Lexidy’s Guide to Spanish Citizenship by Marriage

Are you married to a Spanish citizen and thinking about applying for citizenship? If so, you’re in a great position to navigate the process more smoothly than most.

This guide will help you understand and follow this path with ease. Our team of trusted immigration lawyers will explain everything in simple steps, so you know exactly what to do and why it matters. 

So, if you’re ready to start your journey to Spanish citizenship through marriage, let’s first look at what it means to gain citizenship through marriage and how you can make this process as smooth as possible.

(Article Updated March 2025)

What is Spanish Citizenship by Marriage?

Spanish citizenship by marriage allows those married to Spanish citizens to get citizenship for themselves. This path can be quicker than other routes to citizenship, recognizing and valuing the personal and legal ties you have already established with Spain through your marriage. 

This pathway not only facilitates your integration into the Spanish community but also deepens your connection with the country, offering both a profound sense of belonging and legal recognition. Curious about how this works? Visit our Spanish Citizenship service page, where we break down all the citizenship pathways and explain how we can help.

Benefits of Spanish Residence Permit Through Marriage

Getting Spanish citizenship through marriage not only solidifies your legal status but also opens up a host of benefits that enhance your life in Spain. Here are some of the key advantages:

Reduced Residency Requirement

Thanks to having registered your marriage, you will have the advantage of being able to reduce the time that you must live in Spain to be eligible to just a year—this is the shortest residency requirement before nationality, compared to the 2 or 10 years required in other cases, depending on your country of origin.

Freedom to Work and Live

As a Spanish citizen, you have the benefit to work, live, and study anywhere in Spain and across the European Union without the need for additional permits or visas.

Voting Rights

Citizenship grants you the right to vote in local, national, and European elections, giving you a voice in the political processes that shape your community and the EU.

Ease of Travel

With a Spanish passport, you gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries worldwide, making international travel easier and more accessible. In 2025, Spain has the second strongest passport in the world with visa-free access to 192 destinations.

Security of Permanent Status

Unlike residency permits that need to be renewed periodically, citizenship is permanent, offering long-term security and stability.

Eligibility for Spanish Nationality by Marriage

If you’re considering Spanish citizenship through marriage, it’s essential to understand the specific criteria that determine your eligibility. Here’s a clear breakdown of the requirements:

• Marriage to a Spanish Citizen: Your marriage must be officially registered with the Spanish Civil Registry, either at the local civil registry in Spain or at the competent Spanish Consulate. It’s not enough to be married to a Spanish citizen; the Spanish government must recognize your union.
• Residency in Spain: You must have legally resided in Spain with your spouse for at least one year before applying. This demonstrates your commitment and integration into Spanish society.
• Clean Criminal Record: Applicants cannot have criminal records in Spain or the country of origin. This ensures that the applicant is in good standing and likely to positively contribute to the community.
• Language and Cultural Knowledge: You will need to pass a Spanish language test and a test on Spanish societal and cultural knowledge, showing that you can effectively communicate and understand the norms and values of Spain.

These criteria are designed to ensure that those granted citizenship have demonstrated a genuine connection to Spain and are prepared to actively participate in its civic life. Assuming you meet these requirements, you can kickstart your citizenship application process.

Application Process for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage

Navigating the application process for Spanish citizenship through marriage involves several key steps. Each step is crucial to ensure your application is successful. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Take Your Language and Integration Tests

Applicants must pass two tests administered by the Instituto Cervantes: the DELE Spanish language test (A2 level or higher) and the CCSE test (Conocimientos constitucionales y socioculturales de España), which covers knowledge of the Spanish Constitution and social and cultural aspects of Spanish life.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Begin by gathering all necessary documentation, including your marriage certificate, proof of residency, birth certificate, and criminal record check. Ensure all foreign documents are dully legalized and legally translated into Spanish as per Spanish regulations.

3. Submit The Application

Once you have all your documents in order, it’s time to submit your application for citizenship. This can be done online and the expert team at Lexidy can submit this on your behalf. This submission typically includes filling out an application form, attaching all your documents, and paying the required application fee. 

5. Wait for Processing

The processing time can vary, typically taking from one to two years. During this period, your application is reviewed, and additional documentation may be requested. Patience is crucial, as this process can extend depending on the volume of applications and specific circumstances.

6. Notification of Decision

You will be notified by mail or electronic means about the decision on your application. If approved, you will be instructed on the next steps to finalize your citizenship, such as taking your Spanish Citizenship Oath.

7. Get Your Spanish Passport and ID Card:

Once the Citizenship Oath has been completed and you have received your Spanish birth certificate, you can apply for your Spanish passport and national ID card (DNI), which are your official proofs of Spanish citizenship.

