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Being eligible for Spanish citizenship depends largely on the nationality of your parents, your current nationality and the length of time that you have being living in Spain. If one of your parents is Spanish, you were born there aswell as one of your parents being born there, or you were born in Spain of foreign parents who have no nationality, the your application to become a Spanish citizen will automatically be accepted.
In the majority of cases foreigners must have been an official resident in Spain for 10 years – only then can apply for nationality. Notable exceptions are for anybody who is a political refugee or asylum seeker, who can both apply for Spanish citizenship after 5 Years. Anybody whose current nationality is given as being from Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal,or being Jewish of Spanish origin*, and those from certain South American countries can all apply after 2 years.
The qualifying period of residence may be 1 year in the following circumstances:
1.) Those who were born in Spain, whose parents are foreigners of no recognised nationality, but legally resident in Spain.
2.) Those whose spouse has Spanish nationality.
3.) Those who are widowed of a Spanish national (providing not separated at time of death).
4.) Those whose father, mother, grandfather or grandmother were Spanish nationals by birth or residence.
It is also a condition that the application for citizenship must come the after the period of residence in Spain – ie not if you had residential status a number of years ago that had since lapsed. Marriage to a Spanish citizen alone will not be enough to have a work permit granted, but a formal application is very often granted. Children who are adopted by Spanish parents from other countries automatically become Spanish citizens, although an adopted child over 18 or older (at the time of adoption) will be given the choice whether to take Spanish nationality or not.
How to Apply
The formal application must be made to the Minister of Justice, who are able to refuse it on grounds of public order or national interest. The process requires you to produce your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and your parents’ birth and marriage certificates - all of which must be officially translated into Spanish.
You will also need to produce a letter of good conduct from the Police (basically to verify that you are not a criminal), a statement from two Spanish citizens supporting your application, and you must also prove that you are ‘a good citizen’ and fully integrated into Spanish community. As with most formal processes in Spain we recommend that you engage the services of an experiences lawyer to help you in your application.
The law in Spain does not recognise dual nationality for adults like many other countries do, and therefore a child who has the entitlement to choose between nationalities must make this choice when they reach 18. A foreigner applying to be a Spanish citizen must also renounce his current nationality (with the exception of Portugal and South American countries), swear allegiance to the King of Spain, and swear to abide by the Spanish constitution and laws. Some countries, such as the UK, don’t recognise a renunciation of nationality, regardless of whether its citizens have chosen to take another nationality or not.
* Following changes to the law of 22.11.2012, click >> HERE << to read how changes to the law affect Sephardic Jews.
Is 27 months now since i after police interview, I was today in Registro civil to also ask but they said they don't know anything all i need to do is to call Madrid or track it in internet. I have being tracking the progress of my application on the Ministry of Justice Website all i can see there they have received the information from ministry of interio,
hi,how long it take to get spanish passport after submit application?
@ Ron - Would you mind sharing with us what kind of questions did they asked you at the police station. Did they ask for any documents or extra paper work.
As for answering to your question, have you checked the status of your application on the internet and as far as I know, it does not usually take more than 15 months to get the citizenship status after you visit the local police station.
Please share your thoughts and experience. It would not only help us but would be highly beneficial.
Ron : You can now track the progress of your application on the Ministry of Justice Website.
Hi, can anyone tell me how long dose it take to receive Spanish Nationality after submiting papers at Register civil, My case now is 2years 10moths now since I asked and I went to interview at the police station 5 months later up till now am still waiting ?
Can anyone please suggest if there would be any interview in the Police Station after submission of papers for the citizenship. Or will it be just a routine work & checkup where they would verify if every provided information is correct or not. Finally, after successful completion how long does it take to issue the passport.
Aahil : It would be much easier if you made your application now - then upon being a Spanish Citizen you could come and go to and froom Spain as you pleased, without Visa.
Philip : You can only make your application for Citizenship one you have been resident in Spain for the qualifying period of time - Also, the UK does not recognise Dual Citizenship under these circumstances (IE by UK Birth) and as such would always regard you as a UK Citizen.
QATAR!! Aha!! who does not love QATAR, the second top richest country in the world after Saudi Arabia. I love the Sheikhs. Lol !
Anyways, definitely you may travel to any EU countries (UK - NO), but only as a tourist, in some cases if your wife accompanies you would be beneficial but not obligatory (Make sure you carry your Passport & Resident Card). But in terms of Education, which is more than 90 days, you have to apply for a VISA until and unless you are a citizen of SPAIN.
I can only help you with this, the rest can be assisted by my compatriot Tumbit or any members of the crew who is proficient about paper works and other formalities. By the way I am from Sweden. Good luck buddy!
Hi, I am from Qatar & married to a Spaniard. I have been living in Spain for a year and currently holding the NIE, that is valid for 5 years. I was wondering & hoping to pursue my Post-Graduation in Germany, do I need to procure a visa or am I entitled to travel to Germany like EU citizens. Thanks.
P.S. During my one year stay I have not returned to my country or visited any other nation. Furthermore I will be applying for the Spanish Citizenship within few months.
To whom it may concern
I was born and lived all my life in UK but my father is Spanish born and raised in Spain until he was 37 years old when he moved to UK. My mother is english and they got married here !!
I want to apply for Spanish citizenship. Would i lose my UK nationality ?? I still live in UK but with the intension of moving to spain in the future. Many thanks in advance
Andrew : The link >> HERE << might help.
Hello, I will be applying for the Spanish citizenship. I was wondering what kind of questions I might be asked. Please provide some questions and suggest links if available. Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Hi there, I have a residence card from Spain valid for 5 years regimen comunitario and I also have the residence card from uk,could you please tell me am I allowed to fly to Spain with regimen comunitario as I have been away from Spain for more than 6 months now.
Thank you
My spouse is a Spanish citizen while I school in the UK under tier 4. We are planning to get married in June in Spain but I still have to be shuttling between Spain and UK for another year does this affect my application in one year time? And would I get an extended visa to visit my spouse anytime?
Ehsan : Assuming YOU have a Bank account in your own country and your brother has one in Spain all you need to do is get his IBAN number and Bank account number. Whilst you can do this from Bank to Bank, you will probably find that there are fewer costs and charges, and that the exchange rate is better by going through a specialist currency exchange broker.
Dear Tumbit, I would highly acknowledge & be grateful if you could provide me information on how to transfer money from Bangladesh to Spain. Is there any agent or banking procedure. My brother is a resident of Spain and will be taking admission in a University. Thanks beforehand.
Nats / Marcus : In order to even get as far as making your application to be a Spanish CITIZEN you must first have lived / been LEGALLY RESIDENT in Spain for the qualifying period of time.
I am Eritrean living in Suadi Arabia, i always wanted to go to Spain and i am about to apply to get a visa, my family my job is all in Saudi Arabia but i admire Spain and i want to apply for the nationality. I read whats needed and my papers are legal. What should my next step be?
My mother was born in Spain. My grandmother was born and lived there until she was 20. My great grandmother still resides in Spain. I am 29 and would like to become part of the EU without necessarily residing within the country of Spain. Could I still become obtain a Spanish visa? If so what steps would I need to take?
Jerome : Sorry to sound vague here, but how should we know ?.... Have you tried asking him ? ... Have you tried looking under the Sofa ?... Assuming you are advising us that Grandfather has passed away and do not know the whereabouts of his Birth Certificate, you could try contacting the Ministry of Justice by clicking the link>> HERE <<.
how can i find my grand fathers birth certificate?
@ Jerome : The first step is finding a copy of your Grandfather's Birth Certificate to support your application.
@ Mike : Difficult to give an exact timescale as each application is considered on its induvidual merits, depending on a number of different things such as the quality of your supporting documents, and the current backlog in the office where you make your application.
