Q&A · Documents · updated 04.07.2026
What documents are needed for Spanish citizenship?
Updated: 4 July 2026 · Verified against official sources
It depends on the grounds, but the core package is the same: a valid international passport, a criminal record certificate with an apostille and a sworn translation, a DELE A2 (or higher) Spanish language certificate and the CCSE certificate of knowledge of culture and society. The certificates must be no older than 90 days — that is the maximum period they remain valid on the date of filing. Processing of the application takes on average 1–2 years.
The standard document package
Applications go through the Registro Civil (civil registry) or a notary. Documents from Russia require an apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish.
| Document | Requirements |
|---|---|
| International passport (+ all old ones) | Original + copies of all pages |
| Criminal record certificate (Russia and Spain) | No older than 90 days, apostille + translation |
| Birth certificate | Apostille + sworn translation |
| DELE A2 certificate (or higher) | Instituto Cervantes exam |
| CCSE certificate | Knowledge of the Spanish constitution and society |
| Empadronamiento (historia de empadronamiento) | Proof of continuous residence |
| Residence permit history (TIE — foreigner ID card, resoluciones) | Copies of all cards and resolutions for the entire period |
| Marriage / divorce certificate (if applicable) | Apostille + translation |
Residence periods by grounds
Before gathering documents, make sure you are eligible to apply. The standard period for Russian citizens is 10 years of continuous legal residence. For refugees — 5 years, for spouses of Spanish citizens — 1 year. Before citizenship you need to go through the permanent residence stage (residencia de larga duración) — it comes after 5 years of residence. To work out the dates, use the Citizenship Calculator.
Step by step: how to apply for citizenship
- Check your period of residence. Make sure you have accumulated the required years of residence and obtained permanent residence (5 years).
- Pass the exams. DELE A2 (or higher) (Spanish language) and CCSE (knowledge of society) — both certificates are mandatory. Register through the Instituto Cervantes.
- Order a criminal record certificate in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs issues it on request; have it apostilled and order a sworn translation. It is valid for 90 days.
- Request the Spanish criminal record certificate (Registro Central de Penados) — also no older than 90 days.
- Gather your empadronamiento history and copies of all residence permits / TIE. More about empadronamiento — see the page Empadronamiento.
- Submit the application through the Ministry of Justice online portal or in person at the Registro Civil. Attach all originals and copies.
- Wait for the decision. The average processing time is 1–2 years. You can track the status on the Ministry of Justice website.
Specifics for Russian citizens
Spain does not recognize dual citizenship with Russia — when you receive a Spanish passport, you will have to formally renounce your Russian one. All documents from Russia go through apostille certification and sworn translation into Spanish. The Checklist Generator will put together a personalized list for your residence permit grounds — it is a convenient place to start.
Enter the date of your first residence permit — the calculator will show when you become eligible for permanent residence and citizenship.
Open the citizenship calculator →
This is a preliminary estimate based on official sources, not individual legal advice. Your case may differ — we will review your situation for free.
Official sources: BOE — Spanish legislation · Ministry of Inclusion and Migration · Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs