- Spanish is not usually required for the residence permit itself. In regulation 1155/2024, we did not find any language requirements for no lucrativa, work, cuenta propia or study. [1]Ley 14/2013 does not name them for DNV [2].
- What is checked instead of language: means, medical coverage, no threat to public order, contract or project, admission to an educational institution [1].
- The exam is for the only Citizenship: DELE is at least A2 and CCEE test [3]. Total residence on Códico Civil 10 years, for a number of countries shorter [4].
- For arraigo social without related ties and for socioformativo, informe de intergración social of the autonomous community is necessary, and "integration force" may be taken into account in extensions, including as the study of official languages of residence [1].
- Language may also be the object of travel: language courses in official schools or Cervantes centres provide grounds for estancia if the language is not the mother tongue or the State language in your country [1].
Did Spanish be required to obtain a residence permit?
We have been through the text of Reglamento de extranjería (Real Decreto 1155/2024) for no lucrativa, employment, cuenta propia, studies and larga duración: funds, insurance, contract or project, admission to an educational institution, no threat to public order and a paid duty, but not a language certificate [1]For DNV, the law lists qualifications, experience with foreign company and funds [2].
| Basis | Language requirement | What they're checking |
|---|---|---|
| DNV (Ley 14/2013) [2] | None | Diploma or experience, income, foreign company connection |
| No. lucrativa (arts. 61, 62) [1] | None | % IPREM per month and 100% per family member, seguro de enfermed |
| Studying (art. 53) [1] | not in the regulations | Admission and fees |
| Work and civila propia (arts. 74, 84) [1] | None | contract or project, qualification |
| Arraigo social, socioformativo (art. 127) [1] | informe de integración | Report of the Autonomous Community |
| Larga Duración (art. 176) [1] | None | 5 years of residence, resources, seguro |
| Nationality [3] | DELE A2 and CCEE | Instituto Cervantes examinations |
The university's requirements for the language of instruction are regulated by the university itself, and there are no such requirements in the regulations. Training route.
Where does language skills still count?
In two places: in the integration report and in the extension report, for arraigo social, if you do not have foreign relatives with permission, and for arraigo socioformativo, the regulation requires informe de intergración social, which is issued by the autonomous community or, if it so decides, by the local administration within a month of request. [1]When extending no lucrativa, work and cuenta propia, the agency evaluates "integration force." This is an unnecessary argument: it is produced if not met by a condition of extension. The report, if positive, confirms the knowledge of constitutional values and "in case" the study of the official languages of the place of residence. [1].
In Catalonia, two official languages, so such a report can also be found in Catalan (the "Calatical")Do you need Catalan?, Report on Catalonia Integration. What exactly and to what extent the report notes is determined by the autonomous community: there is no single language test in the regulations.
What about citizenship: what language and what examinations?
Two examinations are required for citizenship, which are conducted by the Institute of Citizenship: DELE at the level of A2 and CCSE, a test on the knowledge of the Constitution and the sociocultural realities of Spain. [3] (How the exams are done. DELE is exempt from anyone who has already passed it at A2 or higher, and citizens of Hispanic countries [3]Article 22 of the Código Civil requires, by general rule, 10 years of legal continuous residence, and shorter periods of residence for refugees, nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and sefards. [4]The citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan are not on this list.
Can language be the basis for estancia?
The regulations refer to the estancia de larga Duración language courses in Spanish or other official Spanish languages in official schools of languages or in centres accredited by the Institute of Civil Affairs or by a similar body, unless it is your native language or the national language of the country of nationality. [1]To extend this estancia, you have to take a course in school or get a DELE diploma or apply for an examination. [1]I'll give you more details: Language courses and training.
The overall picture of the basis and course of action in Barcelona is available on the page Residence permit in Barcelona.
Frequent issues
Do you need Spanish for DNV?
Do you need Spanish to permit you to live no lucrativa?
Should you know Spanish when you renew your residence permit?
What language is needed for Spanish citizenship?
Do you need to know Catalan in Barcelona?
What is informe de integración?
Based on source
- BOE · Real Decreto 1155/2024, articles 52 - 55, 61 - 64, 74, 84, 127, 176 .
- BOE · Ley 14/2013, artículos 74 bis - 74 quinquies, 75 y 76 (teletrabajo de carácter internacional) ↗
- BOE · Real Decreto 1004/2015, procedimiento de nacionalidad por residencia, artículo 6 ↗
- BOE · Código Civil, artículo 22 (nacionalidad por residencia) ↗
Sources are viewed on 02.10.2026. Consolidated texts and departmental reference pages are informative: legal application takes into account official publications, changes and specific circumstances. Material has not been personally checked by counsel.
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The source is viewed on 02.10.2026 · NEXO · Drafting Draft · Sources do not replace individual legal advice.