Spain offers residency for three years in just two months, France offers it for four years in five to six months. But the path to citizenship in Spain takes 10 years versus 5 years in France, and Spain requires renunciation of other citizenship.

France: quick processing and lenient naturalization conditions

France issues primary residency for four years — the maximum term available in the European Union. You can relocate in five to six months. An important advantage: France does not monitor the physical presence of residents on its territory. If you obtain a residency card, it will remain valid even if you move to another EU country or leave the European Union altogether. Currently, there is no procedure for revoking an already issued document.

To apply for citizenship, you need to have lived in France for only five years. French citizenship permits dual citizenship — you can keep your original passport. This applies regardless of whether your country is under sanctions.

Documents are mainly required for entrepreneurship programs. In practice, this does not mean you must run an actual business. It is sufficient to develop a business plan, submit it to the Ministry of Economy, and register a company. The company is needed to meet the criteria for obtaining and renewing residency, and then for naturalization. It can also be used to declare income in France, which will be required when applying for a passport.

Spain: fast residency issuance without mandatory residence

Spain issues residency for three years much faster — in two months. The process and cost are significantly lower than in France. The card is issued to all family members simultaneously.

Like France, Spain does not monitor the physical presence of residents. Residency is valid regardless of where you are. This makes the Spanish card a universal tool: you can use it as a multi-entry Schengen visa for unlimited entry and exit in Europe, or as a backup option in case of unforeseen circumstances at home. With Spanish residency, you can live not only in Spain but in any other EU country without restrictions.

However, naturalization requirements are stricter. Before submitting citizenship documents, you must have lived there for 10 years. In addition, Spanish citizenship does not allow dual citizenship. When applying for a passport, you will need a certificate of renunciation of your original citizenship. The processing time for an application is usually longer than in France.

Spain’s immigration policy in 2026

The Spanish government is actively expanding immigration opportunities. In January 2026, it announced plans to legalize half a million undocumented migrants — people who are in the country without status, arrived seeking asylum, or illegally crossed the border.

This policy is driven by demographic forecasts. According to Eurostat, the European Union loses approximately one million working-age people annually. According to European Commission estimates, the union needs to legalize at least one million migrants per year to compensate for this loss.

Вид на улицу в центре Парижа с классической архитектурой и деревьями

Which country suits whom

France is primarily suitable for those planning to become an EU citizen in the shortest possible time. The condition is to agree to participate in an entrepreneurship program, although active business operations may not be required.

Spain is more suitable for those who want to obtain resident status without obligations toward naturalization. Residency serves as a backup option and provides mobility within the European Union. This is convenient if you want to maintain flexibility and quickly obtain status for your entire family.