Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Do I need to take the DELE A2 exam and CCSE exam before applying for Spanish citizenship by descent?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“I just got citizenship by descent in the US through Ley de Memoria Democratica and no language exam was required of me.”
“Depends on circumstances. If you have a Spanish graduado escolar (equivalent to GCSEs), you are exempt from the exam. If you are from a non-Spanish speaking country, you need to have a Cervantes Spanish certificate. I hope that helps.”
“No, only citizenship through residency or marriage requires these exams. By descent, it’s not necessary as per application requirements.”
Conclusion
The discussion highlights a clear consensus that the DELE A2 and CCSE exams are not required for obtaining Spanish citizenship by descent, as evidenced by personal experiences and knowledge of the application requirements.
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