Spanish citizenship by residence in Malaga and Marbella

After years of living in Spain, citizenship is the step that gives you lasting security: a Spanish passport, the right to vote and freedom of movement across the European Union. We prepare your whole application, from working out your residence period to the oath ceremony.

We file citizenship applications from anywhere in Spain online, as chartered administrative agents, and work in English, Spanish, Russian and Romanian.


How many years of residence do you need?

Article 22 of the Spanish Civil Code requires legal, continuous residence immediately before you apply, for:

  • Ten years, as a general rule.
  • Five years, if you have been granted refugee status.
  • Two years, if you are a national of a Latin American country, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal, or of Sephardic origin.
  • One year, among other cases, if you were born in Spain, have been married to a Spanish citizen for one year and are not separated, are the widow or widower of a Spaniard, or were born abroad to a father, mother, grandfather or grandmother who were Spanish by origin.

Getting the period right is essential: not every type of stay counts, and a long absence can break continuity. We check your permits and your travel record before filing.

The Instituto Cervantes exams

Besides time, the law requires good civic conduct and a sufficient degree of integration into Spanish society (article 22.4 of the Civil Code). Integration is shown through two Instituto Cervantes exams: the DELE Spanish language test at level A2 or higher, and the CCSE test on the Spanish constitution and culture (Royal Decree 1004/2015). Nationals of countries where Spanish is an official language do not need to take the DELE. We guide you on exam dates, registration and preparation.


Abogada de Asecontex asesorando a clientes extranjeros en una reunión en Marbella

Documents usually required

  • Valid passport and residence card.
  • Birth certificate, legalised or apostilled and translated.
  • Criminal record certificate from your country of origin, legalised or apostilled and translated.
  • Town hall registration certificate (padrón).
  • DELE and CCSE diplomas, or proof that you are exempt.
  • Proof of payment of the fee.

The exact list depends on your case (marriage, children, route). We give you a complete list from the start.

How the process works

  1. We check your residence period and documents and send you a fixed quote.
  2. We guide you through the DELE and CCSE exams.
  3. We file your application online with the Directorate-General for Legal Certainty and Public Faith.
  4. We follow your file and answer any requests for information.
  5. Once approved, we accompany you to the oath before the Civil Registry, which must take place within 180 days (articles 21.4 and 23 of the Civil Code).

FAQ

Will I lose my original nationality?

Spanish law requires you to renounce your previous nationality, except for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal, and Sephardic Jews (article 23 of the Civil Code). What your own country's law says should be checked separately.

How long does it take?

The legal deadline for a decision is one year. If there is no answer, the application is deemed refused (negative silence), but you can keep waiting for the decision or appeal.

Can I travel while my application is pending?

Yes, but long absences may affect the continuity of your residence. Ask us before a long trip.

Request a quote

Tell us about your case and we will send you a quote. Phone +34 952 42 82 85 · WhatsApp +34 622 176 870 · info@asecontex.com