Spain granted citizenship to nearly 300,000 foreign residents in 2025, the highest annual figure since official records began in 2013, according to new data released by the country’s National Statistics Institute.
The sharp increase comes as Spain continues using immigration to address growing labour shortages, a declining birth rate, and an ageing population. Unlike several European countries that have tightened migration policies, Spain has adopted a more welcoming approach to migrants in recent years.
Official figures from the National Statistics Institute showed that 299,732 foreign residents obtained Spanish nationality in 2025, an increase of almost 19 percent compared with 2024. Authorities described it as the highest figure recorded since the statistics series began over a decade ago.
The largest groups of new Spanish citizens came from Morocco, Colombia, Venezuela, and Honduras. Latin Americans represented nine of the ten most common nationalities among new citizens, reflecting Spain’s long-standing immigration rules that make citizenship easier for nationals from many former Spanish colonies.
Under Spanish law, most Latin American citizens can apply for Spanish nationality after two years of legal residence, while applicants from many other countries usually need ten years before becoming eligible.
The increase in citizenship approvals comes alongside broader immigration reforms introduced by the government of Pedro Sánchez. Earlier this year, Spain announced plans to regularise around 500,000 undocumented migrants by granting them residency and work permits.
The programme applies to migrants who arrived in Spain before December 31, 2025, have lived in the country for at least five months, and do not have a criminal record. Officials say the move is aimed at bringing undocumented workers into the formal economy while addressing labour market shortages.
Spain’s government has repeatedly argued that immigration is necessary to sustain the country’s workforce and welfare system. The country has one of Europe’s lowest birth rates, while the number of retirees continues to grow faster than the younger working population.
According to official data, Spain’s population is now approaching 50 million people, including around 7.3 million foreign residents. Immigration has become a major factor supporting population growth and economic activity across the country.
The developments highlight Spain’s different approach to migration at a time when several European nations are strengthening border controls and introducing tougher asylum and immigration policies.