Getting Spanish citizenship is a dream for a lot of. In 2023 alone, greater than 240,000 folks obtained Spanish nationality, in keeping with Spain’s Nationwide Institute of Statistics (INE).
So, why is Spanish citizenship so well-liked? The reply is straightforward: it opens doorways.
In Spain, you possibly can work within the public sector solely when you have Spanish nationality. Additionally, with a Spanish passport you possibly can dwell, work, or examine wherever within the European Union.
Who can apply for Spanish citizenship?
Typically, it is advisable dwell in Spain for ten years earlier than you possibly can apply. However there are some exceptions. When you’re married to a Spaniard, or come from sure international locations, the wait is far shorter.
Residents of most Latin American international locations, in addition to folks from Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and people of Sephardic Jewish descent, can apply after simply two years of legal residence.
How do you get Spanish citizenship?
To formally develop into a Spanish citizen, you’ll must go two assessments:
- A Spanish language take a look at (until Spanish is already your mom tongue).
- The CCSE examination, which covers Spanish tradition, society, and constitutional data.
The CCSE examination is dealt with by the Instituto Cervantes and is a should for nearly anybody making use of by residency. There are some exceptions right here too. When you accomplished secondary college or increased schooling in Spain, or when you have sure acknowledged studying disabilities, you would possibly be capable to skip it.
What’s the CCSE examination like?
The CCSE examination isn’t meant to trick you. It’s extra about ensuring you understand the fundamentals about life in Spain; issues like residents’ rights and duties, how the federal government works, some historical past, geography, and necessary traditions.
The take a look at has 25 questions, all a number of alternative or true/false. You’ll discover two foremost sections:
- Authorities, regulation, and civic participation (60% of the examination)
- Spanish tradition, historical past, and society (40%)
Traditional questions confirm you understand issues like who the present Prime Minister is, sure components of the Structure, or typical Spanish customs.
How a lot time do you get for the examination, and what’s the price?
The CCSE examination has a length of 45 minutes. To go the examination, you need to accurately reply at the very least 15 out of the 25 questions. Excellent news: the Instituto Cervantes gives a free official examine information which you can obtain on-line.
As for the price, the examination payment in 2025 is €85, and that worth covers two tries, simply in case you don’t go the primary time. All of the registrations and funds are accomplished on the Instituto Cervantes official web site.
When and the place can you are taking it?
The CCSE examination is held month-to-month at official Instituto Cervantes centres (not solely in Spain, but in addition overseas). Registration opens a number of months upfront.
For full particulars — together with take a look at dates, preparation supplies, and find out how to register — you possibly can verify the official Instituto Cervantes web site at cervantes.es.