Citizenship fast-track for the spouse of a Spanish citizen: after just 1 year of legal residence (married and not separated; marriages celebrated abroad must be registered in Spain), the non-Spanish spouse can apply for Spanish nationality

The fastest road to a Spanish passport isn't ten years — it's marriage to a Spaniard plus 1 year of legal residence. The conditions are precise: legally married (not separated), the marriage registered in Spain if it happened abroad, and the residence year legal, continuous, and immediately before applying. For mixed households this changes the whole long-term plan — worth knowing from day one.

WHEN IT'S DUE

Due within 365 days after you arrive in Spain.

WHY IT MATTERS

Informational — a milestone to be aware of. Verified against an official government source (AEAT, extranjería, BOE).

WHAT COMES FIRST

• Apply for the EU family-member residence card (tarjeta de familiar de ciudadano de la Unión, form EX-19) for household members without an EU passport

View the official source ↗

Last verified 13 Jul 2026 · See what we’ve corrected →

LOLA'S TIP

A short errand once your documents are ready — book the cita previa and tick it off.

Where does this fall in your move?

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