Spanish Citizenship by Residence
Long-term residents naturalising after the qualifying period of legal residence in Spain.
The Spanish Citizenship by Residence is a Spanish settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€104 application fee (Modelo 790-026) plus exam fees) and processing time (~1-3 years), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Spanish Citizenship by Residence is for
Long-term residents naturalising after the qualifying period of legal residence in Spain.
Grants full Spanish (and EU) citizenship and a passport.
Spanish Citizenship by Residence - eligibility criteria
- 10 years' legal residence (2 for Ibero-American/Sephardic/Filipino/etc., 1 for some family cases)
- Pass the CCSE civics test and DELE A2 Spanish (exemptions apply)
- Good civic conduct and integration
- Continuous and immediately prior residence
- Clean criminal record
Spanish Citizenship by Residence cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Spanish Citizenship by Residence (Spain) is ~€104 application fee (Modelo 790-026) plus exam fees, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 years. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| Type | Citizenship |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online/in Spain to the Ministry of Justice |
| Length of stay | Permanent - Spanish nationality |
| Work rights | Full rights as a citizen |
| Study rights | Full rights as a citizen |
| Government fee | ~€104 application fee (Modelo 790-026) plus exam fees |
| Processing time | ~1-3 years |
| Route to PR | Grants full Spanish (and EU) citizenship and a passport. |
Pathway & next steps
Grants full Spanish (and EU) citizenship and a passport.
Many applicants also compare Larga Duración · Long-Term Residence (Residencia de Larga Duración), Larga Duración-UE · EU Long-Term Residence, Familiar UE · Family Member of a Spanish/EU Citizen. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Spanish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Spanish Citizenship by Residence pitfalls we fix
Spanish Citizenship by Residence - frequently asked questions
How much does the Spanish Citizenship by Residence cost?
The Spanish Citizenship by Residence government fee is ~€104 application fee (Modelo 790-026) plus exam fees. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying.
How long does the Spanish Citizenship by Residence take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 years. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Spanish Citizenship by Residence lead to permanent residence?
Grants full Spanish (and EU) citizenship and a passport.
Can I work on the Spanish Citizenship by Residence?
Work rights: Full rights as a citizen.
Who can apply for the Spanish Citizenship by Residence?
Long-term residents naturalising after the qualifying period of legal residence in Spain.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Spain government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - official Spain immigration authority