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Spanish Citizenship Documents
Spanish Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to apply for Spanish citizenship by residency?
Documents typically include proof of legal residence, identification (passport, national ID), birth certificate, proof of integration (language / social ties), and possibly a criminal record check. Some may need translation into Spanish and legalisation/apostille.
How should foreign documents be translated for the Spanish citizenship application?
All documents not in Spanish must be officially translated, usually by a sworn translator, and may also require legalisation or an apostille, depending on your country of origin.
Do I need to renew my Spanish passport before applying for citizenship?
No, renewing your Spanish passport is a separate matter. Having a valid passport or identity documents helps with processes once you are a citizen, but it’s not a general requirement for the citizenship application unless specified.
Where do I get the required documents from if I live outside of Spain?
You must obtain original documents (such as birth certificates) from your local authorities (or consulate) in your country of origin, have them translated if necessary, and legally authenticated (apostille or legalisation) if required.
What steps must I take if my documents are not in Spanish?
If your documents are not in Spanish, you must:
• Have them translated by a sworn or certified translator.
• Depending on your country, have documents authenticated (apostille) or legalised.
• Make sure translations and original documents are accurate and acceptable to the Spanish authorities.