Spanish Citizenship Through Military Service
Serve Spain and unlock a gateway to Europe!
Why Earn Citizenship Through Spanish Military Service?
Spain offers a pathway to citizenship for foreigners serving in its Armed Forces, primarily under Royal Decree 195/2010 and Organic Law 4/2000. While not as fast-tracked as some nations, military service can reduce residency requirements or lead to naturalization after honorable service, especially for those from former Spanish colonies or with exceptional contributions. Ready to wear the Spanish uniform and call it home? Let’s explore!
Eligibility & Requirements
Who Can Apply?
- Foreign nationals with legal residence in Spain
- Priority for Ibero-American, Equatorial Guinea, or Filipino citizens
- Those serving in the Spanish Armed Forces
Key Requirements
- Honorable service (typically 3-year minimum contract)
- Legal residency in Spain during service
- Spanish language proficiency (B1 level)
- Good conduct and integration into Spanish society
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Enlist in the Forces
Join the Spanish Armed Forces with a legal residence permit—apply via the Ministry of Defense.
Serve Honorably
Complete a minimum 3-year contract with good conduct.
Gather Documents
Prepare your service records, residence proof, passport, and language certificate.
Submit Application
File for naturalization with the Ministry of Justice—processing takes 1-2 years.
Take the Oath
Swear allegiance to Spain and receive your citizenship—bienvenido!
Benefits of Spanish Military Citizenship
EU Citizenship
Live, work, and travel freely across the European Union.
Reduced Residency
Cut the wait from 10 years to as little as 3 with service.
Spanish Lifestyle
Enjoy Spain’s culture, climate, and quality of life.
Cost of Spanish Military Citizenship
What’s the price for this path? Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | €104 | Naturalization fee paid to the Ministry of Justice. |
| Residence Permit | €15–€80 | Initial permit to enlist, varies by type. |
| Additional Costs | €50–€200 | Language test, translations, documents. |
| Total Estimate | €169–€384 | Affordable for EU citizenship! |
*Note: Costs may vary slightly based on residency status and document needs.
Latest Updates (Feb 2025)
- No policy changes as of Feb 28, 2025—Royal Decree 195/2010 still governs eligibility.
- 2024 recruitment: 2,500+ foreign soldiers joined, per Ministry of Defense stats.
- Processing time steady at 1-2 years; no wartime fast-track introduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to live in Spain first?
Yes—legal residency is required to enlist.
2. What if I’m from Latin America?
You get priority and may need only 2 years residency!
3. Can women apply?
Yes—open to all genders.
4. Is Spanish mandatory?
Yes, B1 level for naturalization.
5. How fast is it?
1-2 years after service, depending on residency.
References
- Spanish Ministry of Defense: Military Recruitment
- Ministry of Justice: Naturalization Process
- Royal Decree 195/2010: Foreign Military Service
- Organic Law 4/2000: Immigration and Nationality