Diana Caballero is the head of the Immigration department
Spanish Nationality Lawyers in Barcelona – Citizenship and Legal Procedures
Obtaining Spanish nationality is a fundamental step for anyone wishing to live, work, and enjoy all rights in Spain and the European Union. At Martínez & Caballero Abogados, we accompany you throughout the entire legal process —from the assessment of your situation to the submission of the application and the management of appeals in case of issues.
What is Spanish nationality?
Spanish nationality is a legal bond that grants individuals the status of a Spanish citizen, with all its rights and obligations. It allows for free movement, work, and residence throughout Spanish territory and the European Union, as well as the right to vote and access to public services.
In Spain, there are several ways to obtain it, not only through prolonged residence but also through marriage, option, descent, or naturalization.
What are the ways to obtain Spanish nationality?
Nationality by marriage
We help you obtain or renew your residence permit for work, studies, exceptional circumstances, or family reunification. We handle the entire process and the necessary documentation to avoid errors and expedite your file.
Nationality by option
This applies to certain individuals who can acquire it by being legally linked to Spanish citizens (for example, children of Spanish citizens or individuals fostered by Spanish citizens).
Nationality by naturalization
This is a discretionary route for exceptional cases by the Spanish Government, granted by Royal Decree.
Nationality by residence
The most common way to obtain Spanish nationality is through legal and continuous residence in Spain. Generally, it requires having lived legally in Spain for:
10 years of continuous legal residence.
5 years for refugees.
2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, the Philippines, or of Sephardic origin.
1 year in special cases (born in Spain, children of Spanish citizens, widows/widowers of Spanish citizens, etc.).
Our lawyers review your situation to determine the fastest and most appropriate route for your case.
Common requirements for nationality
General requirements include:
Continuous legal residence for the time required according to your situation.
Good civic conduct, without a criminal record in Spain or your country of origin.
Integration into Spanish society, assessed by mandatory exams (CCSE and, where applicable, DELE).
Complete documentation and a sworn statement.
Our team helps you gather and verify all necessary documents before submitting the application to minimize errors and delays.
How we assist you in the process
Documentary advice and preliminary preparation
We analyze your situation and tell you exactly which documents you need to provide, from residence and work certificates to criminal record and registration certificates. This ensures your application is complete before submission.
Preparation for CCSE and DELE exams
We guide you through the mandatory exams required to demonstrate constitutional culture and language proficiency. We help you understand the format, requirements, and resources to better prepare.
Online submission and official follow-up
We manage the submission of your application for you and provide continuous follow-up until its resolution, keeping you informed of your application’s status.
Appeals against rejections
If your application is rejected, we advise you and prepare administrative or contentious appeals to defend your rights and maximize your chances of obtaining nationality.
Why choose Martínez & Caballero Abogados?
Location
Office in Barcelona, near the main immigration offices
Experience
Lawyers with extensive experience and continuous training in immigration law
Convenience
Service in your language and personalized advice throughout your entire file process
Reputation
More than 800 verified Google reviews from clients satisfied with M&C Abogados
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to obtain nationality by residence?
It depends on the duration of your residence and the workload of the Civil Registry, but it usually takes between 12–24 months.
Which exams are mandatory?
You must pass the CCSE exam (Spanish sociocultural culture) and, in many cases, the DELE A2 language exam.
Can I apply for nationality if I have a criminal record?
Good civic conduct is a requirement; a criminal record can negatively influence the evaluation of the application.
Is a lawyer mandatory to submit the application?
It is not mandatory, but it is advisable to avoid errors and delays and maximize your chances of success.
Frequent cases we resolve
Spanish nationality by continuous legal residence.
Nationality by marriage to a Spanish citizen.
Nationality by option or descent.
Appeals and reviews of rejected applications.
Benefits of obtaining Spanish nationality
You can reside, work, and study freely in Spain and the EU.
Access to public health, education, and social protection services.
Right to vote and to participate fully in political life.
You will not have to renew residence permits annually or depend on appointments with immigration authorities.
Book a consultation with a lawyer
Pay online quickly and easily for a consultation with the best expert lawyer for your specific case. Follow the steps and we will contact you as soon as possible to schedule the date and time for your consultation, either online or in person.
