Residence authorisations
Temporary residence, long-term residence, work, study and family reunification have different requirements. A study stay does not automatically count as residence for nationality. Review the permit, personal circumstances, resources, ties and evidence. Since 3 April 2025, the Golden Visa route for new investor authorisations has been abolished; earlier permits and applications fall under transitional rules.
Arraigo categories
The regulations distinguish second-opportunity, employment-based, social, socio-educational and family arraigo. The general period of presence for categories requiring it is two years; family arraigo has its own rules. Time alone is insufficient: each category has specific conditions, and rules for international-protection applicants and their periods of presence must be checked.
Nationality by residence
The general period is ten years of legal, continuous residence immediately before applying; five for refugees and two for nationals by origin of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal and Sephardic persons. One year applies only to specific Article 22 Civil Code cases. Marriage to a Spanish person does not automatically grant nationality: the reduced route requires, among other conditions, one year of legal residence and one year of marriage without legal or factual separation. Good civic conduct, integration and applicable tests or exemptions must be established.
Evidence and follow-up
Identity, criminal-record, family and residence evidence, translations and legalisation depend on the procedure. Retain receipts, answer requests and renew on time. Refusals and appeal deadlines require individual file review; approval cannot be guaranteed.
Book an appointment with MH & MG Abogados in Barcelona or Roses to review your case.
Updated: 5 October 2026.