They report an increase in the number of denials to people who have requested Spanish nationality this year. What happens and how to avoid it?
In 2024, denied applications for Spanish nationality due to residence have experienced a significant increase.
According to data from the General Subdirectorate of Nationality and Civil Status, provided to Legalteam, nationality denials have doubled so far this year until the end of September.
While in 2023 7,399 denials were recorded, in 2024 this figure reached 14,834, reflecting an unprecedented increase in denials of this type of requests.
This exponential growth is framed in a context of general increase in the number of applications submitted in recent years.
From 2019 to September 2024, 883,966 applications for nationality by residence have been processed. During 2023, a record number of submissions was reached, with 199,675 applications, and although 181,061 have been registered by September 2024, it is likely that this year will close exceeding the previous year’s figure if the trend continues.
Denials of Spanish nationality increase
On the other hand, the number of nationality grants is much higher than the number of denials. Until September 2024, 151,674 people have obtained Spanish nationality, although the figure is lower than the previous year, when 242,341 grants were registered.
This data reinforces the contrast between the number of applications approved versus those denied, despite the increase in the latter.
Throughout these years, the Spanish nationalization system has seen a growing and varied demand, with important peaks, but with a favorable proportion of concessions in general terms.
However, the increase in refusals in 2024 highlights the need to analyze the factors behind this trend, as it may influence future applications and the Spanish nationalization process as a whole.
The recommendation will always be to go to specialists in cases of doubt and not leave such an important procedure, such as applying for a new nationality, at the expense of any risk.
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**Interview with Maria Torres, Immigration Law Specialist, on the Surge in Spanish Nationality Application Denials**
**Editor:** Welcome, Maria. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve noticed some concerning statistics regarding Spanish nationality applications. Can you give us an overview of what’s happening?
**Maria Torres:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the numbers are indeed alarming. As you mentioned, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the denial of Spanish nationality applications due to residence requirements. In just one year, from 2023 to 2024, the denial rate has doubled – from 7,399 to 14,834 cases.
**Editor:** That’s quite a leap. What factors do you believe are contributing to this increase?
**Maria Torres:** Several factors are at play. One major issue is the tightening of residency regulations and the scrutiny of applicants’ documentation. Authorities are placing greater emphasis on proving continuous and legal residence in Spain. Additionally, many applicants may not fully understand the necessary requirements or fail to provide adequate proof of their residency status.
**Editor:** What can applicants do to improve their chances of being approved?
**Maria Torres:** Preparation is crucial. First and foremost, applicants should ensure they’ve met all the residency requirements before applying. This includes having the necessary documentation, such as residence cards and proof of integration into Spanish society, like language skills or community involvement. Seeking professional legal advice can also be incredibly beneficial in navigating the complexities of the application process.
**Editor:** Are there any common mistakes that applicants should be particularly wary of?
**Maria Torres:** Absolutely. One common mistake is not maintaining or documenting continuous residency. Even short absences from Spain can affect your application if not properly documented. Another issue is failing to submit the right paperwork or missing deadlines. It’s essential to double-check all requirements before submission to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.
**Editor:** Thank you for those insights, Maria. Any final thoughts for our audience considering applying for Spanish nationality?
**Maria Torres:** Yes, I’d encourage anyone thinking about applying to start the process as early as possible. Be thorough in gathering your documentation and don’t hesitate to consult with an immigration expert. Staying informed about ongoing changes in the law can make a significant difference in navigating this complex system.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing your expertise with us today. It seems like staying proactive and informed is key for potential applicants.
**Maria Torres:** Thank you for having me. I hope this information helps those looking to secure their Spanish nationality.
