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The way to obtain Spanish citizenship that few people take advantage of and which expires this year
An extraordinary route to nationality that benefits descendants of Spaniards abroad is still open... but only until October 2025
The Democratic Memory Law, better known as the Grandchildren’s Law, offers a unique opportunity for thousands of people around the world to obtain Spanish nationality without needing to reside in Spain or take a citizenship test. Yet, despite its significance, many eligible descendants have not taken advantage of this path, which will close definitively on October 22, 2025.
The law, which was approved in October 2022, was created to recognise and repair injustices suffered by those who lost their Spanish nationality between July 18, 1936 and December 28, 1978 – the years of the Franco dictatorship in Spain.
Among the reasons many people were forced to give up their Spanish nationality and flee the country during those 42 years are exile, political persecution, ideology, sexual orientation and the consequences of discriminatory marriage laws.
Now, for many families, particularly in Latin America, the Grandchildren’s Law has become a bridge to be able to reclaim their Spanish roots and rights, and become European citizens.
Who can apply under the Grandchildren’s Law?
The regulation does not cover all descendants, but it establishes several specific cases:
- People born abroad to a father, mother, grandfather or grandmother who was originally Spanish but who lost or renounced their nationality due to exile or persecution.
- Sons and daughters born abroad to Spanish mothers who had to renounce nationality upon marrying a foreigner before Spain’s 1978 Constitution.
- Adult children of those who obtained nationality through the 2007 Historical Memory Law or the current Democratic Memory Law.
- Sons and daughters of Spaniards born in Spain who later acquired nationality not by origin under Article 20.1.b) of the Civil Code.
- Minor children of those who gained Spanish nationality by option under Article 20.1.a) of the Civil Code.
Applicants must provide proof of family ties, generally through official certificates of birth, marriage or death from both their Spanish ancestors and immediate family.
These documents, along with a valid identity document and an apostilled birth certificate, must be submitted through the Spanish consulate corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence.
Why time is running out
Although the law came into force on October 21, 2022 with an expected two-year window, delays at consulates around the world – some as long as 14 months – led to an extension of the application period. The final cut-off is now set for October 22, 2025 at 11.59pm Peninsular Time.
Once this deadline passes, the opportunity will be gone permanently. Even those who submit late could risk being excluded, as consular backlogs mean that appointments and processing times are often lengthy. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that applicants begin the process as soon as possible and ensure they retain proof of submission.
