Any foreign citizen who has legally resided in the country for a certain period of time can apply for Spanish citizenship. In some cases, the compulsory period of residence can be significantly reduced, and you do not need to give up the citizenship of another state.
Instructions
Step 1
Study Spanish law before applying for citizenship. If you are a direct descendant of Spanish citizens, or you were born in Spain and nothing is known about your parents, if you are a child of foreigners whose nationality is unknown, or if you are adopted by Spanish citizens, then you can automatically obtain Spanish citizenship. To do this, write an application of the appropriate form and submit it to the Ministry of Justice along with documents confirming your right to obtain Spanish citizenship.
Step 2
Take the following certificates if you are obtaining Spanish citizenship on the basis of 10 years of residence in this country: a certificate of the legality of your stay in Spain, a certificate of no criminal record, a certificate of renunciation of the previous citizenship and a certificate from the municipality about the presence of registration. The latest statement confirms your residence in your own or rented accommodation. Submit your application for citizenship with all the documents listed above and a birth certificate, a certificate indicating your former nationality and an extract of military status to the Ministry of Justice of Spain. If your petition is granted, swear allegiance to the King of Spain.
Step 3
Apply for Spanish citizenship after 1 year of legal residence in the country if your spouse is a Spanish citizen, if you are a “war child” (a descendant of the Spaniards who have been outside Spain since World War II) or if you are a citizen of one of the countries of Latin America, The Philippine Islands, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal. You do not have to give up your previous citizenship, citizens of the above categories have the right to obtain Spanish citizenship as a second.
