How to Become a Citizen of Spain

Antequera, Spain.

Spain is a lovely European country that holds a proud and rich history. It can boast some of the best weather on the continent. The process of becoming a Spanish citizen, however, is not always a sunny one. It can be difficult to receive full naturalization as a citizen of Spain, but it is possible to do so.

Instructions

1. Reside in Spain for 10 years. Yes, that's right. You need to have lived in Spain for 10 consecutive years to be eligible to become a Spanish citizen.

2. Become fluent in Spanish. In order to become a citizen of Spain, you'll need to be able to speak, read and write Spanish with little or no difficulty. You might be asked to prove this fluency if it falls into question during the application process.

3. Prove that you are residing in Spain the majority of the time. While there are no restrictions on travel during the 10 year residency period, Spanish officials will attempt to find out whether or not you've actually been living in Spain legitimately during that period of time. It is likely that your citizenship request will be denied if your residency comes into question.

4. Fill out an application for Spanish citizenship. This will require that you provide copies of your current documents. A background check is also needed to prove that you are a person of good character.

5. Submit your application with the requisite filing fee. This fee may vary considerably depending on your individual circumstances.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are currently a citizen of a former Spanish colony, including many nations in South America, you may be eligible for citizenship in Spain after residing there for only two years.

• Those of Spanish or Jewish ancestry may also be eligible for citizenship in Spain after only two years of residency.

• Refugees may be eligible for citizenship after residing in Spain for five years.

• Hiring a Spanish attorney to help you along with the citizenship process is a prudent idea, particularly if you're attempting to gain citizenship after residing in Spain for less than 10 years.

• The taxation in Spain is relatively high. Wealthy prospective citizens may wish to consider the tax implications before applying.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish