1. Can You Obtain Spanish Citizenship by Marriage?
Yes, Spain offers a pathway to citizenship for non-Spanish nationals who are married to a Spanish citizen. Unlike many countries, however, marriage to a Spanish citizen does not automatically confer citizenship. Applicants must meet residency and marriage requirements before becoming eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship by marriage.
2. Eligibility Requirements for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
To qualify for Spanish citizenship by marriage, applicants must:
- Be married to a Spanish citizen: The marriage must be legally recognized in Spain, and you’ll need to provide a marriage certificate as proof.
- Reside in Spain for at least one year: Non-EU citizens must live legally in Spain for a minimum of one continuous year after marriage before applying for citizenship.
- Demonstrate a stable relationship: Applicants should prove that the marriage is genuine and ongoing. This means continuous cohabitation and evidence of a stable relationship with the Spanish spouse.
Meeting these criteria is essential to proceed with the citizenship application.
3. Required Residency in Spain Before Applying for Citizenship by Marriage
Unlike regular applicants who need to reside in Spain for 10 years to apply for citizenship, spouses of Spanish citizens can apply after just 1 year of continuous residence in Spain. Note:
- Legal Residency: The year must be spent in Spain under a legal residence permit, such as a family reunification or spouse visa.
- Continuous Residence: Leaving Spain frequently or for extended periods may disrupt the continuous residence requirement, so it’s essential to maintain your presence in the country.
This one-year residency period is a unique benefit available to spouses of Spanish citizens.
4. Applying for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage: Key Steps
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for Spanish citizenship by marriage:
Step 1: Obtain Legal Residency in Spain
If you’re not already living in Spain, apply for a residence permit based on your marriage to a Spanish citizen. This may include a family reunification visa if you’re not an EU/EEA citizen.
Step 2: Complete the One-Year Residency Requirement
Once in Spain, begin the one-year continuous residency requirement. Ensure you have a legal residence card during this period.
Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
Compile the required documents, including:
- Marriage Certificate: Official certificate showing a legally recognized marriage.
- Proof of Residency: Rental contracts, utility bills, or a residence certificate from your local council (empadronamiento).
- Passport and Residence Permit: Proof of legal entry and residency in Spain.
- Proof of Integration: Documents such as language proficiency (typically DELE A2 level in Spanish) and a pass in the CCSE exam (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain).
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your application online through the Ministry of Justice’s website (Portal de la Administración de Justicia). You may need to create an account to track the status of your application.
Step 5: Attend an Interview (if required)
Some applicants may be required to attend an interview to discuss the relationship, demonstrate integration, and answer questions on Spanish society and culture.
Step 6: Await Processing and Decision
Spanish citizenship applications can take 1-3 years to process, so patience is essential. Successful applicants will be asked to take an oath of allegiance to Spain and formally renounce any previous nationality (if required).
5. Required Documents for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
Prepare the following documents for a successful application:
- Marriage Certificate: A Spanish-certified copy of your marriage certificate.
- Certificate of Empadronamiento: Proof of residence from your local municipality.
- Valid Passport and Residence Card: Proof of identity and legal stay in Spain.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Bank statements or proof of employment.
- Criminal Record Check: Criminal record certificates from your home country and from Spain, showing no criminal background.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: DELE A2 Spanish proficiency certificate and the CCSE exam result.
It’s essential to have all documents translated into Spanish by a certified translator if they are not in Spanish and to obtain apostilles on foreign documents where required.
6. Language and Cultural Knowledge Tests (DELE and CCSE)
Spain requires most citizenship applicants, including spouses of Spanish nationals, to demonstrate language and cultural knowledge:
- DELE Exam (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language): The DELE A2 or higher level exam is required to prove Spanish proficiency.
- CCSE Exam (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain): This multiple-choice test covers Spanish society, culture, and constitutional knowledge.
These tests are administered by Instituto Cervantes, and some exemptions apply for applicants from Spanish-speaking countries.
7. Does Spain Allow Dual Citizenship?
Spain has limited provisions for dual citizenship. While applicants from certain Latin American countries and select nations may keep their original nationality, most others must renounce their previous citizenship to obtain Spanish citizenship.
8. Advantages of Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
Obtaining Spanish citizenship offers several advantages:
- Permanent Residency and Work Rights: Full rights to live and work in Spain and across the EU.
- EU Citizenship Benefits: Visa-free travel and residence rights across the EU.
- Access to Healthcare and Education: Eligibility for Spain’s public healthcare and education systems.
- Right to Vote: Full civic rights, including voting in Spanish elections.
These benefits enhance both security and mobility for those married to Spanish citizens.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get Spanish citizenship if my Spanish spouse lives abroad?
A: No, you must reside legally in Spain for at least one year to apply, even if married to a Spanish citizen.
Q2: Do I have to pass the DELE and CCSE exams?
A: Yes, language and cultural knowledge tests are required for most applicants, though some may be exempt.
Q3: How long does it take to process Spanish citizenship by marriage?
A: Processing times vary but typically range from 1-3 years.
Q4: Do I need to give up my original nationality?
A: Spain may require renunciation of your original nationality unless you are from a Latin American country, the Philippines, Portugal, Andorra, or Equatorial Guinea.
Q5: Can I apply for Spanish citizenship immediately after marriage?
A: No, you must first complete one year of legal residence in Spain before applying.
Q6: Is there an interview for Spanish citizenship by marriage?
A: Sometimes; applicants may be asked to attend an interview to verify the relationship and integration into Spanish society.