Record 15,000 Moroccans Gain Spanish Citizenship in 2018, Leading Naturalization Trend

Despite the slight decline observed in the figures over the past two years, Moroccans residing in Spain are at the top of the list of foreigners who have obtained naturalization.

According to a report from the Spanish statistical institute, Moroccans still occupy the first place among foreigners who have acquired Spanish nationality. Proof of this, out of the 20,478 African nationals, there are 15,398 naturalized Moroccans.

In 2017, out of all the foreigners who obtained citizenship in Spain, the Moroccans take 25.7%, or 17,082 naturalized persons. We then find the Ecuadorians (7,307), the Bolivians (6,124) and the Colombians (5,647). Given the aging of its population, which is a threat to the sustainability of pension funds, Spain naturalizes a large number of foreigners. Despite this, out of the 750,000 immigrants naturalized by the kingdom, there are still 250,000 living there in strict illegality.