

Citizenship also means that a person has the full scope of legal capacity recognized by the state.

Namely:

  • a person has the right to enjoy political freedoms
  • participate in elections and state affairs
  • be employed in public service
  • have some advantages in matters of employment, education, health care, etc.
  • move freely both in Spain and in the countries of the EU zone
  • in diplomatic conflicts, any citizen of the state has the right to protection and assistance abroad. That is, in a critical situation, the diplomatic authorities of the country must provide protection to the foreigner.

But how do you get Spanish citizenship?

Spanish citizenship is granted to foreign citizens (as a general rule) who have lived in Spain for ten years (legally).

The easiest way, of course, to become a citizen is for someone who was born on the territory of the Iberian state or married to a Spanish citizen.

But even for those who do not speak Spanish and are in Spain for the first time, you can eventually obtain a passport using one of the legal methods.

Spanish citizenship for Russians: additional conditions

Spanish citizenship for Russians is granted subject to a number of requirements (in addition to those listed above):

  • Knowledge of Spanish;
  • Knowledge of the basics of state, law and Spanish culture;
  • Integrity and a decent level of civic behavior.

It is enough to speak Spanish at level A2. To obtain a confirmation document, you must pass the DELE exam or the corresponding course of the Official School of Languages ​​- Escuela Oficial de Idiomas. Foreigners who have studied in Spain and have a diploma of secondary, vocational or higher education are exempt from taking the exam.

To confirm knowledge of constitutional, social and cultural foundations, a separate exam is taken - CCSE. All current information about exams can be obtained on the official website of the Instituto Cervantes.

When we talk about integrity, we mean having no criminal record both in your home country and in Spain during the entire period of residence. Minor children are exempt from taking exams and do not have to submit a police clearance certificate. If parents are determined to apply for Spanish citizenship for a child, it is better to do this before reaching adulthood - fewer certificates and fewer expenses.

Official ways to obtain Spanish citizenship

The Spanish Citizenship Law provides for 5 legal ways to acquire citizenship.

  1. Origin
  2. Option
  3. Naturalization (Carta de naturaleza)
  4. State decision (Posesión de estado)
  5. Residence in Spain legally for a specified period (Residencia)

And now about each method separately:

Descent is an “automatic” assignment of citizenship

The origins of the Spaniards are:

  • children born to Spanish parents
  • children of foreign parents born in Spain, if at least one of the parents was born in Spain (except for children of diplomats)

Article 17 of the Spanish Civil Code https://4ru.es/ru/knowledge_base/zakon-spain/item/447-codigo_civil_cap%C3%ADtulo_1_secci%C3%B3n_1

Option

Opportunity for foreigners who have ties to Spain to apply for citizenship.

It is intended for persons who

  • are under the guardianship of Spanish citizens;
  • father or mother was Spanish and born in Spain;
  • were adopted by Spanish nationals and have the right to choose citizenship for two years after the fact of adoption.

Article 20 of the Spanish Civil Code https://4ru.es/ru/knowledge_base/zakon-spain/item/447-codigo_civil_cap%C3%ADtulo_1_secci%C3%B3n_1

Naturalization can be done by any interested person who believes that he is worthy of receiving it.

This is a voluntary action. For example, an outstanding personality in the field of science, culture or sports.

To do this, it is necessary to attach documents confirming the grounds for the request, as well as generally any documents that the applicant considers relevant.

Acquiring Spanish citizenship through naturalization is by no means guaranteed: the authorities render a verdict based on a careful consideration of all the circumstances of the case.

(Article 21 of the Spanish Civil Code) https://4ru.es/ru/knowledge_base/zakon-spain/item/447-codigo_civil_cap%C3%ADtulo_1_secci%C3%B3n_1

State decision

Available to those who have lived in the country for 10 years, considered themselves its citizen (not knowing the real situation about the legalization of their status) and fulfilled their civic duties in relation to government bodies.

