Spanish Citizenship for UK Citizens | Requirements & Process

Can UK Citizens Apply for Spanish Citizenship?

Yes, UK citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship, but they must meet Spain’s legal residency and integration requirements. Since the UK is now considered a non-EU country, British nationals generally follow the standard naturalisation route, unless they qualify for an exception.

Types of Spanish Citizenship Available to UK Citizens

Spain offers several routes to citizenship under the Spanish Civil Code:

1. Spanish Citizenship by Residence (Most Common)

• Requires 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain

• Reduced to 2 years for citizens of certain countries (not applicable to UK citizens)

• Reduced to 1 year if married to a Spanish citizen or born in Spain

2. Spanish Citizenship by Marriage

• Available after 1 year of legal residence in Spain

• Marriage must be legally registered in Spain

• Continuous cohabitation required

3. Spanish Citizenship by Descent (Origin)

• For individuals with a Spanish parent

• Different legal standards apply depending on date of birth and registration

4. Spanish Citizenship by Option

• Applies to specific family-based cases (e.g. children of Spanish nationals)

Learn more about acquiring citizenship in Spain.

Benefits of Spanish Citizenship for UK Citizens

Obtaining Spanish citizenship offers significant advantages:

• Right to live and work anywhere in the EU

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries

• Access to Spanish public healthcare and education

• Full political rights, including voting

• Long-term legal security in Spain

• Eligibility for a Spanish passport

Important: Spain generally does not allow dual citizenship with the UK, meaning most UK citizens must renounce British citizenship, except in limited cases.

Eligibility Requirements for Spanish Citizenship for UK Citizens

• Minimum 10 years of legal residence in Spain

• Residence must be continuous

• Absences limited to: No more than 6 months per year or No more than 10 months total over 10 years

• Applicants must be 18 years or older, but minors can apply through a legal guardian

• Good Civic Conduct:

• No serious criminal record in Spain or the UK

• Spanish and UK police certificates required

• Passing official citizenship tests

• Demonstrated ties to Spanish culture and society

• UK citizens must pass the following exams administered by the Instituto Cervantes:

• DELE A2 Spanish Language Test, which confirms basic Spanish proficiency. Exemptions apply in limited cases

• CCSE Test (Cultural Knowledge), which covers Spanish history, laws, and customs and is mandatory for most applicants

Documents Required for Spanish Citizenship Applications

UK-issued documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.

Required Documents Checklist

• Valid UK passport

• NIE and TIE residence card

• Full UK birth certificate

• UK police certificate (ACRO)

• Spanish criminal record certificate

• Proof of legal residence in Spain

• DELE A2 and CCSE certificates

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Certified translations into Spanish are mandatory. Translayte provides translations accepted by the Spanish Ministry of Justice. Request a free quote to get started.

Step-by-Step Process: How UK Citizens Apply for Spanish Citizenship

• Confirm eligibility based on residency and legal status

• Gather required documents and obtain apostilles

• Order certified Spanish translations (e.g. via Translayte)

• Pass DELE A2 and CCSE exams

• Submit an online application via the Spanish Ministry of Justice

• Attend registry appointment if requested

• Wait for decision (typically 1–3 years)

• Swear allegiance to Spain and renounce UK citizenship

• Register as a Spanish citizen and apply for passport/DNI

Costs of Spanish Citizenship for UK Citizens

For UK citizens seeking Spanish citizenship, expect mandatory costs for the application fee (around €104.05), language/integration exams (CCSE/DELE A2), document handling (translations, legalisation), and final passport issuance, totaling a few hundred to over €1000+ depending on document complexity and exams, with legal fees potentially adding substantially if using lawyers.

• Application Fee (Modelo 790, Código 026): €104.05 (non-refundable) for naturalisation by residence or Sephardic descent.

• CCSE Exam (Constitutional & Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain): Around €85.

• DELE A2 Exam (Spanish Language): Costs vary, but budget €108–€220.

• Passport Fee: Approximately €300, paid at the very end.

• Document Costs: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police records need apostilles and certified translations (budget €60–€200+ for translations).

• Legal/Consultation Fees: If using a lawyer (recommended for complex cases), expect €500 to €2000+ for assistance with paperwork and filing.

Certified Translation Requirements for Spanish Citizenship

All non-Spanish documents must be translated by a sworn or certified translator. Commonly translated documents include:

• UK birth certificates

• Police certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Passports and ID

Translayte offers:

• Spain-compliant certified translations

• Fast turnaround

• Online ordering

• Acceptance by Spanish courts and authorities

Common Reasons Spanish Citizenship Applications Are Rejected

• Incomplete or expired documents

• Incorrect or unofficial translations

• Excessive time spent outside Spain

• Criminal records

• Failure to pass required tests

What to Do If Your Spanish Citizenship Application Is Denied

• Review the official rejection notice

• Submit an administrative appeal

• Correct errors and reapply

• Seek legal advice if necessary