Spain: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Study time does not count towards citizenship: a study stay is not residence. Renouncing previous citizenship is required, except for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal.
- • 10 years of legal continuous residence, exams, renouncing previous citizenship
- • 2 years of legal residence for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal; previous citizenship is kept
- • 1 year of legal residence while married to a Spanish citizen, exams, renouncing previous citizenship
- • 1 year of legal residence while married to a Spanish citizen; previous citizenship is kept
Citizenship application processing, years: 1–1.75.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Madrid | €1,650 | €3,650 |
| Barcelona | €1,570 | €3,550 |
| Valencia | €1,300 | €2,950 |
| Málaga | €1,320 | €3,020 |
| Alicante | €1,170 | €2,690 |
| Seville | €1,180 | €2,760 |
| Bilbao | €1,290 | €2,940 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety79
- Earning potential83
- Healthcare90
- Path to citizenship26
- Schools and education66
- Environment80
- Warm, sunny climate76
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Spain, and how long does it take?
10 years of legal continuous residence, exams, renouncing previous citizenship; 2 years of legal residence for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal; previous citizenship is kept; 1 year of legal residence while married to a Spanish citizen, exams, renouncing previous citizenship; 1 year of legal residence while married to a Spanish citizen; previous citizenship is kept. Processing takes 1–1.75 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Spain?
The main routes we cover: EU citizen registration; Temporary protection; Temporary residence; Study stay. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
Can I keep my citizenship in Spain?
Not required for nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal.
How much does it cost to live in Spain per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Madrid ≈ €1,650 / €3,650; Barcelona ≈ €1,570 / €3,550; Valencia ≈ €1,300 / €2,950; Málaga ≈ €1,320 / €3,020; Alicante ≈ €1,170 / €2,690; Seville ≈ €1,180 / €2,760; Bilbao ≈ €1,290 / €2,940. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Spain?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Madrid €806–€1,270; Barcelona €759–€1,190; Valencia €566–€889; Málaga €583–€916; Alicante €478–€751; Seville €496–€780; Bilbao €565–€888.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.