# Nationality · Spanish nationality by residence: key facts (2026)

> Spanish nationality by residence: language level A2 + CCSE, decided by Ministerio de Justicia; the proof covers DELE A2 o superior, Prueba CCSE. Fee: €104.05 fee (form 790, code 026). DELE (A2 in Spain 2026: €138) and CCSE (€85) are paid separately. Language requirement: A decision, not a test: Nationality by residence is granted by the Ministry of Justice. You must show legal, continuous residence immediately before the application, good civic conduct and sufficient integration (DELE + CCSE). Decision: Legal maximum 1 year from the application; without an answer it counts as refused. After approval: oath and registration within 180 days.

Country: Spain · Level: A2 + CCSE · Exam organisation: Ministerio de Justicia · Last checked: 2026-09-30

## What does Spanish nationality by residence require?

What you need: legal residence (10 years in general, shorter in some cases), DELE A2 and CCSE, an online application with a €104.05 fee, and an oath within 180 days of approval. It is set by Ministerio de Justicia. Level: A2 + CCSE.

## Which exams prove the language and civic knowledge for Spanish nationality by residence?

2 parts: DELE A2 o superior (—), Prueba CCSE (45 min). About 45 minutes of exam time in total for the timed parts.

Source: <https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-12047>

## What is the fee for Spanish nationality by residence in 2026?

€104.05 fee (form 790, code 026). DELE (A2 in Spain 2026: €138) and CCSE (€85) are paid separately.

Source: <https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/es/ciudadania/nacionalidad/que-es-nacionalidad/como-adquiere-nacionalidad/residencia>

## Which language level is required for Spanish nationality by residence?

A decision, not a test: Nationality by residence is granted by the Ministry of Justice. You must show legal, continuous residence immediately before the application, good civic conduct and sufficient integration (DELE + CCSE).

Source: <https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1889-4763&tn=1&p=20230301#a22>

## How long does the decision on Spanish nationality by residence take?

Legal maximum 1 year from the application; without an answer it counts as refused. After approval: oath and registration within 180 days.

Source: <https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2015-12047>

## Is there a separate test for Spanish nationality by residence, and what is changing?

No separate exam: you attach DELE A2 and CCSE; both can be retaken before you apply (CCSE includes a free second attempt).

Source: <https://examenes.cervantes.es/es/ccse/preguntas-frecuentes>

## How do I apply for Spanish nationality by residence?

Part of the citizenship application. No exam dates: apply online at the Ministry of Justice e-office once you have your DELE A2 (or exemption) and CCSE. Residence: 10 years in general, 5, 2 or 1 year in some cases.

Source: <https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/tramites/nacionalidad-espanola>

## How long do applications for Spanish nationality by residence take in practice?

Plan time for DELE (few dates, results in 2–3 months) and CCSE (monthly, results in about 20 days) before you apply. The CCSE is valid 4 years.

Source: <https://examenes.cervantes.es/es/dele/calificaciones>

## Where do I apply for Spanish nationality by residence?

Online at sede.mjusticia.gob.es (Cl@ve or digital certificate). The oath is made before the Civil Registry or a notary.

Source: <https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/tramites/nacionalidad-espanola>

## Where can I practise for the language and civic tests for Spanish nationality by residence?

On EUpassway: free practice questions with an explanation for every answer and timed mock exams in the exam format, no account needed: https://eupassway.com/en/practicar — EUpassway is independent; the official sample exams of Ministerio de Justicia are linked in the exam guide: https://eupassway.com/en/guides/es-naturalisation.

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Full exam guide with all official sources: https://eupassway.com/en/guides/es-naturalisation
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Cite as: EUpassway (2026). Nationality · Spanish nationality by residence: key facts. https://eupassway.com/en/exam-facts/es-naturalisation
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