When preparing an application for Spanish nationality by residence, one of the first requirements applicants must assess is compliance with the language requirements established by Spanish law.
In most cases, this means passing the DELE A2 exam, an official test administered by the Instituto Cervantes, which certifies a basic level of Spanish language proficiency.
💡 Nationals of the following countries are exempt from proving Spanish language proficiency: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Minors under 18 years of age and individuals whose legal capacity has been judicially modified are also not required to take the DELE exam. In addition, certain applicants may request an exemption (dispensa) from the Ministry of Justice, provided that it is duly justified and expressly authorised.
This may apply, among others, to:
– Applicants over 70 years of age.
– Those who hold official qualifications obtained in Spain, taught in Spanish, at secondary or higher education level.
– Individuals who completed Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) in Spain.
– Persons with a recognised disability or learning disorder of 65% or higher.
– Holders of a DELE diploma at A2 level or above.
– Applicants with certificates at A2, B1 or B2 level issued by Spanish Official Language Schools (EOI).
Exemptions may also be requested in cases where applicants are unable to read or write.
⏺️ Which DELE exam is required for Spanish nationality in 2026?
For Spanish nationality by residence procedures, the required level remains DELE A2 or higher. Lower levels are not valid for nationality purposes.
Once obtained, the DELE diploma does not expire, meaning it can be used at any time when submitting a nationality application.
⏺️ DELE exam price in 2026: what you should know
The price of the DELE exam in 2026 is not fixed globally and does not depend solely on the exam level. The final cost varies depending on:
– The country where the exam is taken.
– The authorised examination centre.
– The local currency and applicable administrative costs.
Each year, the Instituto Cervantes publishes the official DELE fees by country, which should be used as the reference for 2026.
💡 In Spain, the official price of the DELE A2 exam in 2026 is €138, as established by the Instituto Cervantes for exams taken at authorised centres within Spanish territory.
The attached document includes the official DELE exam fees for 2026 in all countries, including the A2 level required for Spanish nationality.
⏺️ Key financial aspects to consider
- The exam fee must be paid in full at the time of registration.
- If the exam is not passed, the fee must be paid again for a new sitting.
- The DELE exam fee should be considered one of the initial costs of the nationality process, together with the CCSE test and other administrative expenses.
⏺️ How ARC Legal supports you in the Spanish nationality process
In 2026, the cost of the DELE A2 exam for Spanish nationality will depend on the country and examination centre where the test is taken. Before registering, it is essential to consult the applicable official fees — such as those included in the attached document — in order to accurately plan the nationality application process.
💡 At ARC Legal Abogados, we assist numerous clients each year with their Spanish nationality by residence applications, a process that requires precision and up-to-date knowledge of the legal framework. We prepare and submit the complete application to the Ministry of Justice, offering close, personalised support at every stage.
If you are considering starting your nationality process, you can contact us via the following form for an initial assessment of your case: Access to the contact form.
At ARC Legal, we are specialists in immigration and nationality law and accompany you throughout the entire process of obtaining Spanish nationality — from document preparation to the management of all administrative steps — ensuring everything is handled correctly and efficiently.
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- Changes in nationality laws: what is happening in Portugal and the lesson for Spain
- The Spanish passport: a document that opens borders and opportunities
- Applying for Spanish nationality? Get ready for the DELE exam – 2026 exam sessions
¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Te dejamos el enlace: Tasas del examen DELE para la nacionalidad española en 2026
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and nationality regulations are subject to ongoing legal and administrative interpretation. While ARC Legal makes every effort to keep information accurate and up to date based on official sources, we always recommend consulting a specialised professional before starting any procedure or making legal decisions. For personalised advice, please contact our firm.