Naturalisation in Spain: regulations, data and trends

Abstract

This paper analyses the applicable regulations on obtaining Spanish citizenship and the evolution of the granting of Spanish nationality between 2005 and 2015. The analysis pays particular attention to naturalisation through residency because of its statistical significance, and focuses on the requirement of two years residence for the nationals of the countries of Central and South America, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal. Finally, the relationship is discussed between naturalisation and economic crisis and some possible future trends are set out.

Keywords

• Citizenship programme
• Nationality
• Naturalisation
• Residency
• Central and South America