(Article 18 of the Spanish Civil Code)https://4ru.es/ru/knowledge_base/zakon-spain/item/447-codigo_civil_cap%C3%ADtulo_1_secci%C3%B3n_1

Legal residence

This method of acquiring Spanish citizenship requires the legal residence of a foreign citizen in Spain for ten years, who is also the holder of a residence permit card.

In general, Spanish law defines this period as 10 years, but in some cases the period is reduced to 5 years, 2 years or 1 year.

Reasons for receiving

There are a number of reasons for obtaining a Spanish citizen passport. The rules for conferring citizenship are enshrined in the Spanish Nationality Law, the Civil Code and the Constitution. You should definitely keep all documents that confirm long-term and legal residence in the country.

By birth or descent

In order to obtain citizenship on this basis, it is not enough for a person to just be born in Spain. One of the following conditions must be met:

  • both or at least one of the applicant’s parents are Spanish;
  • the applicant’s parents are stateless persons with a Spanish residence permit or permanent residence permit;
  • Spanish citizens adopted an applicant from abroad;
  • The parents of the newborn are unknown; within 6 months after his stay in Spain they did not declare their rights to the baby.

Family reunification

This right belongs to the spouses or children of legal immigrants who have lived in Spain for at least a year. Previously, invited spouses were prohibited from getting a job in this European state, but now the restriction has been lifted.

Before reunification, spouses must prove that they are in a systematic relationship, they have a common budget and a common household. Civil marriages are allowed. The receiving spouse must live in Spain for at least 2 years.

In order for children to be reunited with their parents, it is necessary to seek the consent of local authorities and confirm family ties. At the same time, children sending a request must have lived in Spain for at least 5 years, and the parents must be of retirement age (over 65).

Adoption

If a Spanish citizen has adopted a foreigner under the age of 18, the latter can rightfully apply for a passport based on adoption.

If the adopted citizen is over 18 years of age, he or she is eligible to obtain citizenship within a period of 2 years from the date of registration of adoption.

Naturalization

Citizenship by naturalization is the exclusive prerogative of the country's authorities. There is no clear list of requirements that qualify you for this category.

A citizen of any country can apply for a Spanish passport on the basis of naturalization. Most often, famous people who can bring great benefit and glory to their new homeland take this step. All documents that the applicant considers important are attached to the application.

Marriage

You can also become a subject of the Spanish Kingdom through marriage. It does not matter where the marriage took place - in Spain or another country. The main thing is that one of the spouses is a citizen of this country, then the second member will also receive the corresponding right.

In order to apply for citizenship, you must have been married to a Spanish citizen for at least a year (Article 22 of the Citizenship Law). The marriage will be subject to a validity check by immigration officials.

Business immigration

On this basis, foreign citizens who conduct business activities in the Kingdom, invest in the economy or are highly qualified specialists working for the benefit of the state can obtain a Spanish passport.

If the tax and immigration services and the police have no claims against such individuals during 10 years of their residence in the country, they can apply for citizenship.

ATTENTION! For specialists from abroad and EU Blue Card holders, it will be mandatory to conclude a long-term agreement with a Spanish employer.

For investment

To make it easier for immigrant investors to obtain citizenship, the Spanish authorities came up with the so-called “Golden Visa”. This is a special type of residence permit (temporary residence right), which can be obtained if one of the following conditions is met:

  • investing at least 500 thousand euros in real estate in Spain;
  • purchase of government bonds worth 2 million euros or more;
  • purchase of enterprise assets worth more than 1 million euros;
  • placement of at least 1 million euros on deposit in a Spanish bank.

Investors have some advantages when getting a visa and residence permit, but citizenship can only be obtained under general conditions - 10 years after investing money.

When purchasing real estate

One of the types of investment in the Spanish economy and one of the ways to obtain citizenship of the country. The method is quite popular - immigrants from the Russian Federation are in 3rd place in the number of real estate transactions in the country.

IMPORTANT! Purchasing real estate does not provide a 100% guarantee of obtaining citizenship.

