For work
Working in Spain: how long to residence and citizenship
The thing a visa list won't tell you
Ten years as standard — but two for Ibero-American nationals and several other groups. Nationality changes this route more than anything else you do.
Your ladder
- 5 years
Work permit
✓ counts toward citizenship
Permanent residence at
5 years
Citizenship assessed at
10 years
Still to serve after these rungs
5 years
Sources
- · Work and residence authorisation (2026)
- · Long-term residence after 5 years of legal residence (2026)
- · 10 years' legal residence; 2 years for Ibero-American nationals and several other groups
Keep going
- All study and work routes →
- Studying in Spain instead →
- How to find a regulated immigration lawyer in Spain →
- What buying a home in Spain actually costs →
Not immigration advice. Orientation only. Immigration rules change often and decisions are discretionary — nothing here is a promise of residence or citizenship. Check your case with a licensed immigration adviser. Rules reviewed 2026-07. (2026-07)