I want to inquire how to acquire spanish nationality as my grandfather Jesus Lazaraga Solchaga was a Spaniard.
My partner is Brazillian and lived in spain for 5 years, in August he applied for nationality. he has has an interview with police and before that he had his documents translated from Brazil... Have you have had any recent posts lately of people stating how long then waited. I know it can take 6-18 months for this to be completed but generally is is the earlier or latter of that wait time... Thanks
Khan : For one you say that your Wife was born and raised in Spain - but does she hold Spanish Citizenship herself ? If this IS the case then you are able to APPLY for citizenship for yourself after 12 months of being legally resident here in Spain.
Hi there,
My question is quite similar to Sol,
My legal residency in Spain on 10th of march 2013 will be completed,do u think I can then apply for citizenship?
And the other question is,xdoes this time scale starts on the day i arrived to Spain or when i legally got registered on the house address i am living?
Thank you
Sol : Even though you are married to a Spanish Citizen, your Residency lapses as soon as you are no longer "Resident" in Spain. You will need to have been legally Resident in Spain for a continuous period of 12 months before making the application for Spanish Citizenship.
I am a Spanish Residence since April 2011 married to a Spanish Citizen since Jan 2011. I lived in Spain till 2012 end. Which I completed one year residency in Spain after getting the Residence card. Now I live in Dubai for work. Does this will effect my citizenship process? Which I am planing on doing it in few months. Could anyone kindly help me with this infos please. Thanks.
Khan : No.
Hi I am a Pakistani national living in Spain with my wife who was born and raised in Spain,
I have also obtained a residence card
My query is I have been living in Spain with my wife since march till today 06-02-13.
Am I eligible now to apply for a citizenship/passport?
I look forward to hearing from expert people on here.
Thanks
Rosemary : How long have you been legally resident for in Spain ? - Also, in certain cases you can still apply for Citizenship through your former Partner, even though you are Divorced. However, I would recommend that you discussed this with an experienced lawyer.
I have a working permit, residing in Spain. Was married and now divorced to Spanish National. Now seeking for Spanish Nationality as my 2 children were born in Spain and reside in Spain. I don't want to leave them behind. Please give me details of procedures to obtain Spanish nationality. I am a non Euro National, from the Seychelles islands . Thanking you
Hi Kaiser,
I recommend contact Vicente Albert (www.vtalbert.com), a sworn translator working in Valencia.
Failing that, try searching the list of sworn translators that appears on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.meac.es). You'll find the list in the "Ciudadania" section of the right-hand menu.
Dear TUMBIT, can you please suggest me a Government office or any particular registration agency in Valencia where they translate official documents from English to Spanish. Please reply as early as possible. Thanks beforehand.
Jeff : bureaucracy probably runs slower here in Spain than anywhere else, so you have to bear with us ! - In the meantime you might find one of the latest news stories on the subject of interest,which you can read by clicking > HERE <
The Spanish Gov't announced in November that Sephardic Jews will have an easier citizenship....the consulates abroad tells that we have not received any formal documentation for this yet.... The Royal Decree has to approve it in Spain about this law??
Ali : The 1st thing to be aware of is that Citizenship and Residency are w totally different things - and that you can not become a Citizen without 1st becoming a resident, so I would suggest that you read that section of our site by clicking the link
>> HERE << , as it may answer many of your questions.
Hi, How are you. I am from Pakistan. I would like to know how a Pakistani person can apply for the immigration to Spain. Is there any skilled worker list sort of policy ? Kindly help me out.
Thank you
Hi,
Can somebody please tell me how much the application cost for Spanish nationality? I have looked on loads of websites and cannot find a price anywhere.
Please give more information : After 10 years residency how much time do I need to apply for citizenship ?
Veena : each application for Citizenship is dealt with on it's own merits - as such there isn't really a fixed term when you can expect your application to be finalised. It could take anywhere between 6 and 24 months.
Hi, I've submitted my application for nationality, I need to know how long it could take. I heard on the 25th Oct 2012 the Justice Minister said reduce time and want to know is it true ?Wwhat is legal time to get nationality ?
@Addison : Don't worry mate, nobody is going to start war in order to obtain just a citizenship. As Senior Tumbit suggested, get a formidable grip on Spanish, esp few conversation, general knowledge and there you go. Spain is perhaps the most beautiful country & one of the best developed nation but it is quite ironic that only 9% of the population speak English (quite humiliating & embarrassing). I feel sorry, but nothing can be done at this moment, we are in a cliffhanging & turmoil state, everything will be revived in 6-7 years. Till then good luck, have patience, keep the determination and courage going and we will be out of this dilemma very soon. ¡Viva España
Antony : Your question is related more towards Residency than Citizenship, so you may find more answers by clicking the link >> HERE <<.
Hi, i have been working in spain since the year 2007 may; i always get a nine month visa each year but i have to go back home and sign at the embassy each time my visa expires but sometimes i get extentions. Do i have a right to apply a permanent residence? your help will be highly appreciated.
Addison : The interview will be in Spanish, so you would be well advised to take steps to imrove your language between now and your interview !
Hola! I will be submitting the necessary documents along with the desired papers to obtain a Spanish Citizenship in the beginning of next year. My wife is Spanish, however, from the Ministry of Justice they asked me that there will be a formal interview with one of their staff in the presence of my wife. My question is, will the interview be conducted in English or Spanish. I do not have any knowledge or idea of Spanish and thanks to the unemployment & crisis that I have never been able to find a job. Any advice or suggestion will be highly gratified.
Tommy : Firstly - your Son needs to have been living in Spain legally and with Resential status for a period of 1 Year BEFORE he can even apply for Citizenship.
Once you have done this, then you can apply for Citizenship for your son IF you have his Birth Certificate showing his mother to be a Spanish Citizen - if not you should obtain a duplicate copy.
Hi, my son was born in England, his mother is a Spanish citizen after he was six months old she ran away and I was forced to return to Nigeria so that my family can help me take care of him. I wasn't married to his mother and I can't find her anywhere, I had to apply for a Nigerian passport for my son in order for us to travel back to Nigeria. The question is can he still apply for a Spanish passport based on his mother's nationality and if so what are the necessary steps to follow. Thanks.
Mack : It would be difficult to comment without knowing either the reasons for the refusal or your grounds for application.
Hi i am waiting for my communtario 10 yrs residency and i submitted in january 2012 and then was an objection and via recurso made on 14th of May still its in Via Recurso the problem is i cant work cant leave the country what should i do the lawyers are also saying i have to wait or apply newly what the hell should i do please do advice as i cannot contact personaly the head of malaga Extranjeria its now for me a pain and head ache as my wife need sto be operated and i cannot travel ..... please advice me as my lawyers they say wait
Mary : Of course you can still claim eligibility if your Great-Grandfather was born in Spain - it is just that (unless you have any other grounds for eligibility) - you will need to have been resident here for 10 years as opposed to 1 year before you can apply.
Is it possible to be eligible for Spanish Citzenship if my great grandfather was the one born in Spain?
Dear Admin, I am from Bangladesh, will be submitting the necessary documents beginning of next year to apply for Spanish citizenship, but need to know one vital information. In case of obtaining the police clearance certificate, how can this be done since I have no one who lives in Bangladesh and cannot do this on behalf of me. Is it possible to acquire P.C through the embassy or consulate.
Additional question : and could you please explain about birth certificate. Thank you. PLEASE HELP ME.
