Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
What is the current processing time for Spanish citizenship after meeting residency criteria, and is it possible to leave the country during the application process?
I heard if applied online it can take 9-12 months, as opposed to the previous 2 year average.
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Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”You have to be residing in Spain, because the nationality is based on residency. If you apply via the expedited method that some abogados have (costs more but can be worth it if you’re in a hurry) then it can be as quick as 5-7 months, start to finish. I got my approval notice about 6 months after applying”
”I’ve heard of people getting approved as quick as 5-6 months and they submitted themselves with no lawyer. Someone else I know submitted 10 months ago with lawyer and still waiting response. I submitted in Sept… still waiting also”
Conclusion
In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, the processing time for Spanish citizenship after meeting residency criteria can vary, with some individuals reporting expedited approvals within 5-7 months, especially when utilizing legal assistance. However, there are instances where the process may extend beyond 10 months, as seen in some cases with or without legal representation.
It is essential to note that continuous residency in Spain is a requirement during the application process. Leaving the country during this period may impact the application or the ability to fulfill residency conditions.
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Check out our Four tips to speed up the process of obtaining Spanish nationality
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