We advise you in English from start to finish. The deed itself is signed in Spanish before a Spanish notary — that is a legal requirement we cannot change. If you do not have a sufficient command of Spanish, Spanish law requires an interpreter or a sworn translator to be present at the signing, and NotaríaExpress arranges one for you. We will tell you in advance whether your case needs one.
What the citizenship oath is
The oath (or pledge) is your declaration of allegiance to the King and obedience to the Constitution and Spanish laws. It is the final requirement after citizenship by residence is granted, and without it you cannot be entered in the Civil Registry or apply for your DNI and passport.
Since the 2021 reform this act can be performed before a notary, a far quicker route than the Civil Registry. The notary then files the deed for registration: the legal result is identical, without the appointment bottleneck.
Why Madrid in particular
Madrid handles far more citizenship files than any other province, and the Civil Registry's diary shows it: appointments can run months, sometimes more than a year, ahead. With a 180-day deadline running, that wait is a genuine risk.
- Before a notary the act is usually resolved in 1 to 3 weeks once an appointment is secured.
- Madrid has one of the densest notarial networks in Spain, so finding a slot near your home or work is easier.
- You do not need to be registered as resident in Madrid to take the oath there.
Documents you need
- Original decision granting Spanish citizenship.
- Valid NIE / TIE.
- Valid passport from your country of origin.
- Birth certificate, apostilled or legalised and translated where applicable.
- Criminal record certificate from your country of origin, still valid.
- Certificate of registration, if you have moved since applying.
- If you want to register your spouse or children at the same time: their legalised original certificates.
Already received your citizenship grant?
Tell us about your case — the first consultation is always free.
How NotaríaExpress prepares it
- We review your documents before the appointmentEverything valid, translated and apostilled, so the oath is completed in a single visit.
- We arrange a prompt appointment in MadridThrough the city's notarial network, in whichever district suits you: Centro, Salamanca, Chamartín, Chamberí or the north.
- We explain the choice of civil residency (vecindad civil)When you take the oath you choose the civil law that will govern your marriage and your estate. Madrid applies common Spanish civil law, unlike Catalonia, Navarre, Aragon, the Balearics, Galicia or the Basque Country. Almost nobody explains this before you sign.
- We stay with you to registrationThrough to the Civil Registry entry and your Spanish birth certificate, with which you can book your DNI appointment.
If your deadline is tight, see our page on the urgent citizenship oath. For the general procedure, see the Spanish citizenship oath.