Moroccans among top applicants for Spanish nationality exam, with over 90% passing

Moroccans continue to be among the top applicants for Spanish nationality, with more than 90% of them successfully passing the required exams. 

According to Spain’s Ministry of Justice, over one million people have obtained Spanish nationality since 2019 through residency, with 221,466 approvals in 2024 alone. 

The success rate remains high, and the top three nationalities granted Spanish citizenship last year were Colombians, Mexicans, and Moroccans.

Since 2018, over 237,000 Moroccans have acquired Spanish citizenship, driven by their adherence to the “good civic conduct” criterion for naturalization.

This surge began under Pedro Sánchez’s government, surpassing the 130,000 granted during Mariano Rajoy’s tenure.

In 2023 alone, 45,799 Moroccans gained citizenship, most aged 19, showing their successful integration and Spain’s long-term commitment to the community.

Spanish laws also facilitate naturalization for unaccompanied Moroccan minors who reach adulthood in Spain. Moroccans now lead naturalizations by residence, with a 5.4% increase in 2023.

With over 844,000 members, the Moroccan community is one of Spain’s most active, especially in regions like Catalonia.

Spain’s Civil Code states that foreigners must live legally in Spain for ten years before applying for nationality. 

However, some groups qualify for a shorter period. Refugees need only five years, while people from Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal, and Sephardic Jews can apply after just two years. 

Those married to a Spanish citizen for at least one year and widows or widowers of Spanish spouses (if not separated before their partner’s passing) only need to prove one year of residence.

While most applicants must pass two tests—the DELE (Spanish language) and the CCSE (about Spain’s constitution and culture)—certain groups are exempt from at least one of them. 

Foreigners from countries where Spanish is the official language (provided it is their nationality of origin) are not required to take the DELE but must still pass the CCSE. Minors, individuals with certain disabilities, and those who are illiterate can also request an exemption from the exams, though they must provide official documents as proof.