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Applying for Spanish Citizenship: Requirements, Timelines & Naturalisation Test

Applying for Spanish citizenship – for many Germans on Mallorca, this is the logical next step after years as a resident. A Spanish passport opens doors to all 27 EU member states, secures the right to permanent residency and to vote, and makes everyday life on the Balearic Islands noticeably easier. Since 27 June 2024, Germans no longer need to give up their German passport: dual nationality is now generally permitted – you no longer need to apply for a retention permit. This guide explains all routes to naturalisation, the specific requirements, which documents you need, how the CCSE test works, and where to submit your application. Everything you actually need – without bureaucratic jargon.

Applying for Spanish Citizenship in 2026

Would you like to know which route to citizenship is the fastest for your specific situation?

The six routes to Spanish citizenship

Spanish nationality law is based primarily on the Civil Code (Código Civil). It draws a fundamental distinction between nationality by birth/descent and by naturalisation. In practice, the following routes are most relevant for Germans on Mallorca:

Route Required period of residence Special features
Naturalisation (residencia) 10 years of legal residence Standard route for most applicants
Marriage to a Spanish national 1 year of residence after marriage Marriage must be in place at the time of application
Descent (ius sanguinis) No residency required Spanish parent or – under certain conditions – grandparent
Birth in Spain No minimum period of residence Parent is stateless or of unknown origin
Adoption by a Spanish national No residency required Only for adoptions before the age of 18
Law on Democratic Memory (2022) No residency required as a rule Descendants of exiled Spaniards

Note: Nationals of certain Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Andorra generally only require 2 years of residence instead of 10. Germans do not fall into this category.

Dual citizenship: what has changed for Germans

This is the most important news for anyone who has been hesitating: since 27 June 2024 multiple nationality is generally permitted in Germany (amendment to German nationality law). Germans who acquire Spanish nationality through naturalisation will therefore no longer lose their German nationality (§ 25 StAG). The previously required retention permit has been abolished entirely.

Since 28 August 2007, the principle of multiple nationality had already applied to the acquisition of the nationality of an EU member state — the 2024 reform has now extended this to all cases.

Caution: Regardless of German regulations, Spain assesses the question of multiple nationality under Spanish law. Check the current Spanish legal position with a lawyer or gestoría specialising in naturalisation before submitting your application.

Requirements for naturalisation by residence

By far the most common route for Germans who have been living on Mallorca for years is naturalisation through legal and uninterrupted residence. The following requirements must be met at the time of application:

Length and continuity of residence

Ten years of continuous and legal residence in Spain. Short periods abroad do not generally interrupt the qualifying period, provided that your actual centre of life remains in Spain. The residencia and the empadronamiento are the most important pieces of evidence for this.

Language skills

All applicants who do not come from a Spanish-speaking country are required to provide official proof of language proficiency. The DELE A2 issued by the Instituto Cervantes — or a higher level — is accepted. The DELE can be taken at examination centres in Palma de Mallorca.

Constitutional knowledge test CCSE

In addition to the language requirement, you must pass the CCSE (Prueba de Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España). The test assesses knowledge of the Spanish constitution, history, society and culture through 25 multiple-choice questions. At least 15 must be answered correctly. The test is also organised by the Instituto Cervantes.

Examination Organiser Minimum score Validity period
DELE A2 (language) Instituto Cervantes Pass Unlimited
CCSE (constitutional test) Instituto Cervantes 15 out of 25 questions 4 years

Further requirements

  • No serious criminal record
  • Proof of sufficient means of financial support
  • No ongoing expulsion proceedings
  • Valid identity documents (passport, NIE)

The CCSE naturalisation test in detail

The CCSE is an unexpected hurdle for many applicants — yet with good preparation it is very manageable. The Instituto Cervantes provides official practice materials free of charge on its website. The examination lasts 30 minutes, is taken on a computer and consists of 25 questions across four topic areas:

  1. State organisation and political system – Constitution 1978, autonomous communities, parliament
  2. History and culture – From the Reconquista to democracy, Spanish art and literature
  3. Society – Festivals, traditions, regional characteristics (Balearen included)
  4. Geography – Provinces, capitals, physical geography

Note: The test is in Spanish. You can retake it as many times as you like, but you must pay the fee each time. A passed CCSE is valid for four years.

