The Ministry of Justice has published the official data on Spanish nationality by residence for the third quarter of 2025 (cumulative data for the year). The figures not only reflect high demand, but also a system still struggling to keep up with the volume of applications. The figures updated to 30 September 2025 confirm the strong and sustained demand for Spanish nationality, while also highlighting the structural challenges the system continues to face in processing such a high volume of applications.
At ARC Legal Abogados, we analyse what these numbers reveal and what they mean for those currently applying — or planning to apply — for Spanish citizenship.
⏺️ Applications and decisions: demand remains high, but processing slows slightly
Between January and September 2025, a total of 223,542 new applications for Spanish nationality by residence were submitted, consolidating the upward trend observed in recent years. While the pace has stabilised slightly compared to 2024 (which closed with 246,757 applications), the numbers still reflect a strong and steady interest in acquiring Spanish citizenship.
💡 Want to learn more about how to apply for Spanish nationality? Read our 2025 Guide (in Spanish): Link to the article
In terms of resolutions, during the first three quarters of 2025, 195,778 files were processed, of which:
- 180,474 were approvals,
- 7,924 were rejections, and
- 7,380 were formally archived.
Additionally, the Ministry recorded complementary decisions:
- 384 approvals following an administrative appeal (recurso de reposición),
- 334 approvals following a favourable court ruling, and
- 13 approvals after revocation of a previous denial.
These figures demonstrate a consistent administrative effort, although the total number of applications continues to exceed the annual processing capacity.
⏺️ Pending applications: over 240,000 people still waiting
As of 30 September 2025, there were 245,441 pending nationality cases. The majority correspond to recent applications, but delays from previous years persist:
- 178,583 applications were submitted in 2025,
- 36,123 correspond to 2024, and
- almost 31,000 cases date back to earlier years, some even to 2015.
These figures illustrate the administrative challenge of nationality procedures in Spain and the ongoing need to reinforce resources to improve processing times and efficiency.
At ARC Legal, we always inform our clients that processing times can vary depending on the year of submission, the completeness of the documentation, and the overall administrative workload.
⏺️ Which nationalities are most frequently granted Spanish nationality?
The 2025 data once again highlights the strong representation of applicants from Latin America, led by Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela:
- Mexico: 23,875 approvals
- Colombia: 18,593 approvals
- Venezuela: 9,239 approvals
- United States: 2,365 approvals
- Turkey: 1,034 approvals
- Ecuador: 1,441 approvals
- Brazil: 1,115 approvals
This trend confirms that Spain remains a key destination for Latin American citizens, as well as for nationals from other regions with strong historical, cultural, or economic ties to the country.
⏺️ Nationality by naturalisation and Sephardic Jews
In 2025, there were 1,105 new naturalisation applications (by royal decree), with 30 nationalities granted through this route so far.
Regarding Law 12/2015 for Sephardic Jews, as of 30 September:
- 153,774 applications have been received by the General Council of Notaries,
- 73,017 nationalities have been granted,
- 7,292 have been denied, and
- 1,314 have been approved following an appeal (recurso de alzada).
⏺️ Thinking of starting the process? Here’s what you should know
At ARC Legal, we assist people every day who want to apply for Spanish nationality. We understand this is not just a bureaucratic procedure, but a major step toward full integration into Spain’s political, economic, and social life.
Here are some key tips if you’re considering applying:
✅ Submit a complete and well-prepared application from the beginning
✅ Avoid common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary delays or denials
✅ Provide all required documents, on time, with the proper legalizations or translations
✅ If you’ve received a denial, there are legal remedies available—especially with the right legal support
💡 Solid legal advice can make a real difference—not only in terms of timelines, but in avoiding denials due to preventable issues.
Demand continues to rise, so preparing your application thoroughly from the outset is crucial.
Processing times can stretch out, especially if there are errors or missing documentation.
You can contact us directly or, if you prefer, complete our specific form for Spanish nationality applications and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Related articles
- The Spanish Passport: more than just a travel document
- Attending a nationality oath ceremony in Spain? Here’s how it works
- Deadline to apply for Spanish Citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law ends today
Prefer to read this article in Spanish 🇪🇸? You can find it here: Nacionalidad Española: Estadísticas tercer trimestre 2025
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to frequent interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal we do our best to ensure the information we share is accurate and based on official sources, but we always recommend consulting with a specialized legal professional before starting any process or making legal decisions. If you need tailored advice, feel free to contact our office.