By diligently following these steps and preparing thoroughly, you can significantly boost your chances of successfully obtaining Spanish citizenship through marriage. We strongly recommend consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer to make your application as robust as possible. Contact us today using the formw below for free consultation.

Documentation Required for Spanish Nationality by Marriage

To apply for Spanish citizenship through marriage, you will need to collect and submit several important documents. These documents are crucial as they establish your identity, marital status, residency, and adherence to legal and civic responsibilities in Spain. Here’s a general look at what you may need:

• Marriage Certificate: Your official marriage certificate proving your marriage to a Spanish citizen. If married outside of Spain, the marriage must be recognized and registered in Spain.
• Birth Certificate: Certified copies of both your and your spouse’s birth certificates. If these are not issued in Spanish, legalizations and certified translations will be necessary.
• Proof of Legal Residency: Your TIE card.
• Criminal Record Check: A certificate of criminal record (or lack thereof) from your country of origin.
• Language Proficiency Certificate: Proof that you have passed the DELE A2 level Spanish language test, which demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.
• Cultural Knowledge Certificate: Proof that you have passed the CCSE test administered by the Instituto Cervantes, demonstrating your knowledge of Spanish culture, history, and the constitution.
• Passport: A valid and complete passport from the country of origin, as well as the previous one as required based on the applicable residency period (original and photocopies).
• Registration of Address (Empadronamiento): A Certificate of Cohabitation or Joint Registration with your spouse.

These documents serve as the backbone of your application and must be presented accurately and completely. Once gathered, your documents will accompany the official application form for Spanish citizenship, which can be submitted to the appropriate Spanish authorities.

Common Challenges and Solutions When Applying for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage

Navigating the application for Spanish citizenship through marriage can involve various hurdles. Here are some typical challenges you might face along with effective solutions:

1. Document Authentication and Translation

Ensuring that all foreign documents are properly legalized and translated into Spanish. Utilize a certified translator for all your documents. Consulting a legal expert can also ensure that all documents meet the specific legal standards required by Spanish authorities.

2. Long Processing Times

The application process can be lengthy and sometimes extend beyond the expected timeframe. An experienced immigration lawyer can help ensure that your documentation is complete and correct before submission, reducing delays. They can also handle follow-ups with the authorities to keep the process on track.

3. Proving Continuous Residency

Applicants must prove they have lived continuously in Spain for at least one year. Organize and maintain all residency documents with the help of a legal expert who can confirm that the documentation meets the residency proof requirements.

4. Navigating Bureaucracy

The Spanish immigration system involves complex bureaucratic processes that can be confusing. Hiring a legal expert or immigration advisor can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty of dealing with Spanish bureaucracy. They understand the system well and can guide you through each step efficiently.

5. Maintaining Legal Status

Keeping your residency and other legal statuses up-to-date while awaiting citizenship approval. A lawyer will track the expiration dates on all legal documents and ensure they are renewed on time, helping you remain compliant throughout the application process.

Working with a legal expert not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that your journey towards Spanish citizenship through marriage is as smooth and fast as possible. Our team of experienced immigration lawyers is ready to guide you each step of the way. Contact us through the form below to help you secure your future in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Citizenship by Marriage

Do I automatically become a Spanish citizen when I marry a Spaniard?

No, marriage to a Spanish citizen does not automatically grant you citizenship. You must apply and meet all the necessary requirements, including residency and integration tests.

Can I maintain dual citizenship once I become a Spanish citizen?

Spain allows dual citizenship under specific conditions, such as for nationals from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal. Other nationals may need to renounce their original citizenship, depending on their country’s laws and the agreement with Spain.

How long does the process take to obtain Spanish citizenship by marriage?

The processing time can vary but typically takes about one to two years from the application submission to the final decision.

What happens if my application for citizenship is denied?

If your application is denied, you will receive a notification explaining the reasons for the decision. You have the right to appeal against this decision within a specified period.

What are the costs involved in applying for Spanish citizenship by marriage?

There are fees for document processing, translations, legalizations, and testing. The exact costs can vary, so it is advisable to check the latest fees with your local registry or legal advisor.

Can I work in Spain while my citizenship application is being processed?

Yes, if you have a legal residency status that permits you to work, you can continue working in Spain while your citizenship application is being processed.

How Can Lexidy Help With Spanish Citizenship by Marriage?

Navigating the path to Spanish citizenship through marriage involves careful preparation and understanding of the legal requirements. While the process offers a direct route to becoming a Spanish citizen, it comes with its set of challenges that require attention to detail and thorough documentation.

At Lexidy, our team of expert immigration lawyers is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. We understand that each case is unique, and we are here to provide tailored advice and support to ensure your application is successful. 

Don’t navigate this process alone—whether you’re ready to move forward or just exploring your options, you’ll find everything you need on our Spanish Citizenship service page — or simply fill out the form below to speak with our team.