Increase in the Naturalization of Moroccans in Spain

The number of Moroccans obtaining Spanish nationality has seen a significant increase in recent years. Since Pedro Sánchez’s government took office in 2018, more than 237,000 Moroccans have acquired Spanish citizenship, reflecting a growing trend toward facilitating the integration of the Moroccan community into Spanish society.

Data from the Spanish Ministry of Social Security and Migration reveal that Sánchez’s government has granted citizenship to a much higher number than that recorded under Mariano Rajoy’s government, which naturalized 130,000 Moroccans during its term.

This increase is attributed to the simplification of naturalization procedures, particularly regarding the « good civic conduct » requirement, a key criterion in citizenship decisions.

In 2023 alone, 45,799 Moroccans received Spanish passports, with the majority being 19 years old, highlighting the increasing opportunities for integration and stability for Moroccans in Spain.

This figure also includes unaccompanied Moroccan minors who reached adulthood on Spanish soil, benefiting from preferential procedures for obtaining nationality under local laws.

Moroccans lead the list of naturalizations by residence, with an increase of about 5.4% compared to 2022, reinforcing their presence as one of the most active communities in the country.

The Moroccan population residing in Spain is estimated to be around 844,000 people, with an average age of 34 years. They are mainly concentrated in Catalonia, which hosts about 250,000 Moroccans, as well as in major economic regions.