SERVICES

Spanish Citizenship by Residency

Your journey in Spain culminates here, with the final step to make this country your official home. We specialize in transforming your years of legal residency into Spanish citizenship, guaranteeing a streamlined and successful process from start to finish.

online scheduling

Book your Appointment Now

The best way to start solving your doubts is to schedule a call with one of our professionals.

All prices are final and include VAT. We have interpreters from French, Portuguese, Arabic (Moroccan variant), Russian and Ukrainian. Other languages may be available on request

€80

30’

video call

Immigration Consultation

Unsure of the requirements to immigrate to Spain? We provide a clear path forward and manage the entire process for you.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€185

45’

video call

Tax Consultation

Perfect for individuals and companies in Spain who require expert guidance on complex tax matters.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

€250

60’

video call

Immigration and Tax Planning

A comprehensive session to make informed decisions before moving to Spain. We analyse your legal residence, the potential tax impact of your relocation and the obligations you should anticipate.

*The cost of the consultation is deducted from the final service fee.

About the service

What is the Spanish Citizenship by Residency?

Imagine the peace of mind that comes with finally holding your Spanish Passport, knowing your future and your rights are permanently secure in Europe. Obtaining Spanish citizenship by residency is the path to achieving that dream, recognizing your journey and integration into Spanish society.

It is your right after years of contributing and calling this country home.

The key to a successful application is understanding the timelines. While the general rule requires ten years of legal and continuous residence, your personal situation could unlock a much faster route.

For citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, or Equatorial Guinea, the requirement is reduced to just two years. This period shortens to a single year if you are married to a Spanish national, were born in Spain, or meet other specific conditions.

Knowing which path applies to you is the first strategic step.

Beyond time, your application must prove two critical elements: “good civic conduct” and “sufficient integration.” This is where many applications falter.

We guide you through demonstrating this with a clean criminal record and successfully passing the required exams: the DELE A2 for language and the CCSE for constitutional and sociocultural knowledge. These are not mere formalities, but milestones that certify your connection to Spain.

Today, the entire process of solicitar la nacionalidad española can be done online. Submitting your file telematically with a lawyer is the most significant advantage you can have, drastically reducing resolution times compared to traditional methods.

An impeccable, professionally prepared digital file is prioritized, bringing you closer to your goal much faster.

Our expertise lies in building that perfect digital file, ensuring every document is correct and every requirement is flawlessly met, turning a complex bureaucratic process into your straightforward path to citizenship.

Enjoy all the Benefits it has to offer

The benefits of Spanish Citizenship by Residency

Unrestricted EU Freedom

Travel and work across the entire EU without any limitations.

Full Civic & Political Rights

Gain the right to vote and access public sector employment.

Simplified Bureaucracy Forever

Forget about residency renewals and complex immigration paperwork forever.

Transmit Your Citizenship

You can pass on your Spanish nationality to your children.

Are you eligible?

Requirements to apply for a Spanish Citizenship by Residency

These are requirements for Spanish Citizenship by Residency applicants:

Continuous Legal Residency

You must prove you have lived in Spain legally and without significant interruptions for the required period (generally 10, 5, 2, or 1 year). Absences are strictly monitored and cannot exceed certain limits.

Clean Criminal Record

You must demonstrate “good civic conduct” by providing criminal record certificates from your country of origin and from Spain. Any unfavorable record could jeopardize your application.

Socio-Cultural Integration (CCSE Exam)

You must pass the “Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain” exam (CCSE), administered by the Instituto Cervantes. This tests your knowledge of Spanish government, law, culture, and society.

Spanish Language Proficiency (DELE A2 Exam)

Unless you are a citizen of a Spanish-speaking country, you must prove a basic command of the language by passing the “Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language” level A2 or higher.

Official Documentation

All personal documents, such as your birth certificate, must be correctly legalized or apostilled and, if necessary, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.

Do you have any questions about the immigration process to Spain?

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Necessary documentation for the Spanish Citizenship by Residency

This is the necessary documentation for the Spanish Citizenship by Residency:

Application Form: The official, correctly filled out standardized model for your application.
Foreigner Identity Card (TIE): A valid and complete copy of your current residency card.
Complete Passport: A full copy including all pages of your valid passport.
Birth Certificate: Legalized or apostilled document, officially translated into the Spanish language.

