Guide: residence periods for nationality: in Madrid

Competence in Madrid

The Community of Madrid and the Superior Police Headquarters manage much of Madrid's immigration processing. Check whether your municipality falls under provincial or regional office.

Offices and access

Madrid offices handle high volumes. An appointment is mandatory for most in-person procedures.

Local particularities

Some student and renewal procedures are channelled through the Regional Ministry of Inclusion. Check the updated website before travelling.

Deadlines in Madrid

Appointment and resolution times are often longer than the national average due to demand. Plan with a margin of several months.

Recommended documentation

Bring Madrid municipality empadronamiento, proof of financial means and extra copies in case on-site verification is required.

Useful resources

Use the Madrid Foreigners Office portal, the regional 060 helpline and the National Police website to confirm current requirements.

Step by step

1. Check the residence period that applies to your country of origin (10 years general, 2 for Ibero-Americans, 1 for refugees, etc.).
2. Gather historical empadronamiento certificates and employment or financial records.
3. Obtain and apostille birth, marriage and criminal record certificates.
4. Submit the application at the Civil Registry or enabled electronic portal.
5. Pass CCSE and DELE A2 if not exempt.
6. Await resolution and, if favourable, take the oath or pledge of loyalty.

Requirements

• Legal and continuous residence in Spain for the period applicable to your country of origin.
• Historical empadronamiento consistent with the declared residence period.
• Criminal record certificates from your country of origin and countries where you have lived.
• Passing CCSE and DELE A2 exams (unless exempt by origin country or language).
• Nationality fee paid and application form completed.