Who has exclusive power over nationality, immigration and foreigners' affairs?

✓ El Estado

Nationality, immigration, emigration and foreigners' affairs (extranjería) are the exclusive power of the State. That is why the rules for getting a residence permit or Spanish nationality are the same across Spain and are decided by the central Government. The comunidades autónomas (regions with self-government) and the ayuntamientos (town councils) help, for example with social services or the padrón (the local residents' register), but they do not decide these matters. For example, nationality by residence is granted by the Ministerio de Justicia, the same in all the comunidades.