Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Could you explain the residency requirements, like needing a fixed base and duration of stay, and how applying for citizenship works if traveling during the process?
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”You can only be out of the country a total of 10 months in 5 years to gain residency”
”Citizenship takes 10 years”
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“I know your only allowed 10 months over 5 yrs out of Spain for NLV, equalling roughly 8 wks a year. This is our 1st year here in Spain and we need to be out of Spain for about 10 weeks this year, then we are hoping to balance it out over the next 4 yrs.”
”I’m going to do it as a Filipino citizen”
Conclusion
In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, in Spain, there might be a limit on time spent abroad, like 10 months in 5 years. Gaining citizenship usually takes longer, potentially around 10 years, but this varies depending on country of origin.
Questions often revolve around eligibility for citizenship after a specific residency duration, like the 2-year mark in Spain for certain nationalities. Understanding travel and residency guidelines is crucial for eligibility. Different nationalities might have unique pathways during this process, as mentioned by a Filipino citizen.
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