Citizenship by residence

Who it is for

10 years in general; 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, or Sephardic origin; shorter in other cases. Residence must be legal, continuous and immediately before applying.

Where

Ministry of Justice e-office (sede electrónica)

Steps

1. Add the date your legal residence started: you will see how long is left.
2. Pass the CCSE and DELE A2 unless you are exempt.
3. Get your birth certificate and criminal record certificate from your country, translated and legalised.
4. Apply online with a digital certificate (you need AutoFirma). You have two months from creating the application to sign and send it.

When do you have to file?

What to bring

Tick what you already have: it is saved in this browser.

• Valid passport and a copy of every page
• Valid TIE
• Birth certificateDocuments from another country: sworn translation into Spanish plus legalisation or apostille.
• Criminal record certificate from your home countryDocuments from another country: sworn translation into Spanish plus legalisation or apostille.
• Padrón certificate
• CCSE and DELE A2 certificates (unless exempt)
• Paid fee on form 790, code 026

Next: the CCSE and DELE A2 exams

Citizenship needs both exams. Our app “CCSE y DELE A2: Nacionalidad” prepares you for them, calmly and in your language.