The applicant must purchase real estate worth at least 500 thousand euros. The house or apartment must be purchased exclusively with your own money earned outside of Spain. The funds must not be taken on credit (with the exception of a mortgage from a bank in Spain).

Property owners receive a residence permit for 2 years. If a work permit is required, it will have to be requested separately. The residence permit can and should be extended, as you will need to live in the country for 5 years.

Then permanent residence is issued - in this status you also need to stay in Spain for 5 years. After this, the person receives the right to become the owner of a Spanish passport.

By the way, it is not at all necessary to be in Spain for all 10 years. By law, it is enough to visit your home once a year.

Refugee status

Persons with the appropriate status can obtain citizenship. However, obtaining the status itself, which is determined in accordance with the Geneva Convention (1951) and the Dublin Agreement (1997), is very difficult.

The Kingdom has simplified the immigration procedure for refugees as much as possible. In particular, tests for language proficiency and ability to integrate into society are not needed. Additionally, the refugee is given the right to work and social guarantees, which in this country are an order of magnitude higher than in the Russian Federation.

After living in Spain for 5 years as a refugee, a person can apply for citizenship.

By state decision

This method of obtaining Spanish citizenship is similar to naturalization in that the decision is made by the state itself. However, there are several differences.

To obtain a Spanish passport, by decision of the country's authorities, you need:

  • live in the country for 10 years;
  • consider yourself a full citizen;
  • strictly fulfill all civil duties to government agencies.

Possibility of dual citizenship

You cannot have Russian and Spanish citizenship at the same time. Consequently, if a person seriously and for a long time has decided to move to the Pyrenees, he will have to refuse his Russian passport.

The Kingdom's authorities provide the opportunity to have dual citizenship for people from:

  • Latin American countries;
  • Portugal;
  • Philippines;
  • Andorra.

By option

Option is a method of obtaining citizenship for persons:

  • who have been under the guardianship of Spanish citizens for at least two years;
  • whose father or mother was Spanish and born in Spain;
  • persons whose adoptive parents were Spanish citizens, therefore they can choose citizenship within 2 years after the fact of adoption.

Obtaining FNL citizenship

A Spanish passport can also be obtained if a person is a financially independent person (FIP). To be considered as such, the Kingdom authorities must provide evidence of their worth. It must be a regular and independent source of income, either in the Spanish state or in another.

The source should not depend on the political situation. It is very desirable if income is easy to predict, that is, it is not situational or unpredictable.

By residence

To obtain Spanish citizenship on the basis of a residence permit or permanent residence (by residence), you need, as in many other cases, to stay in the country for at least 10 years. If a person receives political asylum, this period is reduced to 5 or 2 years (depending on the refugee’s country of origin).

To qualify for a residence passport, you need to pass a comprehensive exam, which tests your level of knowledge of the Spanish language, government affairs and the geography of the country.

How many years does it take to obtain Spanish citizenship?

Let's consider the time frame for obtaining citizenship. What time period does it take to become a Spanish citizen?

After one year, citizenship is granted to foreigners:born in Spain, regardless of the nationality of the parents; born outside the country, if one of the parents or grandparents was ethnically Spanish; married to a Spanish citizen for one year (at the time of filing the marriage must be valid and not fictitious ); widowers and widowers who have ever been married to Spanish citizens, if the marriage continued until the date of their death and was not fictitious.
After 2 years, citizenship is issued:persons who, from birth, have citizenship of most countries in South and Central America (as well as Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines and Equatorial Guinea); Sephardim - representatives of the subethnic group of Jews https://jhist.org/ajt/2019_08_sfarad_small.pdf
After 5 years of residence, citizenship is granted to:persons with refugee status.
Other categories of persons receive citizenship after 10 years of legal residence.

Method V. Spanish citizenship through marriage


Who is it suitable for? One of the spouses who registered a marriage with a citizen of Spain and moved to the country.

If you registered a marriage with a Spaniard and decided to move to Spain with your spouse, then after 1 year of living together in the country, you can apply for a passport. But this year you must be in the country on the basis of a visa/residence permit. And at the time of filing your application, your marriage must be officially valid.

