Question
Is there a Spanish language requirement when applying for Spanish citizenship by marriage?
Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Yes. Very basic. The CCSE test is given in Spanish and there are 300 possible questions you have to answer. You have to know enough Spanish to read the questions!”
“Yes. There is the Language test which is very basic. Then the CCSE test which is culture, politics, society etc. This is a test given in Spanish. You have to be able to read Spanish to know what the question is asking. The answers are multiple choice and ALSO in Spanish.”
“Yes. The LANGUAGE test has four components. DELE A2 Test.
First part: Reading.
Second Part: Listening.
Third Part: Writing.
Fourth Part: Speaking.
ADDITIONALLY, for citizenship you have to take the CCSE which consists of 25 different questions out of a possible 300 questions, divided into true or false and multiple-choice questions.
In order to pass, you must get a minimum of 60% right. This is the society and cultural exam. This tests common knowledge: culture, history, and Spanish society, politics and geography. THIS TEST IS GIVEN IN SPANISH, NOT IN ENGLISH. So you have to know enough SPANISH to be able to read the questions and the answers. As I said.”
“Yes, when applying for Spanish citizenship through marriage, you must meet the same language and cultural knowledge requirements as those applying for citizenship through other residency paths.
This means you will need to pass two specific exams administered by the Instituto Cervantes.
The DELE A2 (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera). This is the Spanish language proficiency test. You must demonstrate a basic ability to communicate in Spanish, covering everyday situations and simple conversations. The DELE A2 assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
The CCSE (Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España). This is a test of your knowledge of the Spanish Constitution, society, and culture. It is a multiple-choice exam with questions about Spanish history, government, and customs.”
“Knowing Spanish is a right AND an obligation of citizenship.”
“The requirements for citizenship for a child born from the marriage are completely different and in most cases, much simpler.
The language and cultural exams (DELE A2 and CCSE) do not apply to a child born to a Spanish citizen. The child’s citizenship is acquired through a different and more direct process, primarily based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood).
If the child is born in Spain and one parent is already a Spanish citizen, the child is automatically entitled to Spanish citizenship. You register the child at the Spanish Civil Registry (Registro Civil) in the municipality where the birth occurred. The process is quick and does not involve exams.”
“We don’t have a citizenship through marriage route. You’re likely referring to citizenship through residence, albeit after only one year of residence while being the spouse of a Spanish citizen. And, yes, this has a Spanish language fluency requirement.”
“DELE A2 is an easily achievable exam and much lower than other countries that ask from B1 or B2.”
“Yes there is a language requirement.”
Conclusion
Members of the Spainguru community confirmed that there is indeed a Spanish language requirement when applying for Spanish citizenship through marriage. Applicants must pass both the DELE A2 language test and the CCSE cultural knowledge exam, administered by Instituto Cervantes.
The DELE A2 evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking at a basic level, while the CCSE assesses understanding of Spanish culture, society, and constitutional principles. Both exams are conducted entirely in Spanish, so a foundational knowledge of the language is essential.
It was also clarified that there is no special “citizenship by marriage” route; instead, a foreign spouse of a Spanish citizen can apply for citizenship after one year of legal residence. Passing the language test remains mandatory under this process.
This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
