The Instituto Cervantes has published the official calendar for the 2026 DELE exams (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language). These tests are a key requirement for many people applying for Spanish nationality by residence, as they certify a minimum command of the language equivalent to level A2.
In addition, the Instituto Cervantes has announced that registration for all 2026 DELE exam sessions will open on 1 December 2025, allowing candidates to plan their nationality process well in advance.
💡 Nationals of the following countries are exempt from proving their Spanish language proficiency: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Minors under 18 and individuals whose legal capacity has been modified by a court are also exempt from taking the DELE exam. Moreover, applicants who meet certain conditions may request a waiver, provided they can prove their circumstances to the Ministry of Justice and receive official approval.
These include:
– Individuals over 70 years old.
– Holders of official qualifications obtained in Spain, in Spanish, at intermediate level or higher.
– Individuals with a Spanish ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) qualification.
– Persons with a disability or learning disorder equal to or greater than 65%.
– Holders of a DELE diploma of at least level A2.
– Holders of basic (A2), intermediate (B1), or advanced (B2) certificates from Spain’s Official Language Schools (EOI). A waiver may also be requested by individuals who cannot read or write.
⏺️ Exam requirements for obtaining Spanish nationality
To apply for Spanish nationality by residence, applicants must prove:
- Basic knowledge of the Spanish language (A2 or higher). This requirement is fulfilled by passing the DELE A2 exam from the Instituto Cervantes.
- Knowledge of Spain’s constitutional and sociocultural framework (CCSE). This exam is separate from DELE and is held monthly.
Both exams —DELE and CCSE— must be successfully passed before submitting the nationality application.
You can find all information regarding registration, fees, exam preparation, and formats on the Instituto Cervantes website: CCSE and DELE.
💡At ARC Legal Abogados, we assist numerous clients each year throughout their Spanish nationality process, a procedure that requires precision and up-to-date knowledge of current regulations. We handle the complete preparation and submission of the application to the Ministry of Justice, offering close support at every stage.
If you are considering starting the process, you can contact us through the following form for an initial assessment of your case: Contact form.
⏺️ How can ARC Legal help you?
At ARC Legal we are specialists in immigration law, and we support you throughout the entire process to obtain your Spanish nationality. From gathering documentation to managing all administrative steps, we are here to ensure everything is handled correctly and efficiently. Feel free to get in touch with us.
Related articles
- Changes in nationality laws: what is happening in Portugal and the lesson for Spain
- The Spanish passport: a document that opens borders and opportunities
- CCSE Manual 2025
Prefer to read this article in English 🇬🇧? You can find it here: ¿Vas a solicitar la nacionalidad española? ¡Prepárate para el examen DELE ! Convocatorias 2026
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to ongoing interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal we make every effort to keep information updated and aligned with official sources, but we always recommend consulting a qualified professional before starting any procedure or making legal decisions. If you need personalised advice regarding your situation, you may contact our firm.