Naturalisation through marriage to a Spanish national

Those married to a Spanish citizen can apply for naturalisation after just one year of legal residence in Spain. The marriage must still be in effect at the time of application – a previous marriage that has since ended in divorce does not count. The language requirement (DELE A2) and the CCSE also apply here. You can find information about getting married in Mallorca in our dedicated guide.

Naturalisation by descent

Those with Spanish ancestors may be able to obtain Spanish citizenship by the fastest route – without years of residence in Spain.

Spanish parent

If one of your parents holds Spanish nationality, you are generally entitled to Spanish citizenship from birth – regardless of where you were born. You must assert this entitlement at the relevant registry office (Registro Civil).

Spanish grandparent / Law of Democratic Memory

The Law of Democratic Memory of 2022 broadened the circle of those eligible: descendants of Spaniards who were forced to leave their country as a result of the Civil War or the Franco dictatorship may also apply for citizenship under certain conditions – generally without any residence requirement in Spain.

Please note: The specific requirements under the Law of Democratic Memory are complex and should be examined in detail by a lawyer. Not every line of descent meets the eligibility criteria.

Route by descent Residence in Spain required? Language test required?
Spanish parent No Generally no
Adoption before the age of 18 No Generally no
Law of Democratic Memory (2022) Generally no Depending on the individual case

Step by step: The application process

Here is how a naturalisation by residence works in practice:

9-step process for naturalisation in Spain: From eligibility check to DNI application
  1. Check eligibility – Document residencia periods, prepare for the CCSE and DELE
  2. Sit the CCSE and DELE – Book appointments at the Instituto Cervantes in Palma
  3. Gather documents – Full list (see table below)
  4. Submit application – Online via the Ministerio de Justicia portal or in person at the relevant Registro Civil
  5. Provide biometric data – Fingerprints and photograph, usually at the Registro Civil or the Policía Nacional
  6. Wait for processing – In practice this typically takes one to two years, in some cases longer
  7. Take the oath of allegiance – Following a positive decision, swear an oath on the Spanish constitution (jura) before the Registro Civil
  8. Registro Civil registration – Entry into the Spanish civil register
  9. Apply for DNI and passport – At the nearest identity document office (Oficina de Expedición del DNI)

Required documents

The following overview applies to naturalisation by residence (10 years). Other routes may require additional or different documents. All foreign certificates must generally be submitted with an apostilled translation into Spanish.

Document Note
Valid passport Original and certified copy
NIE certificate Proof of identification number
Residencia proof (Certificado de Registro) Issued by the Oficina de Extranjería
Empadronamiento certificate (histórico) Shows residential history; obtainable from the Ayuntamiento
Birth certificate Apostilled + Spanish translation
Certificate of good conduct from Germany Apostilled + Spanish translation; no more than 3 months old
Spanish certificate of good conduct (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales) Can be applied for at the Ministerio de Justicia
CCSE certificate No more than 4 years old
DELE A2 (or higher) Original certificate
Tax and income documents Most recent tax returns / IRPF
Completed application form Form from the Ministerio de Justicia

Please note: The Certificado Digital greatly simplifies online submission. With it, you can submit many documents digitally and track the progress of your application online.

Most common mistakes when applying

From practical experience, a number of mistakes can be identified that significantly delay the process:

The 6 most common mistakes when applying for Spanish citizenship: an overview
  • Gaps in the Empadronamiento record: Anyone who has moved in the meantime and failed to update their registration will need to provide alternative proof for those periods. The padrón histórico should be complete and without gaps.
  • Expired CCSE: The certificate is only valid for four years. Anyone who passed the test early and then waited a long time before submitting their application will need to sit it again.
  • Missing apostille on German documents: A birth certificate and certificate of good conduct from Germany must bear an apostille — a simple notarisation is not sufficient.
  • German certificate of good conduct that is too old: It must be no more than three months old at the time of application. Timing is crucial here.
  • Gaps in residency due to unregistered periods abroad: Longer stays outside Spain may need to be explained if any doubt arises.
  • Incomplete tax history: Missing tax returns may be interpreted as evidence of a lack of genuine residency. Find out more in our guide to taxes as a resident.
  • Submitting the application without prior legal advice: Particularly in borderline cases (periods abroad, previous convictions, questions of descent), it is worth consulting a Gestoría or a solicitor.

