Becoming a Spanish citizen is the end goal for many foreigners who settle in Tenerife — it means an EU passport, the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, and no more residency renewals. Here's how nationality by residence works in 2026, in plain terms.
How many years of residence you need
You must have lived in Spain legally and continuously for a set period before applying. The period depends on where you're from:
- 10 years — the general rule for most foreigners.
- 2 years — for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and for Sephardic Jews. This is the big shortcut for Latin American clients.
- 1 year — for example the spouse of a Spanish citizen, someone born in Spanish territory, or certain cases of marriage, birth or guardianship.
The two exams
Most adult applicants must pass two tests run by the Instituto Cervantes:
- CCSE — a test on Spanish constitutional and sociocultural knowledge.
- DELE A2 — a basic Spanish language test. Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from this one.
Can you keep your current nationality?
Spain allows dual nationality with Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal. Nationals of other countries are, in principle, asked to renounce their previous nationality before a Spanish judge — though what that means in practice for your home country varies, so get advice specific to your case.
How long it takes
After you file a complete application, resolution times vary and have been long in recent years — often many months to a couple of years. A well-prepared file (correct documents, apostilles, translations, exams passed) avoids the delays and refusals that come from errors. This is exactly where a lawyer earns their fee.
How we help
We work with a registered lawyer who prepares and files your nationality application, checks you meet the residence requirement, and handles problems if they arise. You can see this service and its fixed fee on our lawyers for foreigners page. If you're not there yet, our residency guide explains the steps that build toward it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years do I need to get Spanish nationality?
Generally 10 years of legal residence, but only 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and for Sephardic Jews, and 1 year in certain cases such as the spouse of a Spanish citizen.
Do I have to pass an exam for Spanish nationality?
Most adults must pass the CCSE (constitutional and sociocultural knowledge) test, and the DELE A2 Spanish language test. Nationals of Spanish-speaking countries are exempt from the DELE A2.
Can I keep my original nationality?
Spain permits dual nationality with Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal. Other nationals are generally asked to renounce their previous nationality, though the practical effect depends on your home country.
Do tourist years count towards nationality?
No. Only legal, continuous residence on a proper permit counts. That's why getting your residency route right from the beginning matters for your future citizenship.