Applyling for Spanish Nationality

I've evidently given the impression I'm going to be applying for Australian nationality, imminently. That's not the case, I've never even visited the place, my apologies for that. I haven't ruled it out, but for the forseable future I'm here with my mortgage.

I was just curious if any British ex-pats had applied for Spanish nationality, and, if they had, why they had.

Clearly none have, because the few benefits make it pointless.

Sorry again!

Don't mean to hijack this thread but I also had a question about Spanish nationality. I will be finishing my residency period and can apply for nationality soon. I hear it is a 1.5-2 year process.

My problem is that I have to leave Spain for the next two years for school. I can easily fly back to Spain whenever necessary, but does anybody know if I ABSOLUTELY have to be in Spain during the whole time AFTER I submit my application? I've heard rumors that there are police checks to the home to verify residency. As I said earlier, if the visits are scheduled, I can fly back whenever necessary for visits to the different government offices and/or interviews/police checks, but I can't be there all the time for any unscheduled/random visits.

Has anyone gone through the application process and knows how it works? I would hate to give up all those years I've proven residency and have to restart all over once I return to Spain but I really do have to leave Spain for a few years to go back to school and can't do anything about that.

Any advice/help on this issue is much appreciated!