Moroccans lead record naturalizations in Spain in 2024

Friday 06 June 2025 - 09:32

By: Zahouani Ilham

Moroccans lead record naturalizations in Spain in 2024

Recent data released by Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) and reported by ABC newspaper reveal that Moroccan nationals topped the list of foreign-born individuals who acquired Spanish citizenship in 2024. This marks an unprecedented record since such statistics began in 2013.

According to the report, 42,910 people of Moroccan origin obtained Spanish nationality, followed by Venezuelans (35,403) and Colombians (26,224). In total, 252,476 individuals were naturalized in 2024 an increase of 5.1% compared to the previous year.

Women accounted for 56% of new citizens, while men represented 44%. The highest percentage was recorded among individuals aged 30 to 39, followed by those aged 40 to 49. On average, applicants lived in Spain for five years before receiving citizenship.

Most naturalizations (85%) were granted through residency, while 14.4% were obtained via "option by descent," a legal pathway for children of Spanish nationals or minors under Spanish guardianship.

In terms of regional distribution, Catalonia and Madrid led the statistics with 68,755 and 48,288 cases respectively—nearly half of all naturalizations. They were followed by Valencia (26,729) and Andalusia (23,157). In contrast, the regions with the lowest numbers were Extremadura (1,459), La Rioja (1,729), Cantabria (1,789), and Asturias (2,550).

Experts view the high number of Moroccan naturalizations as a reflection of the community’s long-term settlement in Spain and its growing legal and social integration, aided by relatively more flexible integration policies compared to other European countries.

Despite ongoing challenges—such as the Spanish government’s refusal to recognize Moroccan driving licenses, which leads to fines and job limitations—the data also highlight active Moroccan participation in the labor market.

However, this demographic shift has sparked concerns in some far-right circles, warning of a “demographic transformation.” Meanwhile, migrant rights advocates are urging for faster, simpler naturalization procedures and stronger socio-economic inclusion.

The central question remains: Does the rising number of naturalizations indicate genuine integration, or is it merely an administrative necessity driven by legal and economic pressures? This question reflects broader shifts across Europe, where migrants are becoming increasingly central to shaping both the present and future.