What facilities are available & entitled if a baby is born in Spain. Could someone explain why accommodation & food is quite expensive in Spain along with inadequate pay scale. I was wondering countries like France, Germany, Scotland, Netherlands and few other EU nations pays a lot. Although now we are on crisis but things started to look promising and since Spain is renown for being one of the richest and technologically developed nation then why we the citizens are treated like this. We have experience, qualification, versatility, expertise, skills yet the salary is not up to the mark to set a fruitful future for us or for our kids. English has been one huge drawback, if the government imposes or give permission different multinational companies to operate in Spain then 10-12% of the unemployment rate can be easily filled and everyone will have the urge to learn English and education needs to be made cheaper. LA BOLSA DE MADRID is finally progressing well, at least one good sign.
hi i am from nepal and recently have got my spanish passport, i am interested to study in university of southern europe located in barcelona. can i get study loan or financial help. i would like to do half of the studies in barcelona and the rest half in switzerland. i am a little confused, tensed, anxious, worried since i am not solvent enough to pay the entire tuition fees. what are the procedures and if i can obtain the help what documents do i require in order to acquire financial assistance. please be explicit. thanks.
Sam,
It is hilarious, when I first learned about this I too thought it was crazy, except it's true.
Sam : You are making the mistake of assuming that everybody is making their application for citizenship from the same circumstances, same nationality, and for the same reasons.
I am not entirely convinced if the provided information is correct or authentic. Usually one gets to hold the residency card for 5 years and then renew, but once you apply for the citizenship it does not take any longer than 8 months, although most suggests 6 months.
Common for some people who lived here for 10 years needs another 5 years to receive the passport ? Hilarious :)
hello Naveed,
The processing time is up to 5 years after you applied for citizenship. That's correct, up to 5 years, so it can be as long as 5 years, but maybe only 2 years. You should have figured this out first before you applied, I am surprised you didn't know this.
DEAR SIR,
I HAVE APPLIED SPANISH CITIZENSHIP 1 YEAR BEFORE BUT STILL THEY DID NOT YET RESPONSE IT TO ME. I WANT TO ASK A QUESTION THAT HOW LONG TENURE OF PROCESS MORE TO GET CITIZENSHIP I SAW BY INTERNET THAT MY CASE STILL IN STUDY AND IN PROCESS.
Hey Chuck, thanks again for the reply. I do understand what you've said, but in addition, I thought that Spain also explicitly allowed people to keep their former citizenship (no matter what that is) in the case of marriage, whereas people who become Spanish citizens by means other than marriage could only keep their former citizenship if it was on the list of recognized countries (Philippines, Portugal, most Latin American countries, etc.).
Anyone know if this is true?
Hey Miller,
It is true in some instances, for example the U.S. This is because the US government allows dual citizenship. The Spanish law does not permit its citizens holding US and Spanish dual citizenship, however the Spanish government appears to be not enforcing this law. As many of you know, in Spain there is the law and then there is the administration of laws which could totally change the end effect of the law. You will be required to make an oath to relinquish all your previous citizenship, but that oath alone is not legally sufficient for you to expatriate under US law. So in essence it depends on what the law is in your old country regarding acquisition of another citizenship and what act will be deemed legally sufficient for you to lose your previous citizenship. Have I answered your question?
(Thanks Chuck)
Is it true that anyone (for example, a US citizen) becoming a Spanish citizen through marriage can retain their previous citizenship, not just citizens of Latin American countries, Philippines, etc.? Many thanks in advance.
Zamrana : The answers to both of those questions are addressed in our "Motoring" section, which you can see by clicking on the link >> HERE <<.
Hey ! I am from Valencia, could you please tell me how to obtain the driving license. i am a rookie so i would be getting into a driving school. how do they prepare, how much does it cost, how many months usually they provide the training & finally if possible refer some schools. thanks.
Hey Miller,
The answer to your question is NO. Civil partnership won't get you that passport, only marriage.
Hello -
Does Spain have some sort of "civil partnership" short of marriage, but available to opposite sex couples as well as same-sex couples, and which would qualify the non-Spanish partner to apply for Spanish citizenship after 1 year of residence in Spain, same as for a married partner?
Also, isn't it true that anyone (for example, a US citizen) becoming a Spanish citizen through marriage (and civil partnership?) can retain their previous citizenship, not just citizens of Latin American countries, Philippines, etc.?
Many thanks in advance.
Bel : Unless you are from Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, Jewish of Spanish origin, or from South America then NO. And even then you must have held Spanish residency for at least 2 years before you can so much as apply.
I plan to study in spain for 2 years or more. Can I apply for Spanish nationality after 2 years of schooling in Spain?
Prakash : The form you need to complete will depend upon your circumstances and reasons under which you are eligible to apply for Spanish Citizenship.
Hi, How are you... please can you tell me which form I must submit to get Spanish Nationality ?
Ahemed : As a Non-EU National you will still require a visa to travel to these other countries, and likewise you will not recieve any financial assistance to study here in Spain.
Dear Sir, I am from Bangladesh, currently I am a Spanish resident, I was wondering if I am allowed to travel to countries like UK, France, Germany with ID Card along with my passport, or do I have to obtain a visa. Finally, if I would like to study MBA in Spain, can I receive financial help from the government ( before or after I become a citizen ). Thank you, looking forward to hear from you soon.
Veena : What do you mean by a "New" Passport ? - If you mean a replacement for a Spanish passpsort that is about to expire, tnen 4 - 6 weeks is usually sufficient.
Hi, I just want to know the legal time period for new passport processing kindly send me info.
kind regards
Ahsan : I think you are confusing Spanish Citizenship reuirements with obtaining Residency here in Spain - they are 2 completely different things, and you must have Residency BEFORE you can become a Citizen - you can click >>HERE<< to read how to become a Resident of Spain.
I am a Pakistani with a Pakistani passport, and want open a takeway busines in spain - Can I become an atonomo to get a passport ?
Ivan : It can take many months - years even - to obtain citizenship. There is no set period of time it should take as this can depend on a number of variables.
Help & solution needed. I am from Moncada, Spain. After several months of struggle & hard work finally i have managed to take appointment to submit the papers to receive the citizenship. but now my friend wants to do the same but for some reason the website is not working for few weeks ( perhaps the process has been shut down or maybe they are no longer taking applicants), on the other hand i am a little worried, by any chance, could it be possible that i have to re-register again. One last question, after i submit my papers how long do i have to wait to receive the passport.
Mack : The short and easy answer is to get a professional Immigration lawyer involved as soon as possible. Your is a complicated case and you could waste further time, money and resources trying to tackle this any further yourself.
Imran : This isn't really the page to be discussing language on, but you might like to look on Amazon for their learning Castilian DVD's or CD's. Regardless of how much time you spend studying you are also very unlikely to get anywhere close to fluency with a bare minimum of 12 months practical study here in Spain.
Hello ! I am from India & having a hell of a time to find a job in Valencia since I do not speak Spanish, although i hold a graduate degree but to find work in Spain I need to speak, read, write & understand Spanish moderately well. On the other hand the private institution are quite expensive, so I was wondering are there any reasonable institution or government agencies or non-profit organization who provided the course in less amount. One last question, how long does it take to learn Spanish, how many hours, days and any recommended books. Thanks.
Hi i got a question i renewed my Comuntario residencx in Jan 12 and its my 2nd in april i received the no fanrable and the cause was that the marriage verzificate is not attested which was not apostiled so i did the Recurso and did it from the Copenhagen foreign office and as the marriage certificate comes traslated so i didt did the traslation in spanish and no 1 did the translation of the back stamped as its a translated document and after 2 months again i have been decied by Denegado No faborablem now even the wrost case is my wife is with her parents as they are old and sick and i cant leave the country so what should i do , though i have again taken the new date for the renovation of Documents in malaga and some are advising me to go to Judge rapido as i have been removed from my work as the social security siad i have no permission to work please what should i do? and its really a big problem as i havent meet my inlaws and met my wife for over 2 months cabt take paro & cant work
Min : This is complex situation which you would be better of discussing with an experienced Immigration Lawyer, however our understanding is that A) Yes, you would have to renoune your Taiwanese Citizenship and, B) That the 2 year citizenship clause WOULD apply, regardless of the country of your birth.
