Diana Caballero is the director of the Immigration Department
Lawyers Specializing in Spanish Nationality in Barcelona – Citizenship and Legal Procedures
Obtaining Spanish citizenship is a crucial step for anyone who wants to live, work, and enjoy all their rights in Spain and the European Union. At Martínez Caballero Abogados, we guide you through the entire legal process—from assessing your situation to submitting your application and handling appeals in the event of any issues.
What is Spanish citizenship?
Spanish citizenship is a legal bond that grants individuals the status of citizen of Spain, with all the associated rights and obligations. It allows for free movement, work, and residence throughout Spain 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 long-term residence, but also through marriage, naturalization, descent, or a letter of naturalization.
What are the ways to obtain Spanish citizenship?
Citizenship by Marriage
We help you obtain or renew your residence permit for work, study, exceptional circumstances, or family reunification. We handle the entire process and the necessary documentation to avoid mistakes and expedite your application.
Nationality by Choice
It applies to certain individuals who are eligible to obtain it because they have a legal relationship with Spanish citizens (for example, children of Spanish citizens or individuals taken in by Spanish citizens).
Citizenship by naturalization
It is a discretionary measure available to the Spanish government for exceptional cases, granted by Royal Decree.
Citizenship by Residence
The most common way to obtain Spanish citizenship is through legal and continuous residence in Spain. Generally, applicants must have 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 those of Sephardic origin.
1 year in special cases (those born in Spain, children of Spanish nationals, widowers of Spanish nationals, etc.).
Our attorneys review your situation to determine the fastest and most appropriate course of action for your case.
Common Requirements for Citizenship
General requirements include:
Continuous legal residence for the period required based on your situation.
Good civic conduct, with no criminal record in Spain or in your country of origin.
Integration into Spanish society, as assessed by mandatory exams (CCSE and, where applicable, DELE).
Complete documentation and affidavit.
Our team helps you gather and verify all the necessary documents before submitting your application to minimize errors and delays.
How We Help You Through the Process
Documentation Assistance and Preliminary Preparation
We review your situation and let you know exactly which documents you need to provide, from proof of residence and employment to criminal background checks and proof of registration with the municipal registry. This ensures that your application is complete before you submit it.
Preparation for the CCSE and DELE Exams
We provide guidance on the mandatory exams required to demonstrate constitutional literacy and language proficiency. We help you understand the format, requirements, and resources to help you prepare more effectively.
Online registration and official tracking
We handle the submission of your application on your behalf and provide ongoing follow-up until a decision is reached, keeping you informed of the status of your application.
Remedies Against Denials
If your application is denied, we will advise you and prepare administrative or judicial appeals to defend your rights and maximize your chances of obtaining citizenship.
Why Choose Martínez Caballero Abogados?
Location
Office in Barcelona, near the main immigration offices
Experience
Attorneys with extensive experience and ongoing training in immigration law
Comfort
Service in your language and personalized guidance throughout the entire application process
Reputation
More than 800 verified Google reviews from satisfied clients of M&C Abogados
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to obtain citizenship through residency?
It depends on the length of your stay and the Civil Registry’s workload, but it usually takes between 12 and 24 months.
Which exams are required?
You must pass the CCSE exam (Spanish sociocultural studies) and, in many cases, the DELE A2 language exam.
Can I apply for citizenship if I have a criminal record?
Good civic conduct is a requirement; a criminal record may negatively affect the evaluation of the application.
Is a lawyer required to file the application?
It is not mandatory, but it is recommended to avoid mistakes and delays and to maximize your chances of success.
Common Cases We Handle
Spanish citizenship by continuous legal residence.
Citizenship through marriage to a Spanish citizen.
Citizenship by choice or descent.
Appeals and reviews of denied cases.
Benefits of Obtaining Spanish Citizenship
You can live, work, and study freely in Spain and the EU.
Access to public health, education, and social protection services.
The right to vote and to participate fully in political life.
You won’t have to renew your residence permits every year or rely on appointments at the immigration office.
Hire a lawyer to provide legal advice
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