The Subdirectorate-General for Nationality and Civil Status (Ministry of Justice) – Subdirección General de Nacionalidad y Estado Civil (Ministerio de Justicia) – has announced a very relevant update for applicants for Spanish nationality by residence: electronic submission of exemption requests for the Instituto Cervantes exams (DELE and CCSE) is now available.
This procedure is designed for individuals who cannot read or write, or who have duly accredited learning difficulties. Until now, these applicants faced a more limited and less agile process when seeking an exemption.
With this update, the administration modernises and simplifies the system, allowing applications to be submitted entirely online—no in-person appointments required—and offering greater traceability for applicants and their legal representatives.
⏺️ Who can apply for the exemption?
The exemption is intended for:
- Individuals who are not literate
- Applicants with accredited learning difficulties (for example, medical or psycho-educational reports, or other supporting documentation)
The Administration will assess each request individually, taking into account the applicant’s personal circumstances and the documents provided.
⏺️ Where is the application submitted?
The request can be submitted directly through the official online platform enabled by the Ministry of Justice: link to the website | Spanish Nationality by Residence.
Within the site, applicants will find all necessary instructions, including:
- Access to the procedure
- Technical requirements
- Supporting documentation needed
- Steps to complete and submit the application
⏺️ What does this improvement mean?
At ARC Legal, we view this update as an important step towards a more accessible administration that better adapts to the real needs of applicants. The possibility of submitting the exemption request electronically offers:
- Convenience
- Faster processing times
- Removal of unnecessary administrative burdens
- Greater legal certainty through electronic record-keeping of the application and its documents
This new system will help avoid delays and standardise the procedure for especially vulnerable groups.
⏺️ How can ARC Legal Abogados assist you?
At ARC Legal Abogados, in addition to handling Spanish nationality applications, we can assist you if you need to request an exemption. We review your case, prepare the required documentation, and ensure it meets the criteria established by the Ministry of Justice.
💡 Every year at ARC Legal Abogados, we assist numerous clients in their Spanish nationality by residence process—a procedure that requires precision and up-to-date legal knowledge. We manage the preparation and submission of the complete file before the Ministry of Justice, offering close support at every stage.
If you are considering starting the process, you can contact us using the following form for an initial assessment of your case: Access the contact form.
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¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Te dejamos el link aquí: Dispensa DELE y CCSE: nuevo procedimiento electrónico para la nacionalidad española
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to continuous interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal we do our best to keep information updated and verified against official sources, but we always recommend consulting a qualified professional before beginning any procedure or making legal decisions. If you need personalised advice regarding your situation, you can contact our firm.