Thanks for the reply Tumbit.
I believe that it is to my understanding that the Spanish government normally does not accept dual citizenship unless it is for Iberoamerica, etc.? Which Taiwan would not be part of.
My question here is that: Do I have to give up my Taiwanese citizenship PRIOR to the 2 years residence in Spain? The same 2 years residence condition apply for citizens of Costa Rica that were NOT born but acquired citizenship? Thanks a lot.
Min : I know it is an Olympic year, but wasn't aware that there was a medal for the most number of Citizenships held ?
- I am guessing that you acquired Costa Rican Citizenship as opposed to being a Costa Rica National ? This being the case you would have to give up one of these Citizenships before applying for Spanish.
Would the following condition apply?:
I am born in Taiwan, and say I have a Costa Rican nationality and passport (dual Taiwan and Costa Rica), would this make me eligible for the two-year residency terms to be able to obtain the Spanish citizenship? Please advise. Also I will have to give up my Taiwanese citizenship?
Elizabeth : You need to be aware that obtaining your NIE , Residencia and Citizenship are three totally different and separate processes, which you will need to undertake one at a time. If you click on the "Legal Formalities" section of our How To Guides you will find further details on how to go about this.
I am a little confused about how to obtain both the resident & citizenship of Spain. My husband is Spanish, I was wondering what papers do i need to pick up the NIE ( the location or address ) & how long do i have to wait to apply for my citizenship ( what papers & documents do i need to submit ). I am from Castellon.
@Kevin, viva España! Moving to the UK is very easy, although initially it can be expensive especially if you are wanting to study there. Costs for courses vary but there are grants available from Spain to study in the UK. The legal procedures are extremely simple. You do NOT need any special permission to reside, study and/or work in the UK. You only need to apply for a National Insurance Number, equivalent to Spanish NIE/DNI, which as a European citizen you WILL be entitled to. Health services will be free as they are charged to Spain, however to avoid any compliations make sure you take out long-term medical insurance including repatriaion back to Spain. Any experience or qualifications you gain in the UK are extremely sought after by employers around the world. ¡Buena suerte! / Good luck!!
Thanks for those few kind words Kev, and glad you find the site of interest.
As a native Spaniard (especially one who obviously knows English as well as you do), the documentation and legal procedures required to live and work in the UK are much easier than a Brit would find moving to Spain.
Although the UK economy and employment situation is by no means booming, it is certainly better than Spain's, so I can understand your predicament.
I will ask a Spanish friend who has made a similar move to post later with a few comments & tips...
Dear Tumbit,
I have been reading your posts for quite sometime & I must admit that not often we get to find or see such generous and honest person who is willingly to help others without any self-interest. It is an honor & privilege to see that someone like you still exists on this cruel world. I was wondering, being a Spanish citizen, will it be favorable to study in UK and find myself a job since the recession in Spain is getting worst day by day. I do not see any future for another 4-5 years and as one of my fellow friend mentioned, that it is even quite difficult to consider investing in Spain at present condition. Do I require any documents or permission to reside in UK to work & study for a long period of time. Any suggestion or advice will be highly appreciated. Thank you & keep up the good work. Wishes from Spain.
Mack : It would be difficult to comment without knowing more about your personal circumstances and your current Nationality etc... If you have not done so already I would certainly recommend that you aquired the services of an Abogado who specialises in citizenship issues.
I am married to German wife for the last 6 years i renewed my documents and first they said not favouable as i need to have married certificate translated and appostile which i did and it was in via recourso now again its not favaourable, what should i do as i been told now my status is illeagle and i even have been stoped to work by social security now what should i do which i presented and now even cant travel to see my wife as she is taking care of her ill parents,i been asked to go to judge or wait as what the letter says ?please never been illeagle and whats the solution? cant even get my benefits of unemployed and my how can i manage our selfs?
Veena : Providing your documentation is all correct it could be anywhere between 6 to 18 months.
I'm so thankful to you for providing assistance and info. I just wanna know if a person apply Spanish passport how long would it takes for Legal processing time ?
I was wondering due to immense recession problems in Spain what is the future for those who are unemployed, on the other hand are there any opportunities for pupil who speaks English but does not have any knowledge on Spanish ? I believe the only way to recover quickly from this position would be operating more multinational companies along with Call Centers that may produce huge amount of employee support - on the other hand would greatly strengthen the Spanish economy and rectify La Bolsa De Madrid, otherwise things would get more austerity & atrocious. Finally in a way all the Spaniards would love to learn english not for employment but as a hobby and for better opportunities. This is my suggestion & point of view.
Hi, how are you ? - I will complete 10 yr in April 2013.. I am not married... I will apply for nationality of Spain maybe in first week of May ... can u please tell me how long it takes to get spanish passport.. I have been in spain since 13 april 2003... with work permit..
thanks a lot
waiting for your early response
prakash
Sharon : If you and your partner are British Citizens, then your child will automatically become a British Citizen by default.
Rajib : The exact length of time taken between submitting your application and recieving your Citizenship can vary depending upon your personal circumstances and the quality of your supporting documentation. In good circumstances it can take as little as 6 months, while in other circumstances it can take much, much longer !
I have spanish residency but british passport. My son was born in Spain. How do I apply for a spanish passport for him. I have his birth certificate issued by the local council.
I am from Asia, my wife is Spanish, currently i am holding the resident card, on the other hand i have to submit the papers to apply for the passport on February 2012, my question is, how long does it take to get the passport after successful submission of all the documents the ministry require. Thank you.
Robert : Yes, either you or your parents (or Both) can apply for Spanish Citizenship - However, this is conditional on you applying once you have served the minimum required of residency here in Spain, which may prove to be the tricky part !
I have a few great grandparents who were born in Spain. Although they migrated to Cuba they have Spanish birth certificates. My mother has these birth certificates of our Spanish born grandparents. Can we or I apply and recieve Spanish citizenship ?
I already submitted all the required documents this morning (May 17,2012) in Torrejon de Ardoz. What is the next step?
Cristina : Yes, if you renounce your Canadian Citizenship and regain your Filipino Citizenship, you can then APPLY for Spanish Citizenship after you have been officially and legally resident here in Spain for a period of 2 years.
Thank you - what if I apply for a Philippine passport? Would that make any difference?
Cristina : No, as Canadian citizens you will now no longer be able to take advantage of the privileges extended to Filipinos.
Hi, my parents and I were born in the Philippines, but we are now Canadian citizens. I have been studying here in Spain for the past 2 years and wondered if I can apply for citizenship by having the Filipino nationality and residency in Spain for 2 years? I do not have a Philippine passport and only hold a Canadian passport. Thanks
Prakash : It really depends upon the quality of your supporting documentation and your reason for applying (IE through marriage; period of residence etc..). I have heard of some applications being granted after just 6 months, whereas others can often take much longer.
Hi, after applying for spanish nationality how long will I have to wait to get spanish passport... ?
A few people I know who have applied for citizenship based on marriage have said that the wait time AFTER application is about 3 to 4 years! Even though the law requires the government to make a decision within one year, but in practice nothing is done for several years. So for those of you who thinks this is going to be a quickie, think agian!
Sunil : No - You can only begin your application for Spanish Citizenship once you have been legally resident in Spain for 12 months.
