{"id":29586,"date":"2023-08-24T18:26:20","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T16:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/?p=29586"},"modified":"2023-08-30T14:24:14","modified_gmt":"2023-08-30T12:24:14","slug":"nationality-by-marriage-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/immigration\/nationality-by-marriage-in-spain","title":{"rendered":"Nationality by Marriage in Spain: Requirements and Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/immigration\/spanish-nationality-types\"><strong>Nationality<\/strong><\/a><strong> by Marriage in Spain<\/strong> is one of the most common ways to apply for Spanish citizenship if you are married to a Spanish national and legally residing in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, Spanish law does not grant automatic citizenship simply because you are married. You must meet specific legal requirements set out in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mjusticia.gob.es\/es\/AreaTematica\/DocumentacionPublicaciones\/Documents\/Spanish%20Civil%20Code.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Spanish Civil Code (Article 22)<\/strong><\/a> and follow a formal procedure managed by the Ministry of Justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this updated guide, we explain clearly what you need, how long it takes, and what advantages you gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Does Nationality by Marriage in Spain Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain follows the principle of <em>ius sanguinis<\/em> (nationality by descent). Marriage itself does not automatically grant Spanish nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, <strong>Nationality by Marriage in Spain<\/strong> is processed as <em>Spanish nationality by residence with a reduced period of residence<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Article 22.2 of the Spanish Civil Code, you may apply after:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\"><strong>One year of legal and continuous residence in Spain<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Provided you have been married to a Spanish citizen for at least one year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">And you are not legally or de facto separated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a reduced residence period compared to the general rule of 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You must also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Hold valid legal residence status in Spain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Demonstrate good civic conduct<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Show sufficient integration into Spanish society<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Requirements for Nationality by Marriage in Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below is a clear summary of the legal requirements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"555\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image.png\" alt=\"Nationality by Marriage in Spain\" class=\"wp-image-55703\" style=\"width:416px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image.png 555w, https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/image-300x253.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important clarification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You <strong>do not need to hold a specific \u201cfamily member of EU citizen\u201d card<\/strong>, but you must be legally residing in Spain. Many applicants hold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">TIE as a family member of an EU citizen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Or another valid residence permit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Integration Tests: CCSE and DELE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To obtain <strong>Nationality by Marriage in Spain<\/strong>, you must demonstrate integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>CCSE test<\/strong> (mandatory for most applicants)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Exam on Spanish constitution and socio-cultural knowledge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Organised by Instituto Cervantes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>DELE A2 exam<\/strong> (language test)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Required if Spanish is not your official native language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Not required if you are from a Spanish-speaking country<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Documents Required<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although documentation may vary slightly depending on your case, typically you must submit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Application form (online through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mjusticia.gob.es\/en\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Ministry of Justice platform<\/strong><\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Valid passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/immigration\/apply-foreigner-identity-card-tie\"><strong>Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Spanish spouse\u2019s DNI or passport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/labor\/spain-wedding-leave-employee-rights\"><strong>Marriage certificate<\/strong><\/a> (issued by Spanish Civil Registry)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/legal\/criminal-record-certificate-online\"><strong>Criminal record certificates<\/strong><\/a> (Spain + country of origin)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">CCSE and DELE certificates (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Proof of payment of the administrative fee (currently \u20ac104.05)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All foreign documents must be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Legalised or apostilled<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Officially translated into Spanish (if necessary)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Long Does Nationality by Marriage in Spain Take?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the law sets a maximum resolution period of one year, in practice the process may take <strong>1 to 3 years<\/strong>, depending on workload and individual circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2026, many applications are still experiencing delays, so planning ahead is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After approval, you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Take the oath of allegiance to the King and the Constitution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Register your nationality at the Civil Registry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Apply for your Spanish DNI and passport<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advantages of Nationality by Marriage in Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once granted, you obtain full Spanish citizenship rights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Right to live and work in Spain without restrictions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Free movement within the EU<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Access to public healthcare and education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Right to vote in national and European elections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Possibility of dual nationality (depending on your country of origin)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spain allows dual nationality primarily with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Latin American countries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Andorra<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Philippines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Equatorial Guinea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Sephardic Jews<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your country is not on this list, you may be required to renounce your previous nationality (subject to your home country\u2019s laws).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When applying for <strong>Nationality by Marriage in Spain<\/strong>, many applicants face delays due to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Gaps in legal residence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Incorrect or outdated criminal record certificates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Marriage not registered in Spain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Failure to pass the CCSE or DELE exams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-top:20px\">Submitting incomplete documentation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professional guidance can significantly reduce errors and waiting times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need personalized assistance, at <a href=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/\"><strong>Entre Tr\u00e1mites<\/strong><\/a> we offer management and advisory services on immigration matters. You can contact us through this<a href=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/contact\"><strong>contact form<\/strong><\/a> for us to call you, or if you prefer, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/consultancy\/free-immigration-consultation\"><strong>schedule a free consultation<\/strong><\/a> or write to us on<a href=\"https:\/\/api.whatsapp.com\/send\/?phone=34644034481&amp;text=Hola%21+Quisiera+saber+m%C3%A1s+sobre+sus+servicios&amp;type=phone_number&amp;app_absent=0\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>WhatsApp<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can I apply for Nationality by Marriage in Spain if I live abroad?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. You must complete one year of legal and continuous residence in Spain before applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What happens if I divorce during the process?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the divorce occurs before the nationality is granted, your application may be denied unless you already fulfilled the residence requirement and can prove integration independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do I automatically get Spanish nationality after one year of marriage?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Marriage only reduces the residence requirement to one year. You must still apply formally and meet all legal conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obtaining <strong>Nationality by Marriage in Spain<\/strong> is possible if you meet the legal criteria and prepare your application correctly. Planning carefully and ensuring your documents are complete can make the difference between approval and years of delay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nationality by Marriage in Spain: updated requirements, documents and timeline explained clearly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":55705,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[707,98,343],"class_list":["post-29586","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-immigration","tag-family-reunification","tag-nie","tag-spanish-citizenship"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29586"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55704,"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29586\/revisions\/55704"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55705"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/entretramites.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}