Spanish Citizenship Lawyers in Barcelona – Fast and Reliable Solutions
Obtain your Spanish citizenship with expert legal guidance from the very first step through the final decision.
Why Choose Our Lawyers to Help You Obtain Spanish Citizenship?
Our experts in citizenship and immigration law in Barcelona have years of experience handling all types of Spanish citizenship cases. We guide you step by step, help you avoid common mistakes, and maximize your chances of success—even in the most complex cases.
Personalized Legal Advice on Citizenship
Complete preparation of the case file
Continuous monitoring of the process
Defense Against Objections or Denials
What Is Spanish Citizenship?
Spanish citizenship is the legal bond that links an individual to the Spanish State and grants that person full rights (the right to work, vote, access public services, and hold a Spanish passport). Its acquisition is governed by the Civil Code and can be obtained through various means depending on each person’s circumstances.
Legal Ways to Obtain Spanish Citizenship
Citizenship by Residency
This is the most common method, and it requires:
Legal, continuous, and recent residence in Spain (generally 10 years).
Shorter periods (2 years if you are from Latin American countries, Portugal, etc.).
Good civic conduct and no criminal record.
Integration into Spanish society (includes CCSE exams and, in many cases, the DELE A2 exam).
This route is ideal for those who have been living legally in Spain for years.
Nationality by Choice
Applies to:
People with direct family ties to Spaniards.
Adults within the scope of well-defined provisions of the law.
Minors under the guardianship of Spanish nationals.
Citizenship by Naturalization
Granted at the government’s discretion when exceptional circumstances warrant it, as a special recognition of merit or outstanding contribution.
Nationality by State Possession
For those who have held Spanish citizenship in good faith for 10 years and wish to regularize their status.
Is it mandatory to have a lawyer?
Legally, you can file the application on your own, but having a specialized attorney increases your chances of success and helps you avoid mistakes that could cause delays or even lead to a denial. Proper legal preparation is especially valuable when:
The application process involves complex requirements.
There are criminal records or errors in the documents.
Administrative support is needed in the event of a denial.
How We Help You, Step by Step
Assessment of Your Specific Situation
We review your case and determine the most effective way to obtain citizenship.
Complete preparation of your application
We collect, authenticate, and translate all the required documentation.
Submission to the Civil Registry or through the Online Portal
We ensure that your application is submitted securely and correctly.
Continuous monitoring of the process
We monitor deadlines, notifications, and any potential administrative requirements.
Defense in Response to Objections or Appeals
If your application is denied, we will prepare appeals and a solid legal strategy.
General Requirements and Required Documentation
Although they vary depending on the program track, the most common requirements include:
📌 Valid passport and residence card (TIE).
📌 Registration and proof of residence.
📌 Legalized and translated birth and civil status certificates.
📌 Criminal record certificates from the country of origin and from Spain.
📌 Integration tests (CCSE/DELE A2 exams, if applicable).
📌 Payment of applicable administrative fees.
This varies on a case-by-case basis: we can advise you on the specific list of documents you need based on your situation.
Contact our team of experts in Spanish citizenship today
If you are considering applying for Spanish citizenship, you can contact us for a specialized assessment of your situation.
Phone: +34 628 379 016
Email: info@martinezcaballeroabogados.com
Benefits of Obtaining Spanish Citizenship
The right to vote in elections and referendums.
Access to social security, education, and public services.
Spanish passport: visa-free travel to many countries.
The possibility of passing on your nationality to your spouse and children.
Unrestricted work and residence within the European Union.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish Citizenship
How long do I need to live in Spain to apply for Spanish citizenship?
The general requirement for applying for Spanish citizenship based on residence is 10 years of legal, continuous residence immediately prior to the application.
However, there are shorter deadlines:
2 years for citizens of Ibero-American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, and Equatorial Guinea, or people of Sephardic descent.
1 year in specific cases (marriage to a Spanish citizen, being born in Spain, being the child or grandchild of a Spanish national by birth, among others).
Our office in Barcelona will review your specific situation to determine whether you have already met the required deadline.
How long does the Spanish citizenship application process take?
The statutory deadline for resolution is one year, but in practice the process can take between 12 and 24 months, depending on the volume of cases and any additional requirements.
If a year passes without a response, an administrative appeal may be filed to expedite a decision.
Having a lawyer who specializes in Spanish citizenship can help you avoid delays caused by errors in your documentation.
Is it mandatory to take exams to obtain Spanish citizenship?
In most cases, yes. You usually have to pass:
📝 CCSE Exam (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain).
📚 DELE A2 exam or higher, if the applicant is not from a Spanish-speaking country.
There are exceptions (minors, people with disabilities, etc.). We will review your case to determine whether you need to take both tests.
Can I apply for Spanish citizenship if I have a criminal record?
One of the requirements is to demonstrate good civic conduct.
If you have a criminal record in Spain or in your country of origin, it is essential to review your case before submitting your application. In some cases, it is possible to:
Expunge a criminal record.
Wait until the legal cancellation period has expired.
Justify the renovation.
Before submitting your application, we review your situation to avoid a possible denial.
What documents do I need to apply for Spanish citizenship?
Although it depends on each case, the following is generally required:
Complete passport.
Residence Card (TIE).
Certificate of Residence.
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
Certificate of Criminal History in Spain.
Legalized and translated birth certificate.
Marriage certificate (if applicable).
Proof of passing the CCSE/DELE exams.
Payment of administrative fees.
Our firm is responsible for reviewing, organizing, and submitting all documentation correctly.
Is it mandatory to hire a lawyer to apply for Spanish citizenship?
It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.
A lawyer specializing in Spanish citizenship in Barcelona can:
Detect errors before submitting the application.
Avoid unnecessary requests.
Speed up the process through administrative litigation if there are delays.
Argue your case in the event of a possible denial.
An improperly filed application may be delayed for several years or rejected.
What happens if my application for Spanish citizenship is denied?
If the application is denied, there are several options:
Motion for reconsideration.
Administrative appeal before the National Court.
We analyze the reasons for the denial and develop a solid legal strategy to defend your right to obtain Spanish citizenship.
Do I lose my original nationality when I obtain Spanish citizenship?
It depends on your country of origin.
Spain allows dual citizenship with certain countries (primarily Latin American countries, Portugal, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and a few others).
If your country does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Spain, you may need to formally renounce your previous citizenship.
We review your case to provide you with accurate information before beginning the process.
Can I apply for Spanish citizenship if I am married to a Spanish citizen?
Yes. In this case, the residency requirement is reduced to 1 year of legal residence in Spain, provided that:
The marriage must be officially registered.
There is no legal or de facto separation.
All other legal requirements are met.
This is one of the most common ways to file a claim with our firm.
Can I travel outside of Spain while I'm waiting for my citizenship?
Yes, you can travel, but you must maintain continuous residence in Spain.
Prolonged absences could affect the requirement for legal and continuous residence. Each case must be evaluated based on the duration and frequency of trips outside the country.
If you plan to travel, it is advisable to check in advance.
Hire a lawyer to provide legal advice
Pay online quickly and easily, get a consultation with the best attorney for your specific case, follow the steps, and we’ll contact you as soon as possible to schedule the date and time of your consultation, whether online or in person.