Hello my name is Sunil and i am a Asian married to a Spaniard . We have been living in the UK for three years already but almost one year of being married. My question is if I can apply for my Spanish passport being resident in the UK after 1 year of marriage ??
I am married to a Spanish woman and my one year of Residence is coming up on July of 2012. Having said that, I would like to know what documents do I require to submit to get the Passport. Furthermore, am I eligible to travel to EU countries with my current Resident Card. Finally, I am from Asia, so does this works the same for me that I have to forfeit my country´s Nationality. Thank you.
Sol : As far as I am aware you shouldn't encounter a problem, but you would be better putting these questions to a Lawyer : In Valencia City I can recommend you contact Martin at Poveda Hayes Abogados.
My one year of Residence in Spain is coming up in April 27, based on my marriage to a Spaniard.
1: I have established a good character in the society with out any criminal recored.
2: I have been paying my Social security for a year now.
3: I am an self employed and did not make any money. But I did not file a tax for this year. But I made sure to pay my SS every month.
My question to you will be Since, I did not file a tax for 2011 will it be a problem for my citizenship? I did not get any income for 2011.
Also,Could you kindly recommend a good lawyer in Valencia city for my Citizenship, based on my marriage. Thanks for your great help.
Shamsher : When and where were you divorced ? Did you notify the immigration office of this, and if so, when ? You 'should' be able to get "Residencia de larga duracion", which allows you to live and work in Spain for 5 years. As soon as you have this you can apply to change it to "residencia permanente EU" if you cab proove you have a contract of employment.
Vina : Once you have Spanish Citizenship you will be able to work in other EU Countries, just as any other native born EU Citizen is able to. However, you should not go to work in another country UNTIL you have this.
Hello, I've been completed 10 years legally in Spain and now im appling for nationality. Is it possible after appling nationality can I work other European Countries ? Will my application continue ?
My EX-wife Portugeesa (divorced after 05 years). Now my residency family comunatario Card (05 years) has expired now. Now after divorce I m applying for new card.
My question is: -
1. which card i will receive now? (larga duracion or permanente familiar de la union)
2.How long is its validity?
3. Is this card valid for to do work in whole of EU ?
John : My understanding is that yes, you must be living in Spain (Resident) for 12 months before you can even apply to be a citizen. The Libro just confirms your status as the family member of a Spanish citizen. I know of a number of Lawyers who are experts in this field if you like me to recommend them to you ... ?
Thanks Tumbit. So to get the Spanish nationality do I have to live in Spain even when I have registered my marriage in the Spanish embassy here in London And el libro de familia was given to me??
Hello my name is John I am Colombian married to a Spaniard . We have been living in the UK for three years already but almost one year of being married. My question is if I can apply for my Spanish passport being resident in the UK after 1 year of marriage ??
Hello,
I am an American and my girlfriend is a Spanish citizen. We would like to move back to Spain and live there for the foreseeable future. However, we are not looking to get married at this time, so I have the following questions:
1. Is the Spanish "Union Registrada" available for opposite-sex couples as well as for same-sex couples?
2. If we are able to register as opposite-gender couple, how long do I have to wait before I can apply to be a Spanish citizen? I read that for married couples, it is one year of continuous residency in Spain, but is this the same for opposite-gender registered partners as well?
Thanks,
Chuck
Thanks a lot for you info Tumbit. I will try to apply for my citizenship soon. Do you think I should get a lawyer or is it easy to take care of it by my self?
Regarding the UK visa. I am getting lots of contradicting messages. Some place it says I will not have any problem as long as I travel with my spouse to the UK. But If I travel by myself even with my EU residence card. I still need a visa. Well, I will try to get hold of the UK consulate people, if I can. Once again thanks for your help.
Sol : I would surmise that your legal residential status began on 27-01-2011, and therefore you can submit your application for Citizenship on 27-04-2012.
According to the UK Border Agency website, as the Spouse of an EU Citizen you are not required to apply for aen entry visa when you supply the appropriate supporting documents.
Hello Tumbit,
We have been married since Jan 10 2011. Yes, we are still married. Yes, I am self employed (Autonomo).
Yes, I pay my SS dues every month.
Sol :
To start with it would be necessary to know : Are you STILL married ? For how long ? Are you working legally here in Spain, or have you ever contributed into the SS system ?
Hello Tumbit,
How are you? I got two questions.
1: I have been married to a Spanish Citizen. I have already for my Regimen Comunitario, the expiration date on the card says 27-04-2016. But it does not say when it was issued. My question is when does my 1 year of residence starts from? Does it mean I can start applying for my Citizenship on 27-04-2012 ?
2: I hold an Indian passport. Due to my job I will be going to the UK a lot as a visit. Do, I need visa to go to the UK? Or can I carry my passport and my Regimen Comunitario Card? If I do need a visa to the UK what kind of visa should I request?
If you could kindly help me with these questions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Best Regards, Sol
I think spain should change it's policy for Asians and others for getting nationality. For South Americans it's 2 years and for us its 10 years why??? didnt you people think its discrimination..???? I think spain disturb more immigrantes than other nations !
So after my interveiw I got the ok from Logrono and they have given me the green light to send my documents to Madrid - so what will be the next process can anyone tell me ?
Ali, There is rush of applications in Logrono for nationality cases so it could be little bit late , at present, the application normally takes two to two and half years in completion of the process. However, it depends upon the case individually and accuracy of the documents as such factors in this direction.
Hi I am from Pakistan and my wife is spanish, I already submitted my documents for nationality I got my interveiw date after three and half months and it all went well from my point of veiw . We subimitted the documnets in Logrono. Now my question is how long does it takes to become a national ? Its already been almost 6 months,any suggestion what can I do thanks ?
Ahmad : As the Husband of a Spanish Citizen you can apply for a Spanish Passport / Citizenship after being legally Resident in Spain for 1 year. Depending on the quality of you supporting documentation the process could take between 6 - 18 months. The first and most difficult part for you to address here is your Residency.
Jemima : It really depends upon how long you were considering leaving the country for.
Hi, I am from Afganistan and am living in Dubai as a resident with my wife who is Spanish and we get marred before 2 years here in Dubai, so my question is can Iapply for Spanish passport ? how and how long does it take ? Thank you
Hi, I just wanted to ask if I can go back to my country P.I while my papers (Spanish Citizenship) are on process? thank you.
Sachin : Given that your Mother has Spanish citizenship through Residency, then you should be eligible to apply for Citizenship for yourself once you have been legally resident in Spain yourself for a period of 1 year.
Hi, I have Indian citizenship and an Indian passport. Now I am studying in UK since 3 years. While I was in the UK my mother has married Spanish man 2 years ago. Now she is living in Spain and she has got Spanish citizenship. So can I apply for Spanish citizenship? Is it possible? Now I am 26 years old.
The only way you can obtain a Spanish passport is to obtain Spanish Citizenship, and to do that you need to have been Resident in Spain for a quaifying period of time - in your case it would be 1 year. However, the question remains : Where are you legally resident at the moment ?
If it is the UK, then you will need to make your application once you have moved back to Spain and been resident for a period of 1 year.
IF you are in the Uk but still legally resident here in Spain then (Providing you use a Spanish postal address and can make yourself available for interviews) then you should be ok.
The application process can take anywhere between 6 to 18 months depending on the quality of your supporting documentation, but in most cases of Citizenship through marriage to a national it is often much less.
Hi,
I would like to know if I can apply for my spanish passport while living here in the UK with my Spanish husband, as I have a spanish resident card and married in Granada, Spain in 1998. Please advise me how long it would take to receive my spanish passport, as I am only short of my antecedentes in US and my Apostille forms, which I can get within 1 month.
