Spanish citizenship in 2 years: the complete guide
Citizens of Ibero-American countries can become Spanish after just 2 years of legal residence — one of the fastest paths to an EU passport anywhere. Here's who qualifies, what counts and how it works.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Which nationalities get the 2-year rule
Nationals by origin of the Ibero-American countries — Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela — as well as Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and people of Sephardic origin.
US citizens and most other nationalities need 10 years. A shorter period of 1 year applies in specific cases, such as being married to a Spanish citizen or being born in Spain.
Which time in Spain counts
- Counts: any legal residence permit — Digital Nomad, work, Blue Card, family, Non-Lucrative, entrepreneur.
- Doesn't count: days as a tourist or visitor.
- Doesn't count: student status — it's a 'stay', not residence.
- The residence must be continuous and immediately before the application. Long absences can break continuity.
Will I keep my original nationality?
Spain does not require Ibero-American nationals to renounce their nationality of origin. Spain also has dual-nationality agreements with countries such as Chile, Peru, Paraguay, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Argentina and Colombia. Whether you keep your original nationality ultimately depends on your own country's law.
You don't need to figure out the paperwork
Requirements change and depend on your nationality, your consulate and your family — that's exactly what we check for you. Send us a message and we'll tell you your best route, free.
- Free first consultation on WhatsApp to confirm your best route.
- Your personal document list for your nationality, consulate and family.
- We prepare, review and file everything — and follow it until there's a decision.
- Support after you land: TIE card, registration, bank, housing and schools.
Spanish citizenship: common questions
Can Latin Americans get Spanish citizenship in 2 years?
Yes. Nationals of Ibero-American countries can apply for Spanish nationality after 2 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain.
Does time on a student visa count?
No. Student status is a 'stay', not residence, so it doesn't count toward the 2 years. Switching to a residence permit after graduating starts the clock.
Do Mexicans, Colombians or Argentinians need the DELE exam?
No. The DELE A2 isn't required for nationals of countries where Spanish is an official language. Everyone must pass the CCSE culture test.
How long does it take to get Spanish citizenship for Americans?
US citizens need 10 years of legal residence in most cases, or 1 year if married to a Spanish citizen.
Start your 2-year path to a Spanish passport
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