A question we hear all the time is: what’s better—getting a residence permit first, or aiming straight for Spanish citizenship?
To answer it honestly, it helps to stop thinking in “better vs worse” terms and focus on what each status actually means.

Citizenship is not just a status

Citizenship is a more serious, intentional step than a residence permit. Yes, it comes with rights. Yes, it comes with a strong passport and visa-free access to many countries. But rights also come with responsibilities.

Becoming a Spanish citizen means a full legal and civic connection to Spain: accepting Spain’s Constitution and living as a citizen with everything that implies.

A key point people often overlook: dual citizenship

One of the most important nuances is that Spain does not generally allow dual citizenship. The list of countries whose citizens can keep a second nationality is very limited.

For many people from post-Soviet countries, this usually means one thing: obtaining Spanish citizenship would require giving up your original citizenship.

Why this isn’t a decision you can make quickly

Citizenship isn’t something you can decide “in the moment” after a few months in the country. To understand whether Spain truly fits you, you need time—not a holiday, not a season, but several years of real life.

You need time to experience Spain as it is day to day: everyday routines, taxes, healthcare, schools, the language, and integration into society. Only then can you understand whether you’re ready for a final step like changing citizenship.

Why a residence permit is often the best first step

A residence permit gives you the chance to live in Spain legally, adapt, and calmly answer the important questions:

• Do you feel comfortable with the rhythm of life and the culture?
• Does the system work for you (healthcare, schools, bureaucracy)?
• How do you feel living in a new language and environment?
• Are you ready for a long-term connection to the country?

And only after that does it make sense to decide what your next step should be.

A residence permit is flexibility. Citizenship is a final commitment

In simple terms:

• A residence permit lets you live in Spain while keeping space for choice.
• Citizenship is a final decision and a deep, permanent connection to the country.

If you’re still deciding which path makes sense for you, it helps to turn the question into a clear, step-by-step plan—so you can compare options calmly and avoid choices you may regret later.

Docsinside is an online platform that helps you apply for (or renew) your Spanish residence permit in a structured way: it guides you through each step, provides templates and checklists, and gives you a secure personal account to upload and organize your documents in one place.

If you’d like personal support, email us at hello@docsinside.com