Spanish Citizenship by Marriage

Obtaining Spanish citizenship through marriage with a Spanish citizen is one of the easiest and most common ways to legalize in this country for many foreigners. The process involves several steps, from marriage to applying for citizenship. In this article, we will go through all the steps required to obtain Spanish citizenship by marriage, including the requirements, documents, and procedures.

Getting married in Spain

The first step towards obtaining Spanish citizenship through marriage is to marry a Spanish citizen. This process requires compliance with a number of formalities and the preparation of a certain package of documents.

Marriage procedure

1. Application: To get married in Spain, you must submit an application to the local registration authority (Registro Civil). The application can be submitted in person or through a representative
2. Submission of documents: To submit an application, you will need to collect the following documents:
• Passport or other identity document.
• Birth certificate.
• Certificate of marital status (a document confirming that you are not married).
• Certificate of residence (Empadronamiento).
• Divorce or death certificates of the previous spouse, if applicable.
3. Passing an interview: In some cases, a couple may be invited to an interview to confirm the authenticity of the relationship. This is done to prevent fictitious marriages.
4. Ceremony: Once the application is approved, a date is set for the marriage ceremony. The ceremony can be civil or religious, depending on the couple's preferences.
5. Marriage Registration: After the ceremony, the marriage must be registered at the Registro Civil. After registration, you will receive a marriage certificate.

Get married in Spain

To successfully pass the procedure for marriage and registration in Spain, it is important to properly prepare all documents and follow the instructions of the local authorities. Marriage registration is a mandatory step that confirms the legality of your marriage and allows you to further apply for Spanish citizenship by marriage.

Spanish Citizenship by Marriage

After marrying a Spanish citizen, you are eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship. This process also requires compliance with a number of formalities and the preparation of documents.

Conditions for obtaining citizenship

To apply for Spanish citizenship by marriage, the following conditions must be met:

1. Duration of marriage: You must have been married to a Spanish citizen for at least one year and live together in Spain.
2. Residency in Spain: You must legally reside in Spain for the duration of your marriage.
3. Proficiency in Spanish: Basic knowledge of Spanish must be demonstrated. This can be confirmed by a DELE certificate (level A2 or higher).

Application Documents

To apply for Spanish citizenship by marriage, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Passport or other identity document.
• Marriage certificate.
• Certificate of residence (Empadronamiento).
• A document confirming the legality of your residence in Spain.
• Spanish Language Proficiency Certificate (DELE A2).
• Documents proving your integration into Spanish society (e.g. certificate of employment, educational institution, participation in public life).

Application Procedure

1. Collection of documents: Collect all the necessary documents, make sure they are authentic and up-to-date.
2. Application: The application for citizenship is done through the local migration authorities or through the relevant online platforms.
3. Interview: After submitting your application, you may be invited to an interview to confirm the authenticity of the information and assess your integration into Spanish society.
4. Waiting for a decision: The application review process can take anywhere from a few months to several years. During this time, you may need to provide additional documents or information as requested by the authorities.
5. Taking the oath: If the application is approved, you will be invited to the ceremony of taking the oath of allegiance to the Kingdom of Spain. After that, you will receive a Spanish citizen certificate.

Obtaining Spanish citizenship through marriage is a process that requires care and preparation. By following all the steps, from getting married in Spain to applying for citizenship, you can successfully obtain Spanish citizenship and become a full-fledged member of Spanish society. It is important to consider all the requirements and prepare the necessary documents in a timely manner to avoid delays and complications in the process.