How to Get Spanish Citizenship
In short
Citizens by birth of Colombia and other Ibero-American countries can get a Spanish passport after 2 years of residence, including those who obtained Colombian citizenship through their father or mother
The MERONN route
A Spanish passport through Colombian citizenship
I live in Colombia and work with lawyers in both countries. I handle the whole route: Colombian citizenship, then status in Spain and the Spanish passport application
- from 3 monthsColombian citizenship and passport
- 2 yearsLegal residence in Spain on a digital nomad visa or non-lucrative residence
- ApplicationCCSE test and citizenship application, no language exam
- You keep your Colombian passport under the dual citizenship agreement
- A Spanish passport gives the right to live and work in any EU country
- We support you at every stage, in both countries
On the first call we review your family documents and map out the route. The call is free
Dmitry Pavlyuk, founder of MERONN
I live in Colombia and work with lawyers in both countries. I handle the whole route: Colombian citizenship, then status in Spain and the Spanish passport application
First step of the route
Colombian citizenship from 3 months
2 months of remote preparation and one month in Colombia. Passport and the local Cédula ID card in hand 4 weeks after arrival
How to get Colombian citizenship →
Requirements current as of 2 October 2026
Exact requirements are confirmed during a consultation. This information is for reference only and is not an offer.
Program requirements
| Time to passport | 2 years for citizens by birth of Colombia and other Ibero-American countries |
|---|---|
| Spouse of a Spanish citizen | 1 year of residence while married |
| Exams | CCSE civics test and DELE A2 language exam, Spanish speakers are exempt from DELE |
Availability by applicant citizenship
Russia
Restricted
2 years with Colombian citizenship by birth
Belarus
Restricted
2 years with Colombian citizenship by birth
Kazakhstan
Restricted
2 years with Colombian citizenship by birth
Uzbekistan
Restricted
2 years with Colombian citizenship by birth
Pros
- 2 years with Colombian citizenship by birth
- The passport gives the right to live and work in any EU country
- 161 countries without a prior visa, 4th in the world
- For children born in Spain to residents, the period drops to one year
- Once granted, the status is permanent and needs no renewal
Cons
- Absence beyond the permitted limit interrupts residence
- A decision on the application can take up to three years
Common reasons for refusal
- Gaps in legal status during the 2 years
- Long trips abroad, residence is treated as interrupted
- Failed CCSE or DELE A2 exam
- A criminal record in Spain or in the country of citizenship
FAQ
Does a Colombian passport let me apply after two years?
Yes, if you are a Colombian citizen by birth. This also covers people born abroad to a Colombian father or mother: such citizenship is registered through the Registraduría and counts as citizenship by birth. In that case 2 years of legal residence in Spain are enough
Which days count towards the 2 years?
The count starts from the date the residence permit is issued, not from the move. Tourist and student days do not count. The digital nomad visa, non-lucrative residence, employment or business in Spain all qualify. You can travel, but in total no more than about 90 days over two years
Will I keep my Colombian citizenship?
Yes. Spain and Colombia have a dual citizenship agreement, so you keep your Colombian passport
Which exams do I need to pass?
The CCSE test on the constitution and Spanish society: 25 questions, 15 correct answers to pass. And the DELE A2 language exam, from which citizens of Colombia and other Spanish-speaking countries are exempt
Is residence interrupted by trips abroad?
Yes. Residence must be continuous and immediately precede the application. Long absences restart the count, so it is important to track your days of presence.
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