Spanish Citizenship as a UK National: 2025 Guide

If you’re a UK citizen thinking about becoming Spanish, especially after Brexit, the process is clear but far from simple. Spanish citizenship opens up access to EU benefits and services, but there’s a sequence of legal steps you’ll need to follow—and it’s a significant commitment.

Here’s what you need to know:

Step 1: Ten Years of Legal Residency 
For UK citizens, the standard path is naturalisation via residency. You’ll need to prove you’ve lived in Spain legally, without long absences, for ten consecutive years. This means holding a valid Spanish residence permit (non-lucrative, work, student with residency pathway, etc.) and avoiding any prolonged periods abroad that could reset your eligibility. There are a few exceptions (for certain nationalities and spouses of Spanish citizens), but these don’t apply to UK nationals.

Step 2: Integration Requirements 
To demonstrate integration, you’ll need to pass two exams set by the Instituto Cervantes:

- DELE A2 or higher: a basic Spanish language test.
- CCSE: a test on Spanish history, culture, and the Constitution.

Both are straightforward with preparation and are offered multiple times a year.

Step 3: Preparing and Submitting Your Application 
Once you meet the residency and integration requirements, you can submit your application online via the Ministry of Justice portal or at a Spanish Civil Registry. Required documents generally include:

- Valid passport and NIE
- Proof of address (empadronamiento)
- Criminal background checks (Spanish and UK)
- Documentation of legal residence for the past ten years
- DELE and CCSE certificates
- Proof of income or financial means
- Marriage/birth certificates, if relevant

Processing times vary, but you should expect the process to take between one and two years.

Step 4: Renouncing British Citizenship 
Spanish law doesn’t allow dual nationality with the UK. If your citizenship application is approved, you’ll need to formally renounce your British citizenship in front of a Spanish notary or at the Civil Registry. This is a significant legal step and may impact your rights in the UK, so legal consultation is strongly recommended. Some choose to maintain permanent residency instead to retain their British passport.

Step 5: Final Steps and Passport Issuance 
After approval, you’ll swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution and King, then receive both your DNI (national ID card) and Spanish passport, granting you full EU citizenship rights.

Key Points:
- 10 years of legal residence required
- Language and culture exams mandatory
- No dual citizenship with the UK
- Processing time: 1–2 years
- Renunciation of British citizenship required

Professional Support 
Navigating Spanish naturalisation is a detailed process requiring careful documentation and patience. Our firm provides comprehensive support:

- Eligibility assessment and planning
- Assistance gathering UK and Spanish documents
- Guidance on DELE/CCSE preparation
- Application submission by a specialist immigration lawyer
- Help with residency and empadronamiento documents
- Advice on renunciation and next steps

Contact us to schedule a consultation and move forward with confidence in your application for Spanish citizenship.