Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
If you’re from the UK and are wishing to marry your Spanish partner, you may be wondering if doing so will automatically grant you Spanish citizenship.
For further information on how to get Spanish citizenship, including the different routes that may be available to you, speak to a professional immigration lawyer today. We can explore your options and provide professional advice and support, to help you reach your goal. To discuss your circumstances, call Total Law today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375, or contact us online.
Can I Become a Spanish Citizen by Marriage?
Whilst it is possible to gain Spanish citizenship by marriage, it does not happen immediately. To apply, you must have been living in Spanish territory with your spouse for a period of at least 1 year. You must also meet all of the requirements as set out by the Spanish government and be able to provide the Spanish consulate with all of the requested legal documentation to support your application.
It is important to note that the rules only apply to current marriages and do not include divorced couples or civil unions . If you’re divorced or in a civil union (or ‘pareja de hecho’) with a Spanish national, you will not be able to apply for Spanish citizenship by marriage. Instead, you should follow a different pathway to complete a citizenship application to obtain Spanish nationality.
Page Contents
- Can I Become a Spanish Citizen by Marriage?
- What are the Benefits of Obtaining Spanish Citizenship Through Marriage?
- Are there any Disadvantages to Obtaining Spanish Citizenship By Marriage?
- Requirements for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
- Necessary Documents for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
- Fees for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
- Processing Time for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
- How to get a Spanish Passport after Obtaining Citizenship by Marriage
- How Can Total Law Help
- FAQ
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What are the Benefits of Obtaining Spanish Citizenship Through Marriage?
There are certain benefits when applying for Spanish citizenship through marriage. For example, marrying a Spanish citizen remains one of the easiest, cheapest, and fastest ways of obtaining Spanish citizenship. There are other routes to obtain residency in Spain, however following these can take up to ten years to complete to gain citizen status. In addition, you will find the application fee for them far more expensive.
When you gain citizenship status, you are awarded certain rights such as the ability to vote in Spanish elections, and the right to travel freely around Spain. In addition, because Spain is part of the European Union, when you become a Spanish citizen you also become an EU citizen. This means you can travel and work in any EU country as an EU citizen so long as you hold a valid passport. Once Spanish citizenship is granted, you can apply for a Spanish passport and secure permanent residency.
Are there any Disadvantages to Obtaining Spanish Citizenship By Marriage?
One thing to note, which some people may consider a disadvantage to obtaining Spanish citizenship, is that the Spanish authorities do not allow dual citizenship. This means that when you get Spanish citizenship, you relinquish your previous nationality and any rights this holds in your country of origin.
There are some exceptions to this rule, and some people are able to retain dual nationality because of their country of origin. For example, those who live in the Spanish-American countries (such as Portugal) and those with a Sephardic Jewish background.
It is worth noting that Spanish nationality can be lost if you are found using a different nationality to that of a Spanish citizen outside of the country.
Requirements for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
When applying for Spanish citizenship by marriage, there are certain requirements you must meet in order for your application to be successful. There are different elements to consider when attempting to obtain Spanish citizenship, for example:
Who and Where You Marry
You must be legally married to a legal Spanish citizen, this usually means a Spanish national (someone who was born in Spain). Marrying someone of Spanish heritage but who was born in another country, (for example, a Spanish American with Spanish parents), does not allow you to apply for Spanish citizenship.
Your marriage ceremony can take place in Spain with you as a tourist, or in your country of origin. However, to be accepted for Spanish citizenship after the 1 year waiting period, your marriage must be registered in Spain.
Applying For a Residence Permit
It is of high importance to remember to apply for a residence permit as soon as you are married, even if you have been living in Spain previously. Once you are wed, you are classed as a family member of an EU citizen and/or Spanish national, making the process of obtaining a residency permit relatively straightforward.
Then, you must reside with your spouse for a minimum of 1 year in Spanish territory. It is worth noting that you cannot apply for Spanish citizenship before the 1 year period has elapsed and it does not start until the date your Spanish residency permit is granted. Any time spent living in Spain before the start date of your residence permit does not count as part of the 1 year time period.
Language Test Requirements
In most circumstances, for your application to be successful, you will need to pass a basic Spanish language test (DELE A2 Level). In addition, you must prove you have sufficient understanding of Spanish culture and Spanish civil code by passing what is currently known as CCSE exam.
Successfully passing these tests satisfies the Spanish authorities that you are ready to integrate into Spanish society and can fully comprehend the constitutional and sociocultural aspects of Spanish life. There are exemptions from taking these exams, such as being from a Latin American country that speaks Spanish or having learning disabilities.
Criminal Background Check
Another requirement to meet when trying to obtain citizenship by marriage is that you must agree to and pass a criminal record check. Any previous convictions must be in prior places of residence.
Necessary Documents for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
To support your application, you will need to provide the Spanish consulate with legal documents as proof of your identity and so on. Some applicants may need to supply additional documentation as requested as part of their application, however the general requirements are as follows:
- Full passport
- Valid residence permit
- Birth certificates
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements etc).
- Marriage certificate
- Application fee
All supporting documents must be valid. You may incur extra costs for translation, certification or other services.
Fees for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
You must pay a fee of 100 euros to complete the application process. Fees are payable on submission of your application and are non-refundable.
Processing Time for Spanish Citizenship by Marriage
Processing times for applications can vary depending on the complexity of your case however, applicants can generally expect to have a decision in between 6 and 12 months. After the one-year residency period, the processing time to get citizenship in Spain by marriage takes approximately 1 to 2 years. The process for obtaining citizenship is legally 1 year, but because of delays or complications, this could be extended by up to 2 or even 3 years.
How to get a Spanish Passport after Obtaining Citizenship by Marriage
After becoming a Spanish citizen, you should apply for your Spanish passport. Not only does this act as an identity document, it allows you to travel in and out of Spain. The process is as follows:
- Complete the relevant application form (Modelo 790)
- Provide 2 recent passport photographs that adhere to specific regulations
- You must apply in person at a provincial police office, passport office or Spanish consulate
- You must present your ID card and pay the fee (currently approximately 30 euros)
- Receive your passport within 2 to 4 weeks
How Can Total Law Help
The process to obtain Spanish citizenship by marriage is one of the fastest ways to gain legal residency and obtain nationality in Spain. However, some hopefuls or newly weds may struggle with the legal application procedure, or stumble across complications and need further advice.
As expert immigration lawyers, we can help you, or your family member, achieve legal residence in Spain permanently. We can address any concerns you may have and create solutions for any problems you may encounter during the application process.
We can guide you through the process from start to finish providing complete support. This could include helping you to fill out forms, collecting documents such as your birth certificate or marriage certificate, or helping you understand the language test.
If it is discovered that your circumstances are unsuitable for gaining Spanish citizenship this way, we can explore your other options and advise you on the best course of action moving forward. To access professional, bespoke, accurate advice, call our friendly team of immigration specialists today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375, or contact us online.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQ
Yes, you can still apply for Spanish citizenship if your Spanish spouse is deceased.
If your application to obtain Spanish nationality is rejected, you have the right to appeal if you have reason to believe there has been an error and you are eligible for Spanish citizenship by marriage.
To calculate and assess your income as part of your citizenship application, the Spanish system uses a tool known as IPREM. To gain Spanish citizenship, your income must be at least 150% of the IPREM figure. In 2023, this was 600 euros, therefore you would need to be earning at least 900% euros per month to qualify.
Yes. As part of your application to obtain Spanish citizenship, you must prove that you and your spouse are registered to live together, at an address registered at the local town hall for at least 1 year.
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