There is one special case... Widows and widowers who have lived in Spain for at least 1 year with their legal spouse, who, unfortunately, subsequently died, apply for citizenship.

How to get a residence permit?

How to go all the way from a residence permit through permanent residence to obtaining a passport and how to obtain citizenship in Spain for a Russian? This is exactly the question we will try to tell you.

There are several residence permits that a foreigner can officially obtain.

Educational residence permit

This residence permit is issued to students and schoolchildren for the period of study.

If your studies end when you leave Spain, the ten-year period is interrupted and must be started again.

Residence permit with the right to work

This is an opportunity for students who have graduated from educational institutions to stay in the country, and for foreign specialists to move to it.

A prerequisite for work is the conclusion of an employment contract. But it is worth considering unemployment in a country where there are not enough places even for “our own people.”

Residence permit without the right to work

Issued to relatives of Spaniards or economically wealthy foreigners who own real estate

A good income abroad and the ability to stay in Spain for at least 183 days a year are one of the key requirements.

Residence permit (or “golden visa”) without the right to work

When purchasing housing worth more than 500,000 euros without using a mortgage loan, this residence permit and “golden visa” are issued.

For an investor residence permit, you can open a bank deposit from one million euros or buy government securities from two million euros.

After you have lived for five years under a residence permit (RP), you can apply for permanent residence status (PR). And this is “practically” already citizenship. With the exception of the right to vote and the ability to hold “certain” positions.

To obtain a residence permit, no “special” documents are required. The following are needed:

  • international passport,
  • statement and photographs,
  • insurance,
  • certificate of good conduct,
  • statement of account,
  • real estate documents.

The registration procedure takes several months, which are required to verify the data of the requested person.

Once you have received permanent residence status (after living in Spain for five years), the ten-year period expires and you can apply for citizenship in Spain.

Read below about the necessary documents for Spanish citizenship.

In this case, it is necessary to prepare to pass an exam in Spanish, a citizenship exam in culture, history and the basics of legislation.

Article “DELE and CCSE – Spanish language exams. Who needs them, and is it possible to do without them?

Having lived on Spanish soil for such a long time, you will already be able to easily communicate in this beautiful language. Being in a language environment makes it easier to master another language. And if you take language courses, then already at the “first stages” you will get excellent language results.

Article “Learning Spanish: language courses and schools, features of training, price”

Methods and requirements for obtaining Spanish citizenship

The first step to obtaining Spanish citizenship with a visa is to obtain a residence permit. You can do this in the following ways:

OptionExplanation
Family statusIf a citizen of the Russian Federation is the spouse of a Spanish woman, has parents or other close relatives from the Kingdom, or relatives who have already issued a residence permit. This also includes children born in Spain.
EducationTo obtain a student residence permit, you must study at a paid educational institution: school, college, university, etc. It must be accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and have the appropriate certificates. The residence permit is renewed every year. A student can work, but no more than 20 hours a week. After 3 years, a work permit is issued, and after another 5 years, citizenship is issued.
Marriage registrationIf the spouse is a subject of the Kingdom, his other half can obtain citizenship within a year after visiting the registry office
Purchasing real estate in SpainFrom 01/01/2014, Russians who bought real estate in the Kingdom worth more than 500,000 euros. The residence permit is valid for 2 years; there is no right to work. After two years, extension for a similar period is possible, then citizenship
Refugee statusDocuments confirming the need for asylum are required. Refugees are guaranteed the same rights as Spanish citizens, but they cannot vote in elections
Conclusion of a work contractThe organization where a citizen of the Russian Federation is employed must be accredited by the state. Excellent knowledge of Spanish and proof of qualification required
InvestmentsInvestment in securities – more than 2,000,000 euros; to Spanish companies – 1,000,000 euros. Deposit account in a bank – 1,000,000 euros. The key condition is a contribution to a project that will generate income for the Spanish economy, create many jobs and support the development of new technologies

Important! Before becoming a Spanish citizen, a Russian will have to obtain a residence permit in 2021. Only after this is full citizenship possible. In exceptional cases, it is acquired in a simplified manner.

