Abascal: Naturalized Ecuadorians in Spain get same benefits

Abascal argues that an Ecuadorian with Spanish nationality receives the same aid as any other Spaniard. The key point is that residency-based nationality in Spain generally requires 10 years, though there are exceptions for Ibero-Americans.

## What Abascal said and why it is debated

VOX leader **Santiago Abascal** stated that an Ecuadorian who obtains Spanish nationality is Spanish and will therefore receive the same aid as any other citizen. This remark comes amid debates on access to public benefits by naturalized migrants.

The claim has a clear legal basis: Spanish nationality grants full citizenship status, with the same rights and duties as others. There is no separate aid regime for naturalized citizens.

## Nationality by residence: deadlines and exceptions

Spanish law sets a general **10-year** residency requirement for applying for nationality. Exceptions exist: **2 years** for nationals of Ibero-American countries, such as Ecuador, and for those with historical ties to Spain.

This reduced period explains why Ecuadorian nationality applications are frequent. Once granted, new Spaniards access the same services: healthcare, education, social aid, and subsidies, provided they meet each program's requirements.

## Context of the debate on aid and migration

Discussions on who receives which public aid have run through Spanish political debate for years. Benefits do not depend on origin nationality, but on legal residence and specific program requirements.

A naturalized citizen does not receive different treatment than a Spaniard by birth. A separate issue is the debate over conditions for accessing nationality, which Abascal questions in his intervention.

## Key points

- **Santiago Abascal** stated that a naturalized Ecuadorian is Spanish and will receive the same aid.
- Nationality by residence requires **10 years** under the general regime.
- Nationals of Ibero-American countries, like **Ecuador**, can apply after **2 years** of residence.
- Spanish nationality grants the same rights and duties as other citizens.
- Public aid depends on each benefit's requirements, not the country of origin.