Spain Work Visa holders may apply for citizenship after residing in Spain for at least 10 years, meeting various requirements, including integration, a clean record, and passing a language test.
Yes, Spain Work Visa holders can eventually apply for Spanish citizenship, but it involves a multi-step process that includes several years of legal residency, meeting specific requirements, and following legal procedures. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Initial Residency and Work Visa
- Work Visa: The first step is obtaining a Spain Work Visa, which allows you to legally reside and work in Spain. This visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed for additional periods.
2. Temporary Residence
- Renewal and Extension: After obtaining the initial work visa, you need to maintain continuous legal residence in Spain. The work visa can be renewed, and after five years of continuous residence, you can apply for a long-term residence permit (residencia de larga duración).
3. Long-Term Residency
- Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous legal residence in Spain, you can apply for permanent residency. This status allows you to live and work in Spain indefinitely under similar conditions to Spanish citizens, except for voting rights in national elections.
4. Eligibility for Citizenship
- Residency Requirement: To be eligible for Spanish citizenship, you generally need to have legally resided in Spain for at least ten years. This period can be reduced to one to five years for certain categories, such as individuals married to Spanish citizens, refugees, or nationals from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal.
- Continuous Residence: During this period, you must maintain continuous residence in Spain without long absences.
5. Naturalization Process
- Application: Once you meet the residency requirement, you can apply for citizenship through naturalization. The application is submitted to the Spanish Ministry of Justice and includes various documents, such as proof of residence, identity, and integration into Spanish society.
- Language and Integration Tests: Applicants must pass the DELE A2 Spanish language test (unless they are from a Spanish-speaking country) and the CCSE test, which assesses knowledge of Spanish culture and society.
- Good Conduct: You must demonstrate good conduct, usually evidenced by a clean criminal record.
6. Decision and Oath of Allegiance
- Decision: The Spanish authorities will review your application, which can take several months to a few years. If approved, you will be granted Spanish citizenship.
- Oath of Allegiance: You must take an oath of allegiance to the Spanish Constitution and laws to finalize the naturalization process.
Summary
Spain Work Visa holders can apply for citizenship after fulfilling several requirements, including maintaining continuous legal residence in Spain for at least ten years, passing language and integration tests, and demonstrating good conduct. The process involves obtaining and renewing a work visa, applying for long-term residency, and eventually applying for naturalization. For detailed guidance and support, consult resources like Movingto.io and official Spanish government websites.