Example No. 1. Registration of citizenship in connection with marriage registration.

Ivanova R.V. married a Spanish citizen. A year after the marriage, having a residence permit, she submitted documents to the Kingdom’s migration authority at the registry office. After 4 months, her application was approved, and a few days later she received her passport. There are no grounds for refusal, because she already has a residence permit and is the wife of a Spaniard.

Example No. 2. Receipt in connection with employment

Sazonov M.N. gets a job as a developer in a Spanish IT company. Lives in Spain for 11 years, has a residence permit. He received a letter of recommendation from his manager and, having secured it and other documents, decided to apply for citizenship. The application was granted: he has been living in the Kingdom for more than 10 years, intends to work in a local organization and has a residence permit.

The nuances of Spanish citizenship

While there are general rules, there are some nuances to Spanish citizenship.

  • Purchasing real estate in Spain guarantees a residence permit, but is not the basis for automatically obtaining citizenship. But this is the first step towards getting it. If you purchase housing from 500,000 euros, you can apply for a residence permit without the right to work.
  • Giving birth in Spain will be the basis on which the child will receive citizenship. To do this, at least one of the parents must have a residence permit, which after birth is issued for the child. After a year of living in Spain, the child can apply for citizenship. Parents can also apply for citizenship, but on a general basis (without benefits). Citizenship for a child is done in a simplified form.
  • Russians who have received citizenship can freely travel throughout the EU without a minimum stay in Spain itself (as was the case during the residence permit period). Participate in the political life of the country, receive social guarantees and diplomatic protection abroad.
  • Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to obtain dual citizenship in Spain. Since Spain and Russia do not recognize dual citizenship, considering the holder of their passport only as their citizen.
  • Second citizenship in Spain is the most correct term. Its owners can freely visit “almost” the whole world.
  • When traveling to Russia and its visa-free countries, you should use a Russian passport at the airports of departure and arrival, and when traveling to Spain and its visa-free countries, you should use Spanish documents.

Two citizenships or dual citizenship

There are a lot of rumors and speculations surrounding this topic. As for dual citizenship, there is no corresponding agreement between Spain and Russia, therefore, there can be no talk of dual citizenship.

With two citizenships, the situation is as follows: when obtaining Spanish citizenship, Spain requires its new citizen to sign an obligation to renounce Russian citizenship. However, such a refusal in Russia has no legal force, because was signed on Spanish territory without following a special procedure. Those. It is important for Russia that its citizens report having a permanent residence permit or citizenship of another country, but it does not impose any restrictions.

Spanish legislation provides for the possibility of deprivation of citizenship if abused. Such a decision can be made if, for example, a person who has acquired Spanish citizenship has used the previous one within three years, entered military or public service outside Spain. It is also possible to lose Spanish citizenship if it turns out that false information was provided during the request.

Childbirth in Spain

Giving birth in Spain is a demand that Russian women have enjoyed for more than ten years.

Firstly , this is due to a decrease in infant and child mortality. Now, using the services of Spanish clinics, which are available, including to foreign citizens, is a chance to give life to your child in excellent conditions from both a medical and psychological point of view. And the majority of Russian women have already taken advantage of this opportunity.

Secondly , the atmosphere of participation and goodwill that surrounds women throughout their stay in the clinic. This applies to doctors and all medical personnel.

Thirdly , in accordance with Spanish law, children of foreign citizens born in Spain have the right to apply for Spanish citizenship in a simplified manner.

After the birth of a child in Spain, parents will be given a birth certificate, on the basis of which it is necessary to issue a birth certificate. You can issue a Russian or Spanish birth certificate.

Within a month, after receiving a certificate from the maternity hospital about the birth of a child, you must contact the Civil Register (Registro Civil) at the place of birth and obtain a birth certificate for the baby.

