THE DEMOCRATIC MEMORY LAW, THE LAWS OF THE GRANDCHILDREN OF SPANIARDS, ALERT: THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING DOCUMENTS IS APPROACHING

By Nicolapps 

Democratic Memory Law and access to Spanish nationality

Origin and context of the Law

The "Democratic Memory Law (LMD)" was passed in Spain in October 2022. Its main objective is to "recognize and compensate the victims of the Civil War and the Franco dictatorship," as well as to strengthen democratic values ​​in Spanish society.

One of the most significant aspects of this law is the "possibility for descendants of Spaniards living abroad" (children and grandchildren, and even, in some cases, great-grandchildren) to "acquire Spanish nationality by origin."

For this reason, it is popularly known internationally as the "Law of Grandchildren of Spaniards"

Who can apply for citizenship under this law?

The LMD contemplates three large groups of beneficiaries:

1. Children or grandchildren of Spanish origin who had to go into exile for political, ideological, religious, or sexual orientation reasons during the Civil War or the dictatorship.

2. Sons and daughters born abroad to Spanish women who lost their nationality when they married foreigners before 1978.

3. Adult children of those who obtained Spanish nationality under the previous Historical Memory Law (2007).

In specific cases, applications for "great-grandparents" are also accepted , provided the required documentation is submitted (form F003 of the Census of Spaniards Living Abroad).

Requirements and necessary documentation

Applicants must be of legal age and submit a file to the Spanish consulate corresponding to their place of residence.

Usual documentation:

• Identity document (DNI or passport) of the applicant.

• Literal birth certificate of the Spanish ancestor (father, grandfather or great-grandfather, as the case may be).

• In the case of great-grandparents: Form F003 of the Census of Spaniards Residing Abroad (CNE).

• If Annex III applies, stamped proof that the parent has already submitted their application under the LMD.

• In all cases, a copy of the identity document of each member of the family group submitting a file.

Consulates require that all documentation be submitted in a single PDF file per family group.

Procedure

1. Appointment request:

   • Until August 24, 2025, interested parties could obtain credentials to schedule an appointment through the regular system.

   • Starting August 25, 2025, those without credentials must request an exceptional, one-time appointment by writing to the consulate's official email address.

2. Presentation of the file:

   • The applicant must appear in person at the consulate on the assigned date.

   • If you do not show up, you will not be able to get a new appointment or resubmit your file.

3. Review of the file:

   • The consulate verifies the validity of the documents.

   • Once approved, the nationality is registered in the corresponding Civil Registry.

Submission deadline

The deadline established by law is three years from its entry into force (October 2022). Therefore, the deadline for submitting applications is October 22, 2025.

In some cases, this period may be extended for an additional year, but this will depend on the decision of the Spanish Government.

Importance of this law

The LMD not only expands access to Spanish nationality for millions of descendants in Latin America and other regions, but also:

• Recognizes Republican exiles and victims of Francoism.

• Strengthens the historical and cultural bond between Spain and its diaspora.

• Provides a path to legal and social integration for families with Spanish roots.

✍️ In short: The Democratic Memory Law is a measure of historical justice and reparation, but also an opportunity for descendants of Spaniards to regain their original nationality. The deadline is October 22, 2025 , and those interested should make sure to gather all the necessary documentation and request an appointment in advance at the corresponding consulate.