Do you have Spanish ancestors? If so, you could obtain Spanish nationality under the Democratic Memory Law (LMD), also known as the “Grandchildren’s Law”. You can apply until October 2025.
Who can apply for Spanish nationality under the Democratic Memory Law – “Grandchildren’s Law”?
- Individuals born outside Spain to a Spanish father or mother, or a Spanish grandfather or grandmother, who originally held Spanish nationality, and who, as a result of being exiled for political, ideological reasons, or due to belief or sexual orientation, lost or renounced their Spanish nationality.
- Children born abroad to Spanish women who lost their nationality by marrying foreigners before the Constitution of 1978 came into force.
- Adult children of those Spaniards who were recognized as having Spanish nationality by origin under the option right as stated in this Law or in the Seventh Provision of Law 52/2007, dated December 26.
Required Documentation
Once you determine that you meet the requirements, you need to verify that you have all the necessary documentation to submit the application. The most important document is the birth certificate of the Spanish ancestor or, at a minimum, knowing the place and year of birth of that person. With this information, you can exercise your right to nationality.
For each applicant, a series of documents must be obtained, such as literal birth certificates and others that vary depending on the consulate and the territory where you reside.
The documentation must be properly apostilled, legalized, and translated, as applicable.
URGENT: Deadlines
This opportunity to obtain Spanish nationality under the Democratic Memory Law will only be available until October 2025, so we strongly suggest you start processing your case urgently. Your application could take up to five months to be processed.
Why might it take five months to submit? Because not only do we need to obtain the birth certificate of your Spanish ancestor from Spain, but we also need to process the corresponding credential to request your appointment at the Spanish Consular Office in your country of residence, and many of these offices have significant workload in this area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Being of legal age and waiting for your parent to obtain their nationality under the Democratic Memory Law. You must apply together.
- Submitting documents that are older than the allowed timeframe.
- Not following consulate instructions to the letter.
- Submitting documents without legalization, apostille, or translation.
- Waiting until the last minute to start your application process.
Benefits
- You will receive a European passport that will not only allow you to live and work in Spain but also in all European Union countries. You will have the freedom to move and work in any of these countries.
If you need more information or wish to start this procedure, feel free to contact us. We will analyze your case, review the available information, and let you know if you are eligible for Spanish nationality. Our office will only accept new clients for this application until February 2025.
