Key Takeaways
- Spain has significantly increased citizenship denials for foreigners in the first nine months of 2024 — nearly double compared to the same period last year.
- The rise in denials is attributed to the increase in applications, which has also led to longer processing times.
- In 2023, 240,208 foreigners were granted Spanish citizenship, marking a 32.3% increase from 2022, with the majority from Morocco, Venezuela, and Colombia.
- Spain ranks among the top three countries for Schengen visa applications, handling 1.4 million applications in 2023.
Spain has nearly doubled its rate of citizenship denials in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. According to the Ministry of Justice, 14,834 applications have already been rejected this year, with that figure expected to hit 20,000 by the year’s end. These increasing rejections are concerning both for applicants and migrant organizations, which highlight the mounting obstacles for those seeking Spanish citizenship.
This surge in denials stems mainly from a significant rise in the number of applications, which has also led to extended processing times. From January to September 2024, the number of applications under review has grown. Despite the challenges, Spain remains one of the leading destinations for Schengen visas, handling 1.4 million applications in 2023, surpassed only by two other countries.
Ironically, Spain’s appeal remains strong even amid the increased difficulty of obtaining citizenship. In 2023 alone, more than 240,000 people acquired Spanish nationality, primarily those aged 30 to 49 from Morocco, Venezuela, and Colombia. Spain’s enduring popularity, despite heightened barriers, underscores the strength of its passport and the allure of new opportunities for those looking to make a new start.
Source [https://schengen.news/spanish-citizenship-denials-increase-in-first-9-months-of-2024/]
