In this article, we will provide a full explanation of the requirements and the process of applying for nationality by residence in Spain, as well as the benefits of obtaining it. If you are thinking of applying for Spanish nationality by residenceThis will help you to understand the requirements and the process you need to follow to obtain it.
Remember that you can count on our team of experts in foreigners to help you with the whole process.
What is nationality by residence?
This is a legal process that allows foreigners who have lived in the country for an extended period of time to acquire Spanish citizenship. This process aims to integrate foreign residents into society and give them the opportunity to participate fully in the social, political and economic life of the country.
Why is it important for foreigners in Spain?
It is an important process for those who wish to have an greater security in their legal status and greater stability in their life in Spain.. For example, those who have built their lives in the country may want to obtain Spanish citizenship in order to have greater access to social services or benefits and to ensure that their legal status in the country is protected.
Requirements for nationality by residence in Spain
To apply for nationality by residence in Spain, it is necessary to meet a series of requirements set out in Spanish law. These requirements may vary depending on the individual situation of each applicant, such as nationality, age or marital status. The following are the requirements main requirements to be fulfilled in order to apply for nationality by residence:
Legal and continuous residence:
The person concerned must have resided legally and continuously in Spain for a certain period of time, which varies depending on the nationality or personal circumstances of the person. For the calculation of the duration of legal residence, only valid residence permits provided for in the legislation on aliens are taken into account.
Good citizenship
A criminal record certificate from the country of origin and reports issued by the competent Spanish authorities are required.
Integration into Spanish society
Integration is accredited by passing tests administered by the Cervantes Institute, which assess knowledge and use of the Spanish language, as well as constitutional and socio-cultural knowledge of Spain. Nationals of Latin American countries are exempt from the Spanish language tests.
Procedure for applying for nationality by residence
The application process for nationality by residence in Spain is a procedure that is carried out before the Ministry of Justice. Interested parties must complete the application form and submit the necessary documents to the Civil Registry of their place of residence. Once the application has been submitted, an investigation period will be opened and the necessary investigations will be carried out to verify that all the requirements are met.
The estimated waiting time for the resolution of the application is between one and two years. During this time, consultations on the status of the application can be made through the website of the Ministry of Justice. Once the application has been resolved, the possible results may be the granting of nationality, refusal or suspension of the decision.
Required documentation
To apply for nationality by residence in Spain, it is necessary to present a series of documents that vary depending on each case. In general, the documents required include:
- Official application for Spanish nationality by residence.
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
- Certificate of census registration in Spain.
- Document accrediting legal residence in Spain for the required period of time.
- Proof of social and cultural integration, by passing the tests administered by the Cervantes Institute.
- Justification of sufficient financial means to support oneself and one's family.
Submission of the application
Once all the required documentation has been gathered, the application for nationality by residence must be submitted to the Immigration Office corresponding to the place of residence of the person concerned. It is important to bear in mind that the deadline for submitting the application may vary depending on each case, so it is advisable to check the specific deadlines in each situation.
Assessment of the application
Once the application has been submitted, an evaluation process begins in which it is verified that all the requirements demanded by the law on foreigners are met. During this process, the administration may require additional documentation or conduct personal interviews to verify the level of social and cultural integration.
Oath or pledge ceremony
If the application is approved, an oath or promise of Spanish nationality ceremony is held. During the ceremony, the person concerned swears or promises to comply with the duties and obligations that Spanish nationality entails.
If you are interested in applying for the Nationality by residence in Barcelona and you want to make sure that your application is successful, you can contact one of our experts immigration lawyers in Barcelona for more information.
Remember that you can count on our team of experts in foreigners to help you with the whole process.