Thanks a lot :)
Mack : The 10 year period only begins once you have legally been awarded residency here in Spain - so you will need to wait a further 5 years before you can apply for Citizenship
Hi I an a Non .E U national from India and came here to Spain on study visa, now living in spain for 8 years of which 3 years were as a student and the rest as a resident , do u think that for applying my passport I have to wait 2 years or more 5 years as the whole time as a resident will be counted from the date as i entered to Spain as a student 2003 or from when my student case was changed to a a normal resident in 2006 thanks
Vina : your Spanish nationality can take anywhere between 6 - 18 months to be officially confirmed depending upon your grounds for application and the strength of your supporting documents. You would be well advised not to work outside of Spain until you have been awarded Citizenship.
Hi I'm Vina,since 10years i,ve been living in Spain but I'm an Indian national. Can I apply Spanish nationality and after applying nationality can I live work another European country? how much time need to get nationality?.
thanx
Best regards Vina Motwani
Hi again, but is it possible to go back home like in my country during the processing of the documents?
HI any one knows about the passport for applying for UK EEA permit. i got an appointment next week and i have applied for the new passport and my passport expire in next month. will they say no or yes
help
Jemima, you can apply for Spanish Citizenship as the spouse of a Spanish National once you have been legally resident for in Spain for 12 months. However, the application can take between 6 - 18 months until you are finally awarded citizenship.
Hi, just wanna ask a question. I got married in Philipines last year sept with a Spanish guy, and I came here in Spain this feb, I have 5 years residency and I am wishing to visit my family next year, but my husband said that I should get my spanish nationality first, how long does it usually takes before to get it?
So if I understand this article correctly I can apply for Spanish citizenship being my grandmother was born in Spain? My grandmother came to the U.S. as a little girl with her family, she died 20 years ago. Do I need to live in Spain for a year before applying? What type of information is needed regarding my grandmother?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Hola, I just want to know about if possible for me to apply a tourist visa going to spain this coming december. I'm a Filipina and married with spanish man. If I apply right now the registro civil I dont have time because as i know it takes time to get to know the result for applying visa for married.i want to visit my husband in spain this coming december and after december i want to cming back also to my country to apply our registro civil.but first i just want to apply for tourist visa and if possible to get a tourist visa as soon as possible.thank you please i want to know your reply and anyone to help me those questions.thank you in advance
Mapon : You are eligible to begin the process to applt for Spanish Citizenship once you have held residential status for a period of 10 years (unless you are eligible to apply in other circumstances).
The application process usually takes between 12 - 18 months, and varies depending on the quality of your supporting documentation.
Unless they choose to apply seperately, your children can apply for citizenship as the family member of a Spanish Citizen (you), but can only do this once you have been officially awarded your new status.
I have one more query, Tumbit, that is bothering me- My daughter also has her resident card renewal at the same time, for the same period. However, she is studing in the UK since Sept 2011. She has a 4 yr UK visa stamped in her passport (as that is the duration of her degree course), and has been coming home to Spain during her holidays. I would like to know if there is a limit to the number of days or a period of time one can stay outside the country, to be eligible for the renewal of resident card. Will this have an impact at the time of application of renewal process done by her while she is here.? Please guide!
Hi, I am a resident of Spain, living and working here since 2000. I am of Indian origin. In May 2012, I will be renewing my resident card for the 2nd time for the 5 year validity (currently, it is valid for 5 years- 2007- 2012). I would like to apply for Spanish nationalty. Can you please tell me when am I eligible to do so? Can I apply for Spanish nationality now, or do I have to wait after my next renewal in 2012? Could you also tell me how long is the process. Likewise, I would like to apply for my children too, who are adults (19 yrs and 24 yrs), but dependant on me.
Thanks a lot - I will go and do it Monday morning. I really thank you. and have a nice weekend.God bless your heart and keep up the good work will let you know how it went. adios amigos
Ripoh : As far as I am aware there is no obligation for you and your wife to live together in order for you to obtain citizenship, providing you meet all of the other criteria, as above.
Hi - I want to find out if I can apply for the spanish passport, I am married to a Spaniard but we are going to live in different houses because of work. I am moving to barcelona and she will be in Menorca with my son because there are no jobs for me there.Is it going to be a problem if we don´t live in the same house ? I am a south african
Shamsher :
1) Some time ago Spanish Central government requested that Non-EU nationals renewed their Padron every 2 years, and EU-Nationals every 5 Years. In practice this is something of a joke because the INE never communicated this request officially to the Ayuntamientos, and as such they deny all knowledge of a renewal being necessarry when asked. In any case, Central Gov state that it is the responsibility of the Ayuntamiento to write to their residents to request a renewal, so I wouldn't worry too much about this.
2) The only recent change to residency is as described Here .
helo sir, I came to know that form 30/06/2011 some spanish laws for foreigners are changing
1.Arriago system (3years padronment)
2.Nationality law
can u tell me is it true or fake?
Ahh, that is now clear, all need to do is sort out getting our appointment through the magical system! :-) And get those wonderful pieces of papers that now count as our residency cards...
Thank you again.
Louise : " Y " is the prefix for children, " X " for Adults.
Nope, they don't have to have one as they are under my husbands NIE and Social security and they have their british passports registered so european citizens. But we are indeed now going to get it sorted. Hency my query about getting a none foreigner number. Think you put a typo on though as our foreigner residencies all start with an 'X' :-)
Louise : At 4 and 6 shouldn't they have their NIE numbers already ? - If they have Residency already it will be the number on the certificate begining with " Y "
Thank you - that clarifies it, though I have to say that there are alot of versions of the same summary around that all say the same as your point one. We will just go ahead and get their NIE numbers....
Louise : Point 1 was badly written on our part (I have just changed it) - basically it should read "Foreign parents of no recognised Citizenship" (Such as refugees and other stateless people)
Thank you - am surprised since the children fulfil criteria 1 above of being born in Spain to parents of foreign nationality but legally resident in Spain.
Guess they'll just have to live their lives here as 'foreigners' as yes, I wish to retain my British citizenship.
Louise : You say you would like to get 'them' Spanish Nationality as opposed to 'us', meaning I guess that you and your husband wish to remain British Citizens ? I am not sure that it would be possible for you to do this.
We are Brits and long term residents (10 yrs for me, 26 for my husband) and both our children were born here. I would like to get them Spanish nationality but where and how do we go about it? They are 4 and 6 years old and we have all documents.
Thanks a lot and God bless.
Motho : It makes no difference. As long as you have been legally resident in Spain for 1 continuous year when you apply that will be fine.
Last quesion do you know how long it takes, for the process.
Hi forgot to say i am a south african and we have one child born in spain. and we have been leaving here and moved to uk and we have been back for 1 year now.
Motho : Given that you are already married to a Spanish National, and have already been resident in Spain for over 1 year, you can apply for Spanish Citizenship right away.
Hi i am married to a spanish for 7year now i have a resident card of spain for about 4years now, how can i get the citizen of spain
Gonzalo : If your Grandparents were not born here in Spain, then they would not be considered Spanish Citizens, unless their parents were Spanish Citizens and registered them with the authorities in Spain as being so.
Hola,
I would like to know if my grandparents would be considered Spanish nationals since they were born during the Spanish colonial period (1885) in the Philippines?
Saludos
Zahid : NO. You need to have been a Resident in Spain for the qualifying period BEFORE you can apply for Citizenship, Click the link HERE to read How to apply for Residential status as a Non-EU Citizen.
Dear Sir
This is Zahid Rehman from Pakistan and i would like to have you a question that we would like to get the citizen ship for Spain just because of the problem which are creating so many difficulties for us to manage our self here in this country. So i would like to ask you that would it be possible for us to get the citizen ship of Spain. ASAP,
i am waiting for your Answer Please.
