What Is Nationality Through Marriage?
Spanish law allows foreign spouses of Spanish citizens to apply for nationality after just one year of legal marriage and legal shared residency in Spain, without having to complete the general ten years of residency. However, this path is not simply about the formal registration of the marriage; the authorities must be satisfied that the marital relationship is genuine and ongoing.
This path does not require ten years of residency, but you must still prove one full year of legal residency in Spain combined with a shared life with your Spanish spouse. See the details of the general rule on our nationality through residency page.
Requirements
- One full year of legal marriage to a Spanish citizen
- Legal residency and genuine shared life in Spain throughout this period
- No actual or legal separation from your spouse at the time of application or when the file is issued
- A passing grade on the CCSE exam (except where a legal exemption applies)
- A passing grade on the DELE A2 exam (except where a legal exemption applies)
- A criminal record certificate from Iran with consular legalization
How to Prove a Genuine Shared Life
The Civil Registry typically requests the following documents to prove a genuine relationship rather than a marriage of convenience:
- A joint municipal registration certificate (empadronamiento) at the same address
- A joint bank account or shared water, electricity, and internet bills
- Photos and correspondence showing shared everyday life
- Statements from family or close friends if requested
The official handling the file typically interviews each spouse separately to check that their answers about the details of everyday life are consistent. A clear inconsistency in the answers can lead to the file being rejected on grounds of a marriage of convenience (matrimonio de conveniencia).
The CCSE and DELE A2 Exams
Contrary to a common assumption, the marriage path does not exempt you from the language and culture exams, except in the specific cases established by law. Read the full details of both exams on our dedicated CCSE and DELE exams page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is just one year of marriage enough?
You must have one year of legal marriage and a genuine shared residency with your Spanish spouse in Spain. Simply registering the marriage without shared life is not enough.
Do I also have to take the CCSE and DELE exams on this path?
Yes, except where a legal exemption applies. These exams are a shared requirement of nearly every nationality path.
How does the personal interview work?
Each spouse is interviewed separately to confirm that the relationship is genuine. Inconsistent answers can lead to the file being rejected.
Do I need the general ten years of residency?
No. The marriage path replaces the general ten-year rule, and only one year of marriage and shared life is required.