Spanish citizenship is the final step for many people who have built their life in Spain. How long it takes depends above all on your nationality: ten years of legal residence is the general rule, but nationals of Latin American countries only need two years. Here is what you need to know in 2026.
Key points
- Ten years of legal residence in general; two for Latin American nationals; one in cases such as marriage to a Spanish citizen.
- Most applicants must pass the CCSE civics exam (€85 in 2026, valid for four years).
- The DELE A2 Spanish exam is required unless Spanish is an official language of your country.
- US and Canadian nationals must formally renounce their previous nationality before the Spanish authorities.
- The application fee is €104.05 and is not refunded if the application is refused.
How many years of residence you need
Residence must be legal, continuous and immediately before the application. Time spent in Spain on a student stay does not count as residence. If you also hold a Latin American nationality, the two-year rule may apply to you even if you live in the US or Canada today.
- Ten years: the general rule, which applies to US and Canadian nationals.
- Five years: for refugees.
- Two years: for nationals of Latin American countries (including Brazil), Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, and for people of Sephardic origin.
- One year: in cases such as being born in Spain or having been married to a Spanish citizen for one year.
The CCSE exam
The CCSE (constitutional and sociocultural knowledge of Spain) is run by the Instituto Cervantes. It has 25 multiple-choice questions on the Constitution, government, geography and culture of Spain, and every possible question is published in a free official handbook. Registration costs €85 and includes two attempts.
It is held on the last Thursday of every month except August and December. The next sitting is on 26 November 2026; after that, at the end of January. The certificate is valid for four years, so you can take it before you meet the residence period.
The DELE A2 language exam
If Spanish is not an official language of your country, as is the case for the United States, Canada and Brazil, you must also pass the DELE A2 Spanish exam, unless you have completed studies in Spain.
Can you keep your current passport?
Nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal can keep their previous nationality. Everyone else, including US and Canadian nationals, must declare that they renounce it when taking the oath.
How that declaration affects your US or Canadian citizenship depends on the laws of those countries, not on Spain, so review your situation with a lawyer before you apply.
How to apply and how long it takes
We guide you through every step: see our Spanish citizenship page.
- Gather your documents early: birth certificate and criminal record certificates from your country, apostilled and, where needed, translated.
- Pay the fee (form 790, code 026) of €104.05.
- File the application online with the Ministry of Justice, with a digital certificate or through your lawyer.
- Wait for the decision: the legal deadline is one year; if there is no answer, the application is considered refused and can be appealed. In practice, timelines vary considerably.
- Take the oath at the Civil Registry within 180 days of being notified, and register as a Spanish citizen.
Frequently asked questions
Does time on a student visa count?
No. A student stay is not residence for citizenship purposes. The clock starts once you hold a residence permit.
Can I take the CCSE before I qualify?
Yes, and it is a good idea. The certificate is valid for four years, so you can pass it early and apply as soon as you meet the residence period.
Does a non-lucrative or digital nomad permit count as residence?
Yes. Both are residence permits, so legal, continuous time spent in Spain under them counts towards the residence period.
Sources: Spanish Civil Code (articles 22 and 23), Royal Decree 1004/2015 on citizenship by residence and Instituto Cervantes · CCSE exam.
This article is for information purposes only and reflects the rules in force on 4 November 2026. Fees and dates may change: to review your case, book a consultation.
