Obtaining Spanish nationality in 2025 is a key step for those who wish to settle permanently in Spain and enjoy all the rights and benefits of being a Spanish citizen. However, this process can take time and varies according to different factors, such as the application route, the administrative burden of the Ministry of Justice and the correct presentation of documents.
In 2025, waiting times for Spanish nationality are still a matter of great interest to those starting the process. With proper planning and knowledge of each phase of the process, it is possible to reduce delays and avoid unnecessary delays.
Below we will analyze in detail how long it takes to obtain Spanish nationality in 2025, what the stages of the process are, how to speed it up and the best recommendations for obtaining Spanish citizenship in the most efficient way.
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How long does it take to obtain Spanish nationality in 2025?
The time it takes to process an application for Spanish nationality varies depending on the method of application and the volume of files being processed. On average, in 2025 the process can take between 1 and 3 years, although there are situations in which the wait can be significantly extended or reduced.
The main ways to obtain Spanish nationality are as follows:
Nationality by residence
This is the most common method for foreigners who have lived in Spain for a certain period of time. The minimum periods of residence vary according to the country of origin and the personal circumstances of the applicant:
- 10 years for most foreigners.
- 5 years for those who have obtained asylum or refuge in Spain.
- 2 years for citizens of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or Sephardic Jews.
- 1 year for those married to a Spanish citizen, born in Spain or with direct Spanish ancestry.
The estimated time for the process is 1.5 to 3 years, depending on the volume of files and whether the documents are submitted correctly.
Nationality by letter of naturalization
This route is exceptional and is granted at the discretion of the Spanish Government for special circumstances, such as professional, scientific or cultural merit. As it is not subject to specific residency requirements, the processing depends exclusively on the Council of Ministers.
The estimated time for processing varies, and can be resolved in months or take several years.
Nationality by choice
It is granted to direct descendants of Spaniards who meet certain criteria. It is a faster process, but depends on the documentation and the response times of the civil registries.
This type of nationality has an estimated time of 1 to 2 years.
Nationality by origin
It applies to children of Spanish parents or children born in Spain in special circumstances. It is one of the fastest and safest ways to obtain nationality, taking approximately 1 year in most cases.
Stages of the Spanish nationality process
The process of applying for Spanish nationality goes through different stages, each with its own resolution time. It is essential to be familiar with each stage in order to properly monitor the file and anticipate possible delays.
The main stages of the process are:
Submission of the application
The first step is to submit the application for Spanish nationality together with all the required documentation. This can be done through the Ministry of Justice platform (the fastest and recommended option), or in person at the corresponding Civil Registry.
A well-submitted application, with no errors or missing documents, can speed up the process.
Documentation review
The Ministry of Justice reviews the documentation to ensure that the application is complete. If there are errors or missing information, the applicant will be notified to correct the errors.
Approval of the file
Once the documents have been reviewed, the file is formally accepted and moves on to the analysis phase. At this point, the evaluation of the applicant’s requirements begins.
Report phase (Police and Ministry of Justice)
Official reports are requested from the National Police and other entities to verify the applicant’s history, his or her integration in Spain and his or her legal situation, mainly checking whether the applicant has a criminal record and whether he or she meets the requirements for integration into Spanish society.
Nationality resolution
If the file is favorable, the Ministry of Justice issues the resolution approving Spanish nationality. If it is denied, the applicant can file an administrative appeal.
Oath of nationality at the Civil Registry
This is a mandatory procedure where the applicant must swear or promise allegiance to the King and the Spanish Constitution at the corresponding Civil Registry.
Obtaining a Spanish ID card and passport
After the oath, the applicant can apply for their Spanish ID card and passport at the National Police headquarters.
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Duration of each stage of the process
The process of obtaining Spanish nationality goes through several mandatory stages, each with its own waiting times. The total duration of the process can vary depending on factors such as the application route, the correct presentation of documents and the workload of the Ministry of Justice.
Below, we analyze in detail how long each of the phases of the procedure can take in 2025 and what aspects can influence the speed or delay of the resolution.
1. Submission of the application
Estimated time: Immediate (if submitted online) or up to 3 months (if submitted in person).
