The year 2024 marked a historic milestone for Spanish nationality processing, consolidating the upward trend in the number of applications and resolutions. This increase reflects not only Spain’s appeal as a destination to settle but also the challenges and progress in administrative processes.
In this article, we analyze the most relevant data from the past year and provide a global overview of the accumulated statistics since 2019.
Key Results from 2024
In 2024, a total of 244,464 nationality applications were submitted, marking a 22.42% increase compared to 2023, making it the year with the highest volume recorded to date. Additionally, 252,350 resolutions were issued, distributed as follows:
- Grants: 221,466 cases approved.
- Denials: 20,099 applications rejected.
- Archived files: 10,785, resulting from withdrawals or other administrative reasons.
The number of pending files at the end of 2024 stood at 214,146, of which 145,286 corresponded to applications submitted during the year. This highlights the need for continued improvement in resolution times to reduce applicants’ waiting periods.
Nationality for Sephardic Jews: Law 12/2015
Law 12/2015, which allows Sephardic Jews of Spanish origin to apply for nationality, remains a significant avenue. In 2024:
- Total applications received: 153,774.
- Grants: 72,199.
- Denials: 7,189.
This program has enabled thousands of individuals to reconnect with their historical and cultural roots in Spain.
Trends by Country of Origin
The analysis by nationality highlights Spain’s strong ties with Latin America. The countries with the highest number of grants were:
- Mexico: 23,634 grants.
- Colombia: 18,436 grants.
- Venezuela: 9,168 grants.
Other countries, such as the United States (2,344 grants) and Morocco (233 grants), also stand out, showcasing the diversity of applicants choosing Spain as their home.
Global Overview: 2019-2024
Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 947,392 nationality applications were submitted, and 1,006,446 grants were issued. This period reflects sustained efforts by the authorities to manage the growing volume of cases. However, the 214,146 pending cases at the end of 2024 emphasize the importance of further optimizing administrative resources.
Conclusion
The process of acquiring Spanish nationality is much more than an administrative procedure; it is a significant step for individuals seeking full integration into Spanish society. At ARC Legal, we understand the importance of this process and work to support our clients with professionalism, dedication, and care.
If you need advice or have questions about how to apply for Spanish nationality, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.