Spanish Citizenship: Guide for UK Nationals
Unlock full EU rights with our bilingual lawyers, handling your residency, application, and documentation to secure dual nationality—your streamlined route to Spanish citizenship.
CALL USWhy Seek Spanish Citizenship?
Unlock the path to Spanish citizenship with expert guidance tailored for UK nationals. Our bilingual lawyers in Spain will streamline your application, ensure you meet all requirements, and guide you from residency to dual nationality, whether you qualify by marriage, descent, or continuous residence.
Post-Brexit Advantages
Securing Spanish citizenship restores your full EU rights, granting you unhindered freedom to live, work, and study across the European Union. Avoid lengthy visa procedures and costly immigration hurdles—your new EU passport eliminates barriers to cross-border travel and employment.
Lifestyle Benefits
Embrace the vibrant culture of Spain with access to world-class healthcare, education, and pension systems. From sun-soaked costas to bustling cities, permanent residency through citizenship opens the door to a relaxed Mediterranean way of life.
- World-class healthcare
- Quality education
- Pension benefits
- Permanent Mediterranean lifestyle
Eligibility Pathways
Discover your routes to Spanish citizenship and reclaim your EU rights—whether through long-term residency, marriage to a Spaniard, or descent from a Spanish ancestor.
Residency Route (10+ Years)
After legally holding residency in Spain for at least ten years, you can apply for citizenship. You must prove continuous residency, clear criminal records, and pass both a language exam and a cultural test to meet all requirements.
Marriage to a Spanish Citizen
Married applicants only need one year of residency. Provide your valid marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, and fulfill the same language and documentation requirements for Spanish citizenship.
Citizenship Through Descent
If you’re descended from a Spanish parent or grandparent, you may qualify by descent. Submit certified birth and lineage documents proving your ancestor’s Spanish nationality to satisfy the requirements for dual nationality.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Begin your journey to Spanish citizenship with a clear, three-phase roadmap designed to simplify every requirement and interaction with Spanish authorities.
Phase 1: Establishing Residency
Secure the appropriate visa—whether non-lucrative, work, or student—and register at the local town hall (Padrón). Obtain your foreigner’s identity number (NIE) and maintain proof of continuous residency.
Phase 2: Citizenship Application
Compile your documentation: birth certificate, NIE, proof of legal residency, clean criminal record, and evidence of financial means. Enroll in and pass the DELE language test and the CCSE exams to satisfy all requirements for your application.
Phase 3: Final Approval
Submit your file at the Civil Registry. The Ministry of Justice will review your case (this may take up to two years). Once approved, attend the swearing-in ceremony to pledge allegiance to the Spanish Constitution and receive your passport, completing your dual nationality.
Special Considerations for UK Nationals
Navigate unique rules and Brexit-specific provisions to secure your Spanish citizenship smoothly.
Dual Citizenship Rules
Spain normally requires renouncing prior nationality, but UK nationals benefit from bilateral agreements allowing dual status. Our bilingual lawyers in Spain will advise you on maintaining both passports and full EU rights.
Brexit Transition Provisions
If you registered as a resident before 31 December 2020 under the Withdrawal Agreement, you only need one year of continuous residency—not ten—to apply for citizenship. We handle your application timing and documentation so you meet every requirement.
Required Documentation
Prepare these essential documents to support your application for Spanish citizenship:
- Valid passport copies (with certified translations)
- Birth certificates (officially translated)
- Proof of continuous residency (rental contracts, Padrón registry)
- Criminal record certificates from the UK and Spain
Why Use Our Service?
Rely on our bilingual lawyers in Spain to handle your Non-Lucrative Visa application from start to finish. We anticipate all requirements, prepare and review every piece of documentation, and liaise directly with Spanish authorities to avoid delays.
Our personalized service guides you through each step of residency, offering clear timelines and transparent fees. With our expertise, you’ll enjoy a smooth, stress-free path to securing your visa and settling in Spain.