This is the first step and one of the most important. The applicant must gather and present all the documentation required to start the file. The way in which the application is submitted has a direct influence on the processing time:
- Online application: It is recommended to do the procedure electronically through the electronic office of the Ministry of Justice. When sent digitally, the file is registered immediately and the review process begins without delays due to physical transfers.
- In-person application: Submitting the documentation to the Civil Registry can take longer, as it depends on the availability of appointments and the speed of the agency to process the request.
To avoid unnecessary delays, it is essential to ensure that all documents are correct and valid before submitting them.
2. Review of documentation
Estimated time: 3 to 6 months.
In this phase, the Ministry of Justice reviews the documentation submitted and verifies that everything necessary to continue with the process has been submitted. This is where the first delays usually occur if:
- Some document is expired or does not meet the requirements.
- A correction is required on the forms.
- Additional information or supplementary documents are missing.
If errors are detected or additional documentation is requested, the file will be put on hold until the applicant makes the necessary corrections, which can extend the process by several months.
3. Approval of the file and reporting phase
Estimated time: 6 months to 1 year.
Once the documentation has been approved, the file enters the evaluation phase. At this point, the Ministry of Justice requests official reports from different bodies, including:
- National Police: To verify that the applicant has no criminal record or problems with their situation in Spain.
- Ministry of the Interior: To confirm whether the applicant has complied with the residence regulations and has no incidents of expulsion.
- Police Intelligence Center (CITCO): To rule out any links to illegal activities.
The speed of this phase depends on how long it takes these bodies to respond and on the administrative workload of the Ministry of Justice.
4. Resolution of the file
Estimated time: 3 to 6 months.
If all the reports are favorable, the Ministry of Justice issues the nationality resolution. There are two possible responses:
- Favorable resolution: Nationality is granted and the next stage of the process proceeds.
- Denial of the application: If nationality is denied, the applicant can file an administrative appeal or a contentious-administrative appeal with the National Court.
If the resolution takes more than a year, an appeal for administrative silence can be filed to demand a response.
5. Oath of nationality
Estimated time: 1 to 3 months.
Once nationality has been approved, the applicant must swear or promise allegiance to the Spanish Constitution at the corresponding Civil Registry.
This procedure is mandatory and without it the Spanish DNI cannot be obtained. Depending on the province, the availability of appointments can make this phase last several months.
6. Obtaining the Spanish DNI and passport
Estimated time: 1 to 2 weeks.
After taking the oath of nationality, the applicant receives their Spanish birth certificate and can proceed to apply for their DNI and passport at a National Police station.
This is the final step and allows the applicant to enjoy all the rights and benefits of being a Spanish citizen.
Can I speed up the Spanish nationality process?
Although the Spanish nationality process is usually a long one, there are strategies that can speed up the process and avoid unnecessary delays. Following these steps can make the difference between obtaining nationality in one year or in more than three years.
Submit the application online
The most efficient method of applying for Spanish nationality is to do so electronically through the Ministry of Justice’s website.
Advantages of the online process:
- Immediate registration of the file.
- Avoid having to wait for an appointment at the Civil Registry.
- Less chance of documents getting lost.
- Allows for faster tracking of the file.
Ensure that all documentation is correct
One of the main reasons for delays in obtaining nationality is the lack of documents or errors in their presentation. To avoid this, it is key to:
- Check that all documents are valid.
- Check whether translations or legalizations are needed (depending on the country of origin).
- Comply with the specific requirements of the route by which nationality is applied for.
- An incomplete file can mean months of additional waiting until errors are corrected.
Check the status of the file regularly
The Ministry of Justice offers an online platform where you can check the status of the application. Reviewing it at least once a month allows you to detect any issues and act quickly in case of additional requirements.
File a contentious-administrative appeal
If the file has been unanswered for more than a year, a contentious-administrative appeal can be filed with the National Court. This process forces the Ministry of Justice to resolve the file in a shorter period of time.
Recommendations for obtaining Spanish nationality in 2025
Obtaining Spanish nationality in 2025 is a fundamental step in order to enjoy all the rights and benefits as a citizen of Spain. Although the process can be lengthy, if you follow this advice and manage your application correctly, you can obtain your nationality in the shortest possible time.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may contain errors or be outdated. It does not constitute legal advice. For an updated initial consultation, contact us. One of our expert attorneys will assist you.