To obtain Spanish citizenship for a child, it does not matter which birth certificate you issue, Russian or Spanish. The very fact of birth in Spain is important, and this will be recorded in the certificate, as well as in the birth certificate.

If both parents or the only parent of the child are citizens of the Russian Federation, then the birth of the child can be registered at the consulate of the Russian Federation in Spain (in Barcelona or Madrid). You can do this for free. After registration, a Russian birth certificate is issued.

But, it is only possible to register a child if he has not been issued a Spanish birth certificate. The cost of childbirth in Spain ranges from €3,000 to €8,000 (in case of caesarean section). It all depends on the region in which the birth is expected.

List of some Spanish clinics with a maternity ward:

  • HM Nuevo Belén (Madrid) https://www.hmnuevobelen.com/
  • Torrejón (Madrid) https://www.hospitaldetorrejon.es/
  • Sant Joan de Dèu (Catalonia) https://www.sjdhospitalbarcelona.org/ru
  • Quirón Dexeus (Barcelona) https://www.dexeus.com/

Types of national visa category D

Study visa

For students of Spanish educational institutions. This type of visa does not imply the subsequent issuance of a residence permit, and the period of stay in the country under it will not be taken into account when calculating the time sufficient to obtain citizenship. If the study lasts less than six months, the visa is issued strictly for the duration of the study and cannot be extended. If your studies last longer, the visa is issued for a year, after which it is extended for three years. When a student finds official employment after graduation, the type of visa can be changed.

Residence permit without work activity

Suitable for wealthy people who have the opportunity to live in Spain and not work. The visa is issued for 90 days, and then in Spain, while it is valid, a residence permit is issued. For a visa without the opportunity to work, in addition to the main list of documents, you must provide information about a stable monthly income or large savings that will allow you to live in the country without working or receiving any government benefits. A huge advantage in this case will be having your own home in Spain.

This method of legal migration to the Kingdom of Spain is the easiest.

Golden Visa or Investor or Entrepreneur Visa

Designed for wealthy people who are ready to invest their money in the economic development of Spain. The visa is valid for a year and gives the applicant a number of advantages:

  • quick review of documents;
  • the ability to obtain a visa for the entire investor’s family at once;
  • absence of minimum and maximum periods of stay in Spain.

The only downside is that you are prohibited from working for the first 5 years after entering the country on an investor visa.

Conditions for obtaining a Golden Visa:

  • acquisition of real estate in Spain worth from 500 thousand euros;
  • purchase of land worth over 500 thousand euros;
  • investment of 1 million euros or more in any area of ​​the Spanish economy;
  • opening an account for 1 million euros in one of the banks in Spain;
  • purchase of government bonds for 2 million euros;
  • opening an enterprise with a certain number of places for indigenous Spaniards.

If you intend to open your own company, you must provide a business plan and prove the economic viability of the future enterprise.

For pensioners

For people of retirement age who have certain funds and want to live in sunny and hospitable Spain in retirement. In addition to the list of documents for obtaining a visa, you will need to provide a bank account statement about your existing savings and monthly income, which will allow you to stay in the Kingdom and not work. The visa can be extended an unlimited number of times.

Visa with right to work

For those who want to work in this country. The decision on such requests is made by the Spanish Ministry of Labor, and since The unemployment rate here is one of the highest in Europe and there are not enough jobs for the Spaniards themselves; such visas are issued extremely rarely. In addition to the general package of documents, the applicant must have a contract with the Spanish employing company.

Residence permit for persons with high professional qualifications

For teachers, scientists and researchers, media and cultural workers, military and religious workers, for any workers with an EU Blue Card. The most important thing for the Spanish authorities when considering documents will be the qualifications of the applicant.

Visa for family members of Spanish nationals

Valid for those who have close relatives living in the Kingdom. Spouses, children and grandchildren of Spanish nationals can apply for such a visa.

Visa for restoration of residence permit

Issued to those who find themselves in an emergency situation and need to restore their residence permit, for example, if their residence card is stolen or lost while outside Spanish territory.

