The Spanish Ministry of Justice has released its data on Spanish nationality by residency for the first quarter of 2025, and one trend is clear: more and more people are applying for Spanish citizenship. While thousands of cases continue to be resolved, the volume of new applications is growing faster than the rate of resolutions.
Nationality applications surge – so do unresolved cases
Between January and March 2025, a total of 70,406 new applications were submitted. If this pace continues, the figures for 2025 may surpass those of the previous year. However, the number of pending cases is also on the rise: nearly 230,000 applications remain in progress, over 70,000 of which were filed this year alone. Here’s a look at the key statistics (available in Spanish):
During this first quarter, the Ministry of Justice granted 51,006 citizenships. In addition, the following were recorded:
- 2,304 refusals
- 3,878 archived files
- 57,188 total decisions (including approvals, refusals and archived cases)
Moreover, 195 appeals were resolved in favour of the applicant following initial refusals, and 17 applications were approved following court rulings.
Backlog: over 229,000 applications still pending
Despite the growing number of decisions issued, processing times are still lagging behind demand. As of 31 March 2025, a total of 229,976 applications were still awaiting resolution, including:
- 107,598 from 2024
- 70,391 from 2025
- The remaining cases date back to previous years – some as far back as 2015
At ARC Legal, we always advise our clients that waiting times can vary significantly depending on the year of submission, the completeness of the documents provided, and any potential issues with the file.
Which nationalities are most often granted Spanish citizenship?
The data clearly reflects Spain’s strong cultural and historical ties with Latin America. The countries with the highest number of approved applications were:
- Mexico: 23,635
- Colombia: 18,440
- Venezuela: 9,171
Other countries, such as the United States (2,345 approvals) and Turkey (1,019 approvals), also stand out, highlighting the diversity of applicants who choose Spain as their new home.
What do these figures mean if you’re thinking of applying for Spanish citizenship?
At our firm, we assist people every day who are starting their journey to Spanish citizenship. This is far more than just an administrative process – it’s a major milestone for those who wish to fully integrate into Spanish society.
At ARC Legal, we understand how important this step is and support our clients with professionalism, empathy, and full dedication.
✔️ Good legal guidance can make all the difference – not only in terms of timing, but also in avoiding refusals due to preventable issues
✔️ Demand continues to rise, so it’s key to prepare your application thoroughly from the very beginning
✔️ Processing times may be longer, especially if there are errors or missing documents
If you need guidance or have questions about applying for Spanish nationality, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.