Thank you
Acutally we should remain restricted to the destination country because there are many other blogs relating to residency and citizenship matter of Portugal. With kind regards.
We have no comment to make other than Portugal is not Spain and therefore free to apply their own rules and regulations when it come to obtaining Portuguese citizenship.
Helo sir awaitng ur comments
Thanks resp. I just got permanent residency of spain, but i have no job. My request is that, if Spain also change his system of nationality for asian like other europen countries( mostly spending 05years legally) then u can apply for nationality. with in one year or half year thy give nationality. Then foreigners go other good countries where they can earn good and they are not bundle on that country like portugal beljium even in swedon norway etc. As Im bundle on spain. Ist i got PARO and now trying to get Ayuda.
A lot of people are in same position like me.If they make it easy a lot of people after getting nationality will leave spain. So I was requesting u to give this suggestion to a honourable responsible office to make nationality system easy as they have very easy Nat.system for their colonies like sud Americans etc.
Mahmood : Three things here...
1) Portgual has a totally different set of criteria, being totally different country
2) You say you are 'Asian', but not your Nationality - it may affect the time and proceedure.
3) You must first hold Residency as a Non-EU citizen for the appropriate period of time BEFORE you can apply to be a citizen of Spain.
In spain: is there no other law like porugal for nationality.(cond.06 year to 10Year)? The Portuguese government may also grant the Portuguese nationality to foreign citizens when: • They are over 18 years of age • They have been living in Portugal, or a territory under the Portuguese administration, with a valid “Residencia” permit for at least 6 or 10 years (only 6 years for nationals of Portuguese speaking countries) • They have adequate knowledge of the Portuguese language (applicants will be submitted to a test) • They can prove that they have an effective connection with the Portuguese community • They have no criminal record • They have the proven financial means to provide for themselves and their all living costs .
Sir can u send my request to a responsible office that if they make easy nationality system for asian also as they have only 2 years limit for their colonies. They make it easy like portugal or other europa. people will get nationality they will leave spain. They w
Johno : Yes, it is possible. You DO NOT need to be citizens of Spain to be able to do this, and you should first click here to read how to apply for Residential status as a Non - EU Citizen
My wife and I are New Zealand citizens. I will have a security job in another country but I want to live in Spain with my wife, and come back to Spain for one month out of every four months. My wife will remain there. Is this possible and what visa would I need?
I going to think about you'r comment and I feel this is somming importent...If this end up being the way to go,then I have to take it..You cant live life as a no body (I know I didn't say this right)every body is some body in this world and I'm Rayleen L . Ortega...
Rayleen : Your Spanish relations are too far removed from you in order to count towards helping you in any way here. You also need to a hold residency as a Non-EU citizen before you can take the next step - which is applying for C|itizenship in Spain.
I have a little problem right now trying my U.S.A. passport,I have to show I'm a live person (like who I'm and been to Embassy 5 time) and I was born there my up bring there..I live in Mexico for some year now..My great great grandpal and family is Spain..My great grandmother and great aunt is Spain also...What can do...
William : there are a number of types of Visa - it all depends on what you want one for,
what documents would i need before i can apply for a spanish visa
Kjell : If you Google " Lawbirds, Malaga " you will find a legal firm with a dedicated team for Immigration services.
Hi sir. Thank you for your help.
We are going to Malaga/Marbella.
Regards.
Kjell Ivar Valaker.
Kjell : Most Lawyers and/or Gestors will offer this service - It is not a difficult or expensive process. If you tell me which area of Spain you are looking at relocating to I will try and recommed somebody for you.
Ade : Whether your children can do that or not depends upon the Nationality of EACH OF the parents, and the Residential status of Parents and Children at the moment. If all are residing in Nigeria at the moment then it will be necessarry to start the residency process from the start and only then can they go on to apply for citizenship.
Hi sir.
Can you recommend a good lawyer who can help us both with the residencia application.
Many Thanks.
Hi. Good day.
I would like to ask about how to confirm the nationality status of my younger ones who where born in spain and traveled to Nigeria. Now they want to claim their country of birth. How do I help them ? - Thankyou
Hi sir. YOU make me so happy. I been traying to get help in the embasy,but no answer.
I am greatful for your help'
Thank you wery much.
Regards.
Kjell Ivar Valaker.
Kjell : Apply for a Tourist visa for your wife, and then as soon as you arrive in Spain begin the process to apply for Resdencia. You and your son as EU/EEA Citizens, your wife as the family member of an EU/EEA Citizen. The application time for a visa can vary depending on backlogs at the Embassy etc... but If you allow 6 weeks you should be fine.
Hi again, and thank you so much for your answer. I still need to know if I can just apply for a tourist visa for my wife, we live now in the Philippines, or if I should apply for residential status when we come to Spain. I know that me and my son who are Norwegian don't have any problem. We married 2008, and got a son 2010. What kind of visa do I apply for in the Spanish Embassy in Manila. How long will it take?
Kjell : For you and your wife to live in Spain you DO NOT need to become Spanish Citizens. Given that you are a citizen of Norway, which is a member of the EEA, your application for Residency will be treated exactly the same as that of the Citizen of a full-EU member state. Your wife and son will gain Residential status through you as dependants.
Please click here if you wish to Apply for Residential Status as an EU Citizen.
I am Norwegian married to a Philippino for 4 years. We have a son together, and he has a Norwegian passport.
We want to move to Spain. What to I do to get my wife a visa. I have a Norwegian pension, of 4000$ a month.
It IS possible for Indian nationals to apply for Spanish Citizenship, but ONLY if they have fulfilled the required period of residency beforehand.
Dear Sir,
Please suggest if its possible for Indian national there are plenty of people are intersted for Spain Residence/Citizen Ship,
Regards
Proff kulwant sarwara
My wife is from Hawaii,is it possible for to get Spanish Citizen and how long does it take to get a Spanish Passport.Please, kindly reply me soon.
Shahidul : Before you can apply for Citizenship in Spain you need to have gone through the residency process as a Non-EU Citizen. Click here to read how to apply for Residential status as a Non-EU Citizen.
I am a Bangladeshi. I want to be settled in SPAIN with my family, including one child
Dave : The length of process can vary greatly depending upon : the personal circumstances of the applicant together with their method of applying (in your case via the 'national of a former colony' route); the quality of their supporting documentation and their location within Spain. As a very general rule of thumb your partner should be invited for an interview at her local Police station with 6 months from making her original application, and from there on it could take a further 12 months until you hear anything further. A common criticism of the process is that there is little communication or feedback along the way.
I am a British citizen and do not wish to change that. I am simply asking for a guide as to how long the process of getting Spanish citizenship takes, once my wife has completed her 2 years residency requirement. This will enable her to obtain a spanish passport which will facilitate our travel to the UK at short notice on occassions
Dave : If you basically asking if you and your Filipino wife can apply for residency at the same time, then no. She must fulfil her Residency period ( 2yrs ) before applying for Citizenship and then, once granted - and assuming you have completed your residency - you can then apply for yours as the spouse of a Spanish National ( 1yr )
A1982 : You can apply for Spanish CITIZENSHIP due to your marriage with your with, but first before your application you need to have been legally RESIDENT here in Spain for a period of 1 year. You should start this step (an a NON-EU Citizen) by clicking Here.
hi , i am from Afghanistan living in dubai and my wife is Spanish ,we been married since 2 years, can i get the Spanish nationality ?? if yes how and what i have to do ??
Ahmad
Does anyone know (roughly) the process takes once you have made the initial contact with the Minister of Justice after the 2 year residency requirement. Only 2 years because my wife is a Filipina.
