How to Get Citizenship in Spain as a Filipino

Imagine living in the heart of Europe, surrounded by a rich cultural history, stunning landscapes, and an excellent quality of life. Spain offers this and more, and for many Filipinos, the prospect of becoming a Spanish citizen is not just a dream, but an attainable goal. But the process of obtaining citizenship can be confusing, with a range of options and requirements that vary depending on your personal situation. So, how can a Filipino obtain Spanish citizenship? Let’s break it down.

The Shortcut for Filipinos: Only Two Years to Citizenship!

Yes, you read that right—unlike many other nationalities, Filipinos can apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residence. This is thanks to the shared colonial history between the Philippines and Spain, where Spain ruled the Philippines for more than 300 years. The Spanish government acknowledges this bond by granting special citizenship pathways to Filipinos, as well as to nationals from other former Spanish colonies such as those in Latin America.

This two-year fast track is one of the quickest paths to citizenship in Europe. However, it’s crucial to remember that you must live in Spain continuously and legally during this time to qualify. This means you'll need a valid visa or residency permit before you can even start the countdown.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Spanish Citizenship

If you’re a Filipino seeking to make Spain your second home, here’s the roadmap to becoming a full-fledged citizen:

1. Secure a Spanish Residency

Before you can think about citizenship, you need to secure a residency permit. Here are some of the most common options:

• Work Visa: If you have a job offer in Spain, this is the most straightforward route. Your employer will need to sponsor your visa, and once you have it, you can live and work in Spain.

• Student Visa: If you’re studying in Spain, you can also apply for a student visa. While a student visa itself doesn’t count directly towards the two-year citizenship requirement, once you switch to a work visa or another long-term residency option, your time studying can contribute.

• Non-Lucrative Visa: This is ideal if you have the financial means to support yourself without working in Spain. It’s perfect for retirees or those who can sustain themselves through savings or passive income. Although you cannot work under this visa, it still counts towards your residency requirement for citizenship.

2. Maintain Legal Residence for Two Years

Once you’ve secured a visa, the next step is relatively simple—live in Spain for at least two continuous years. Unlike in some countries, you won’t have to wait for five or even ten years to apply for citizenship. However, during these two years, you must ensure that you:

• Avoid Legal Issues: Any criminal activity or serious offenses could jeopardize your application.

• Stay in Spain Continuously: While short trips abroad are allowed, you must spend the majority of your time within Spanish borders.

3. Prepare for the Citizenship Test

Before you apply, you’ll need to prove that you have integrated into Spanish society. This typically involves two exams:

• CCSE Test: This is a test on Spain's constitution, social customs, and general knowledge. It’s relatively straightforward, especially if you study beforehand. The test is multiple-choice and can be taken in various languages, including Spanish.

• DELE Exam: You’ll also need to prove your Spanish language skills. For most applicants, this means passing the DELE exam at an A2 level, which tests basic conversational Spanish. However, Filipinos who can demonstrate fluency through prior education or experience might be exempt.

4. Submit Your Citizenship Application

Once you’ve completed two years of legal residence and passed the required exams, you can finally submit your citizenship application. This process involves providing several documents, such as:

• Proof of residence in Spain for two years
• Birth certificate
• Criminal background check
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of passing the CCSE and DELE exams

After submitting your application, be prepared for a waiting period of several months to over a year for approval.

Dual Citizenship: A Special Perk for Filipinos?

One of the most attractive benefits for Filipinos is the possibility of retaining dual citizenship. Spain generally doesn’t allow dual citizenship, except for citizens of Ibero-American countries (countries that were once part of the Spanish Empire). While the Philippines isn’t technically considered part of this group, the close historical relationship means that, in practice, Filipinos can often keep their Filipino citizenship while acquiring Spanish nationality. This is a huge advantage, as it allows you to enjoy the benefits of being a citizen of both countries.

However, it’s important to consult a lawyer to ensure that your dual citizenship is legally recognized in both Spain and the Philippines, as this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Life as a Spanish Citizen

Once you’ve successfully obtained Spanish citizenship, your life will transform in many ways. Here are some key benefits:

• Freedom of Movement: As a Spanish citizen, you’ll have the right to live and work anywhere in the European Union (EU). This opens up a world of possibilities for travel and employment across Europe.

• Access to Public Services: You’ll be entitled to Spain’s excellent healthcare system, public education, and social security benefits. Spain is known for its high quality of life, and as a citizen, you’ll enjoy all of these perks.

• Political Rights: You’ll have the right to vote in Spanish elections and, if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, even run for political office!

Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks

While the path to Spanish citizenship is relatively straightforward for Filipinos, there are still challenges you might face along the way. Here are some common obstacles and tips to overcome them:

• Visa Denials: If your initial visa application is denied, don’t lose hope. You can reapply or seek the help of a legal expert to strengthen your case.

• Delays in the Process: Spanish bureaucracy can sometimes be slow, so be prepared for delays. Ensure all your documents are in order and consider seeking legal advice if your application is taking longer than expected.

• Financial Requirements: Some visas, such as the non-lucrative visa, require proof of financial stability. Make sure you have sufficient savings or income to meet these requirements before applying.

• Language Barriers: While Spanish is a relatively easy language to learn for many Filipinos, it’s still essential to practice and study regularly, especially if you’re aiming to pass the DELE exam.

Is Spanish Citizenship Worth It?

The short answer: Absolutely. Spain offers an incredible quality of life, from its Mediterranean climate to its world-class healthcare and education systems. And as a Filipino, you’re in a unique position to take advantage of a fast-tracked citizenship process that allows you to fully integrate into Spanish society in just two years.

Whether you're seeking new opportunities in Europe, looking for a beautiful country to retire in, or simply wanting to reconnect with Spain’s historical ties to the Philippines, obtaining Spanish citizenship is a goal well worth pursuing. The benefits are immense, and with careful planning and persistence, it’s an achievable dream for many Filipinos.

So, if you’ve been thinking about making the move to Spain, now is the perfect time to take the first step.