A category D visa assumes that in the future its holder plans to stay in the country for permanent residence.

List of documents to apply for Spanish citizenship

To apply for Spanish citizenship you must submit the following documents:

  1. Statement. The application form can be obtained from the civil registry office (Registro Civil) at your place of residence; Official Bulletin dated 25/07/07 (BOE 25/07/07) https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2007/07/25/pdfs/A32289-32289.pdf
  2. TIN (Alien Identification Number);
  3. Family card of a citizen of the European Union or Certificate of a foreigner from the Central Civil Registry Office;
  4. Passport;
  5. Registration certificate;
  6. The applicant's birth certificate (translated and certified);
  7. Certificate of good conduct issued in the country of origin (translated and certified);
  8. Confirmation of funds for living in Spain (employment contract, pay slips, employment report or other document confirming the availability of money);
  9. Birth certificate of minor children, if any.

In addition to the basic documents, confirmation of the applicant's registration of Spanish citizenship with the consular register of his country is often required. Citizenship cases are heard by a judge, who may require other documents.

Registration procedure

Algorithm of actions when obtaining citizenship:

  • choosing a program according to which a person can apply for the required document;
  • preparation of a package of documents;
  • interview;
  • transfer of documents to the Ministry of Justice;
  • waiting for the application to be reviewed.

List of documents

Basic list of documents required to grant Spanish citizenship:

  • standard application form;
  • birth certificate:
  • a document confirming the status of a resident of Spain;
  • internal passport of the applicant’s country of origin;
  • 4 passport size photographs on a white background;
  • health certificate (must be obtained from a Spanish hospital);
  • confirmation of the availability of funds sufficient to live in Spain without state social assistance;
  • documents proving the availability of real estate in Spain or a rental agreement;
  • a certificate of good conduct issued in the country of origin;
  • proof from the Spanish police that the person has no problems with the law in Spain;
  • a certificate from the Kingdom's tax service (certifying that there are no problems with taxes);
  • birth certificate of minor children, if any.

Interview

The applicant for citizenship will have to meet with an employee of the Spanish Ministry of Justice (sometimes even more than once).

You need to be prepared to answer questions about the traditions and history of the country, about modern rules of behavior in society, about the symbols of the Kingdom, name the names of the king and prime minister, and also tell the administrative and territorial division of Spain.

Of course, the interview is conducted in Spanish, so you need to learn it thoroughly first.

Citizenship exam

Since October 2015, all applicants for Spanish citizenship must take the CCSE exam. As part of the test, you will have to answer a list of questions that relate to the sociocultural and political topics of the Kingdom, as well as testing your knowledge of the Spanish language.

In total, the exam includes 25 questions, of which you must give correct answers to at least 15. Testing is conducted only in Spanish and lasts 45 minutes. Curators strictly monitor the delivery procedure, so you won’t be able to write it off.

The exam can be taken not only on the territory of the state, but also in other accredited centers, of which there are about 1000 in approximately 100 countries around the world. In order for the applicant to be included in the list of examinees, you must first register on the website of the Cervantes Institute - cse.cervantes.es.

The cost of the exam is 85 euros. Retaking is free (if the first attempt is unsuccessful).

Consideration times and costs

The processing time for an application for Spanish citizenship is quite long. Sometimes you have to wait up to 3 years for a decision, but these are isolated situations. Often the issue is resolved within 6-12 months.

The cost of submitting documents is about 250 euros per adult foreigner. For minor applicants for a Spanish passport, you will need to pay a little more than 60 euros.

Possible reasons for refusal

Of course, not all applications are approved (otherwise Spain would have long ago surpassed China and India in population). Refusal is possible if:

  • the applicant does not have an official source of profit;
  • there are problems with the Kingdom’s law enforcement agencies;
  • in the process of obtaining citizenship the person was convicted of fraud;
  • in his home country the applicant is accused in a criminal case;
  • An incomplete list of documents was provided.
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