Next step = cita para ciudadania / citizenship appointment
Hi i am from nepal and have been living legally with spanish residence card for 11 years in barcelona.In oct 2010 i had applied for spanish nationality and few days i recevied a letter stating that my documents are submit to madrid main office.Now what will be next process and how long will it take to get nationality.....??
shrestha
Many thanks for you response, just as you rightly said I hold a Spanish resident card, I'm on a second term because I renewed it after the first one expried ( this current card will expire in 2014). So whilst I still a legal Spanish resident can I apply for my citizenship here in the Uk? As I now live and work here since the last 5 years.
Thanks your advice is much appreciated.
Princess K : Firstly, it is a requirement that you have held Spanish residency for a qualifying period, and if you are living in the UK you DO NOT hold this status. The residential status that you used to hold when you lived in Spain has now lapsed. As such your qualifying period will have to start again from day 1 AND you can only apply for Citizenship in Spain once you have reached the qualifying date.
Can I obtain a Spanish citizenship here in the UK? My husband is a Spanish national and my nationality is African. We got married in Spain 1999, we both lived in Spain for 6 years before relocating to UK in 2005. Due to unemployment in Spain it was very difficult to continue living there, So what are my best options to get my Spanish Citizen here in UK? Thanks for your quick response.
Shamsher, Obtaining citizenship can be a complex thing - and if I understand your situation correctly, Your Wife (as a citizen of Portugal) will be able to apply for Spanish Citizenship once she has been legally resident for 2 year. As her husband, you can then apply for Spanish citizenship 1 year AFTER she has been awarded here citizenship.
I shamsher national india, wife portugeesa. She got NIF NO. and then From five years we are living in spain together, but she did not change nattionality. On her behalf can I also apply Nationality now because:-
1. She had citizenship of European union (portugal).Portguesa can apply after 2years.
2.As family member of European union, Have i same rights of Citizen of European union?
awtg ur response.
3.Is there any good news about spain that spain may be also changing policy for Pasport that is after 05years we can apply for nationality. as other mostly European countries have law after 05years getting permanent residcy foreigners can apply for nationality.
pls give answer in detail sir. Thanks &awtg
1.well my question is that why my brother and wife have asylum in spain and they have child here why he is not spanish directly?
2. why political refuges spend 5 years b4 have spanish nationality and later under go 18-24 months to wait for nationality, why 2 years waiting again?
3.
Mahmood Thanks boss for resp. u know my wife is portugeesa except Portugal which country citizen ship sysem is not so long like 10 years or easy in Europa. My wife is ready to go ith me everywhere.
The short answer is No - Spain and Portugal have totally different requirements for obtaining residency and citizenship.
In spain: is there no other law like porugal for nationality.(cond.06 year to 10Year)?
The Portuguese government may also grant the Portuguese nationality to foreign citizens when:
• They are over 18 years of age
• They have been living in Portugal, or a territory under the Portuguese administration, with a valid “Residencia” permit for at least 6 or 10 years (only 6 years for nationals of Portuguese speaking countries)
• They have adequate knowledge of the Portuguese language (applicants will be submitted to a test)
• They can prove that they have an effective connection with the Portuguese community
• They have no criminal record
• They have the proven financial means to provide for themselves and their all living costs
Mahmood, in your case you need to have been legally resident here in Spain for 10 years before you are eligible to apply for Nationality / Citizenship here in Spain.
Mahmood, national Pakistan. wife national Portugees. Livig in spain from 05years. on wife behalf when can i apply for nationality?
Orlando, based on what info you have given it looks as though there are no special circumstances in which you can claim Spanish Citizenship and could only gain it via a period of residency, much like other nationalities. For a Cuban national I believe this period is 2 years (with Cuba being a former Spanish Colony), but I would recommend that you speak with the Spanish Embassy in Cuba to confirm this.
My great grandparents on both side were born in Spain. My last names are Montero, Raimundo, Toledo. However. My understanding is that one great great grandfather was a Spanish soldier stationed in Havana who eventually returned to Cuba. The rest of my ancestors immigrated like so many Spaniards did during and after Cuban independence.
Orlando, did any of your Parents or grandparents ever take Spanish Citizenship ? (If they did you may be able to claim Citizenship through decent), OR, did your Great Grandparents leave Spain due to oppression in Spain as a result of the Civil war, or the following Franco regime ?
I was born in Cuba and immigrated to the US in 1962. My great grandparents on both sides had immigrated to Cuba. I'm veryproud of my heritage and very interested in obtaining Spanish citizenship. All I have in the way of documentation is my Cuban passport. Is it possible?
Shamsher, the Domincan Republic is one of the very few exceptions that Spain makes in recognising dual nationality, However they will NOT recognise or allow dual nationality with India. As far as I can see you still need to wait a futher 5 years before applying for Spanish Citizenship for 2 reasons :
1.) Because as a Non-EU Citizen (Indian) you are required to first be legally resident in Spain for 10 Years.
2.) As far as being a Dominican Citizen goes, the 5 year period starts when you have gained citizenship - not before.
Thanks for reply. I have two nationalities & one residency card
1. By Born India ( Indian Nationality)
2. On business behalf in Dec2010 I got pasport of Dominican Republic.( Dominican Republic Nationality).
3. Permanent Residency of Spain.
Now I WANT TO GET SPAIN NATIONALITY
1. Now can I apply for nationality because i already spent 05 year in spain
OR
I have to wait for 02 years more?
2. I already have 02 nationalites can I get spanish nationality also.
Thanks for your reply. I have to wait and fullfil my own residence period of 10 years until then i can qualify for the Spanish nationality. Spanish nationality is granted within one year only to those whose partner must be Spanish by origin.
My lawayer also told me that my wife should move to UK and apply for reunion. In uk, i can get the benefits being the family members of European union citizen. After living five years legal in UK, I can apply for UK citizenship. At present, I am permanent resident of Spain.
Naveed, I agree it seems unfair that your spouse and chldren are entitled to have a different nationality to yourself - Did they tell you how long you had to wait untl you were eligible to re-apply ?
Attention Please:
I have visited the Civil registry of Logrono, La Rioja. The staff told me that a spouse of Spanish national who got the citizenship of Spain after living 10 years legally in Spain, cannot get the citizenship of Spain on his partner behalf. However , his childrens , who are under 18 can get the citizenship of Spain automatically. It is a rediculus law of Spanish citizenship which discriminate the applicant on the bases of by choice and by origin.
Hello i have large duration spanish resident card and my daughter have spanish nationality.Can i get spanish nationality on behalf of my daughter nationality ?
As far as Spain is concerned, in order to assume Spanish Citizenship you are required to renounce your previous citozenship.
Hello, I have a friend in Spain - originally from Algeria and she has had Spanish residence over 10 years now and she ask me ...if she applies for Spanish Naturalisation can have both nationality of algeria and spanish at the same times or she will drop one of them?
Naveed - It is our understanding that being married to a Spanish citizen (regardless of whether this is a citizen by birth, or by choice) will entitle you to apply and obtain Spanish citizenship after living in Spain together for 1 year. So at the time of your application for citizenship, you have to prove you have resided legally in Spain for at least one year.
- In the first instance we would recommend that you speak with a lawyer to discuss your induvidual case with them.
Can a spouse of a spainish national person can get the citizenship on behalf of his partner who got the spainish residence by fulfilling the residence period of 10 years?
i have come to know that spainish nationality is only given to the spouse of spinarad who is spainish by origin.
Please reply me in this direction.
Can anyone tell me what the benefits are in an EU citizen, already resident in Spain, taking up Spanish Citizenship ?
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