Our numbers speak for themselves

Our track record

On average, we tell good news about their immigration cases to 9-10 people each day. A real perk of the job.

Refusals overrulled in appeals

+ 0

Immigration cases solved and in process

+ 0

Appeals efficiency

0 %

Join a Community of Satisfied Customers

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 501 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Givago Dias Mendes 
 27/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy educado, eficientes, organizados. También rápidos. Mejor experiencia posible!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasia Danilova 
 26/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to sincerely thank Marc and Soundous for all the support they gave me and my mom in obtaining our residence. You are an amazing team, and I feel very lucky to have found your company to guide us through this process.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Camryn Jones 
 25/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience working with Dario and his team throughout my visa process. They made everything completely stress-free and were incredibly helpful every step of the way. Dario speaks excellent English, which made communication easy and comfortable, and he was always responsive, patient, and clear in explaining everything. He and his colleagues handled every detail with care, efficiency, and in a very timely manner, which gave me a lot of confidence and truly made my life so much easier throughout the entire process. By far the best lawyer I’ve worked with in Barcelona. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend Dario and his team to anyone needing help with visas or immigration.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marc Ovalle 
 22/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been working with Marc and his team and the experience has been truly remarkable! From day one, their professionalism has been outstanding. The depth and breadth of knowledge across the entire team have consistently impressed us and given us complete confidence in our partnership. They are reliable, insightful, and truly committed. Thank you Marc!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Oelrich 
 20/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. He tenido una muy buena experiencia, nos ayudaron en la resolución de dudas y consultas desde el primer contacto. El proceso fue muy rápido, claro y expedito.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abs Ka 
 19/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A friend recommended Illay Legal  to help obtain my permanent residency in Spain. Exceptional service! Marc explained every part of the process clearly and precisely. Once I provided all the necessary details, the team did all the work: pre-completed the necessary paperwork, helped retrieve padron and digital tax certificate, secured appointments in my preferred neighbourhood and checked in with me before and after both appointments. I subsequently switched both my tax and business accountancy contracts to Marc's firm and have enjoyed the same very high level of service. Communication via email and WhatsApp, and extremely responsive to answering any small or large questions/concerns. A huge endorsement to the whole team - I would highly reccomend. Regards Ismail
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dean 
 11/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome service, got my permanent residency quickly and without any issues
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anastasiia Sizova 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lawyers I truly trust and genuinely enjoy working with. Huge thanks to Marc and Soundous for guiding me through a very stressful documentation process over the past few years. Together we managed to resolve a complicated situation I ended up in because of a bureaucratic issue with my previous paperwork. They have well-organized processes and a lot of experience with different kinds of cases — even the tricky ones. Whenever I was stressed or freaking out, they were always there to reassure and support me. That human approach means a lot. With them, you are in very good hands 💚
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   MRI. Emran 
 10/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ILLAY Legal handled my immigration case in Spain very professionally and completed it on time. Highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adriana Garzon 
 09/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excelente asesoría y muy oportunos los tiempos. El acompañamiento en todo el proceso es de gran calidad.
  
 
  
  
 
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Spanish Citizenship by Residency

Can I keep my original citizenship when obtaining Spanish nationality?

Yes, in some cases, Spain allows dual nationality depending on international agreements between countries. If your country has a dual nationality treaty with Spain, you won’t need to renounce your original citizenship. Otherwise, the general rule requires renunciation.

What are the advantages of applying for citizenship online?

The main advantage is speed. Electronic applications submitted by accredited professionals are processed through a specific platform that significantly shortens resolution times, often reducing the wait from years to months. It also minimizes errors and provides a secure record of your submission.

Does a Golden Visa residency period count towards citizenship?

Yes. Unlike a student stay, residency obtained through a Golden Visa is a legal residency permit. Therefore, the time you have lived in Spain under this scheme fully counts towards the period required to apply for Spanish nationality.

What is the "Jura de Nacionalidad" and when does it happen?

The “Jura” is the final step after your application is approved. It is a formal act at the Civil Registry where you swear or promise allegiance to the King, the Constitution, and Spanish laws. You have 180 days from the approval notification to complete this step, after which you are officially a Spanish citizen.

How are the absences outside of Spain calculated for the residency requirement?

The residency must be continuous. This means that absences should not exceed three consecutive months. The authorities will review your passport entries and exits to verify this.

Your new life in Spain is just a step away.
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