HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Receiving a positive resolution for Spanish citizenship after completing the oath process is a monumental achievement. However, one final step remains in your journey to becoming a full-fledged Spanish citizen: obtaining your DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) and passport.

These crucial documents certify your Spanish citizenship and serve as primary identification within the country. In this article, we will guide you through the process of acquiring your Spanish DNI, including the necessary documents, application procedure, associated costs, and document validity.

The Straightforward Process of Obtaining Your Spanish DNI

After successfully obtaining citizenship by residence and completing the oath process, obtaining your Spanish DNI is a relatively straightforward procedure. Let's break down the process into easy-to-follow steps:

1. Gather Essential Documentation: Before proceeding, ensure you have the required documents. These include:

• Town hall registration ("empadronamiento") issued within the past three months.
• Birth certificate from the Civil Registry, specifying that it's for DNI purposes. The certificate must not exceed six months of issuance.
• Colour photograph (32x26mm) with a white background. Avoid wearing items that obstruct identification, such as dark glasses.
• For those becoming Spanish national citizens for the first time, provide your TIE (physical residence card) or Certificate of Registration of the European Union with your NIE.

You can view the full list here.

2. Schedule an Appointment: To initiate the process, you need to request an appointment to submit your prepared documentation. Appointments can be scheduled through the National Police website or by calling 060. Remember, you can choose any available police station for your appointment, irrespective of your residence or registration location.

If using the link above, click “Cita Previa” in the left-hand menu and follow the instructions.

For a full list of national police stations, please see this page.

3. Visit the National Police: Attend the appointment on the designated date. The National Police will process your application and provide you with your DNI on the same day. Unlike many other processes, there's no waiting time for issuance.

4. Notify Institutions: After acquiring your DNI, you'll need to request a concordance certificate and use it to update your identification method with institutions where you previously registered using your NIE.

The Certificate of Concordance (Certificado de Concordancia)

When a foreign individual successfully attains Spanish nationality, a pivotal step in the process involves obtaining the Certificate of Concordance. This document plays a crucial role in authenticating the individual's identity across various public and private institutions that had previously registered them under a specific name and NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) prior to their citizenship achievement. This typically refers to the name and identification number that were present in the individual's former passport and residency card.

In essence, the Certificate of Concordance serves as a testament that even though the individual's current identity document displays a different name and boasts a new passport/NIE number, they are, in fact, the same individual who is listed in official records under their previous NIE number and name as it appeared in their old passport.

To put it simply, this certificate bridges the identity gap, assuring institutions that despite the alterations in the individual's official documentation, they maintain continuity with their past records. This reassures authorities and organisations that the individual in question is the same entity who was registered under their previous identity. Thus, the Certificate of Concordance emerges as a key document in the transition from a foreign national to a full-fledged Spanish citizen.

To obtain the certificado de concordancia, you will need to make an appointment at your nearest police station.

Obtaining DNI from Abroad and Other Considerations

For Spanish citizens living abroad, the DNI and birth certificate can be obtained from Spanish consulates in their respective countries. The certification from the Diplomatic or Consular Representation where the applicant is registered acts as residency accreditation.

When these citizens move back to Spain after obtaining their DNI abroad, it's essential to renew it promptly to ensure accurate updates.

Financial Aspects: Cost and Payment Options

Currently, the application fee for the Spanish DNI is €12. Unlike previous immigration procedures, you don't need to pay in advance. Instead, you can pay in cash at the National Police station on the day of your appointment. Alternatively, online payment is possible through the same appointment website, streamlining the payment process.

It's important to note that renewing your DNI due to address or affiliation changes is free of charge.

Duration and Validity of the Spanish DNI

The validity of your Spanish DNI depends on your age at the time of application:

• Two years for applicants under 2 years old
• Five years for applicants aged 5 to 30
• Ten years for applicants over 30
• Permanent validity upon reaching 70 years of age

In conclusion, the process of obtaining a Spanish DNI is well-structured and efficient, ensuring you receive your identification swiftly after completing the application. With the right documentation and a clear understanding of the procedure, you can seamlessly transition from a foreign resident to an official Spanish citizen, equipped with the essential identification documents that signify your new status.

Further information on obtaining the DNI can be found at https://www.dnielectronico.es