Question 1

Can I apply for Spanish Citizenship by marriage if I am separated but not divorced?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot apply for citizenship through marriage if you are separated but not legally divorced. Spanish law requires that "it cannot be a civil union (pareja de hecho)" and that the marriage be "valid and ongoing at the time of application."

Question 2

What happens if my spouse loses Spanish citizenship?

Accepted Answer

If your spouse loses Spanish citizenship after you've already obtained your own, your citizenship remains valid. Once you acquire citizenship in Spain through marriage, it will not be revoked if circumstances with your spouse change, as long as your original marriage was genuine and not fraudulent.

Question 3

Do I need to live with my spouse in Spain?

Accepted Answer

While Spanish law requires you to maintain legal residence in Spain and be registered (empadronado) at a Spanish address, there is no specific requirement that you must physically live with your spouse. However, to help you demonstrate that your marriage is genuine, it is a good idea to collect relationship evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared expenses, and other proof of an authentic marital relationship. Cohabitation is the cleanest way to evidence ‘no de facto separation’; if you live apart, expect scrutiny.

Question 4

Can I travel during the 1-year residency period?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with strict limits. You cannot stay outside Spain for more than 90 consecutive days without a valid reason, such as medical emergencies or work obligations. Longer absences for reasons such as military service, pregnancy, illness, education, or work in another country won't interrupt your residence continuity, but you must maintain your legal resident status and not be out of the country for more than six months in a year.

Question 5

What if I fail the language or cultural exams?

Accepted Answer

You have two chances to pass the CCSE cultural knowledge test. If you fail both, you can register again and have two additional chances. There is no limit to the number of times you can register, but you must pay for each registration separately.

For the DELE A2, you can retake the exam as many times as necessary, but you must wait for the next available test date and pay fees each time. Both exams are offered multiple times a year, but spots fill up quickly, so booking early is essential.

Question 6

How long are the DELE and CCSE certificates valid?

Accepted Answer

Once you pass the Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España (CCSE) exam, it remains valid for four years from the date you pass. This limited validity is due to the fact that Spanish law considers that social and constitutional knowledge should remain current with changes in society and legislation.

The DELE A2 certificate has lifetime validity, and once passed, there is no need to retake the test.

Question 7

Can I work while waiting for citizenship approval?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can work while your citizenship application is being processed, as long as you keep your valid residence permit during the waiting period. Your work authorization depends on your residence status, not your citizenship application. Staying employed can boost your integration case by showing economic involvement in Spanish society.

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