What does naturalisation cost?

The following cost items are typically relevant based on experience:

Cost item Explanation
CCSE examination fee Fee per sitting (Instituto Cervantes; check the exact amount when registering)
DELE examination fee Varies depending on level; enquire with Instituto Cervantes
Apostilles and translations Vary depending on the number of documents and the translator
Solicitor / Gestoría Depending on the complexity of the case
DNI and passport Fees incurred following a positive decision

Please note: The actual naturalisation application to the Ministerio de Justicia is generally free of charge; costs arise mainly through examinations, documents and, where applicable, advisory services.

What comes next? Life as a Spanish citizen

Once you have received a positive decision and taken the oath, the real administrative follow-up begins:

  • Apply for a DNI: The Spanish national identity card (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is indispensable for everyday life.
  • Apply for a Spanish passport: This entitles you to consular protection by Spain worldwide.
  • Review your tax situation: As a citizen resident in Mallorca, you are a tax resident in Spain. Topics such as IRPF deductions in the Balearic Islands and the Modelo 720 remain relevant.
  • Notify the German authorities: Thanks to the 2024 reform, you do not have to relinquish your German citizenship. Nevertheless, it is advisable to notify your local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) and, where applicable, the German Embassy in Madrid.
  • Check pension entitlements: Anyone who has worked in Spain for many years should have their entitlement to a pension in Spain and the implications for taxing a German pension in Spain reviewed.

Checklist: applying for Spanish citizenship

  • Document periods of residence (Residencia, complete padrón histórico without gaps)
  • Book and pass a CCSE appointment at the Instituto Cervantes (min. 15/25)
  • Provide proof of DELE A2 (or higher)
  • Obtain birth certificate with Apostille + Spanish translation
  • German certificate of good conduct (max. 3 months old) with Apostille + translation
  • Apply for Spanish certificate of good conduct from the Ministerio de Justicia
  • Review tax history (IRPF declarations from recent years)
  • Activate Certificado Digital for online submission
  • Complete the Ministerio de Justicia application form in full
  • Submit application (online or at the Registro Civil)
  • Provide biometric data (when requested)
  • Take the oath (jura) upon receiving a positive decision
  • Apply for DNI and passport

Conclusion

Spanish citizenship after ten years on Mallorca is a realistic and clearly structured goal. Since the German legal reform in June 2024, you no longer need to worry about your German passport — dual nationality is straightforward for Germans. With consistent preparation, the CCSE test presents no major obstacle, and the list of documents is manageable if you plan ahead. The biggest challenge, in our experience, is the processing time: one to two years is realistic, sometimes more. Having the process professionally supported helps you avoid costly delays caused by missing documents or formal errors. If you would like to discuss your specific situation, feel free to send us a personal enquiry.

Official Sources

Do I have to give up my German passport if I become Spanish?
No. Since 27 June 2024, dual nationality has been generally permitted in Germany. You no longer lose your German citizenship by being naturalised in Spain – a retention permit is no longer required.
How long does processing a naturalisation application take?
In practice, the process takes one to two years, and in some cases even longer. The processing time depends on the workload of the authorities and the completeness of your documents.
What is the CCSE test and how difficult is it?
The CCSE is a 30-minute multiple-choice test consisting of 25 questions about the Spanish constitution, history and society. At least 15 answers must be correct. The Instituto Cervantes provides free practice materials. Anyone who prepares properly will generally pass it without difficulty.
Does the CCSE also count as proof of language proficiency?
No. The CCSE tests knowledge of the constitution and culture, not language level. For proof of language proficiency, you also need a DELE A2 (or higher) from the Instituto Cervantes.
Can I submit the application online?
Yes, the application can be submitted via the online portal of the Ministerio de Justicia. To do so, you will need a Certificado Digital or Cl@ve. In-person submission at the Registro Civil is also possible.
Do the years I lived in Spain before obtaining residencia count?
Generally only if your stay was lawful at the time and can be documented. Periods without a valid residence permit or without Empadronamiento are difficult to prove and may not be recognised.
I am married to a Spanish national – do I still have to wait 10 years?
No. If you are married to a Spanish citizen, one year of legal residence in Spain following the marriage is generally sufficient.
What happens if my application is rejected?
You can lodge an objection against the rejection notice or pursue the administrative court process. In this case, legal support is strongly advisable.