October 22, 2025, officially marks the end of Spain’s Grandchildren Law or Ley de Memoria Democrática (LMD), the legal provision that, for two years, allowed thousands of descendants of Spaniards to reclaim citizenship through ancestry.
With the expiration of Law 20/2022 on Democratic Memory, the Spanish government closes one of its most historically significant nationality initiatives. As of today, no new citizenship applications will be accepted under this framework at any Spanish embassy or consulate worldwide.
What Does the End of the Grandchildren Law Mean?
The Grandchildren Law, contained in Article 20 of Spain’s Democratic Memory Law, was designed as a reparative measure for the descendants of Spaniards who suffered exile, political persecution, or nationality loss during and after the Civil War and Franco dictatorship.
The law came into effect in October 2022, establishing a two-year period to submit applications. That period ends definitively today, October 22, 2025.
Spanish authorities have confirmed that no extensions will be granted and that all new requests received after this date will be automatically rejected. Consulates will, however, continue to process files already submitted within the legal timeframe.
Historical Background: From Memory to Citizenship
The Law of Democratic Memory replaced the 2007 Historical Memory Law, broadening the scope of those eligible for Spanish nationality by descent. Its aim was to recognize and repair injustices suffered by those who lost their citizenship during Spain’s turbulent 20th-century history.
For many families across Latin America and beyond, this law provided not only a legal opportunity but also a symbolic act of reconciliation. It restored ties between Spain and its descendants scattered around the world.
Who Qualified Under the Grandchildren Law?
The categories of eligibility under Law 20/2022 were intentionally broad, offering citizenship rights to several generations of descendants. Those who could apply included:
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Children and grandchildren of Spaniards of origin.
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Descendants of Spanish women who lost their nationality when they married non-Spaniards before 1978.
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Adult children of individuals who had already recovered citizenship under the 2007 Historical Memory Law.
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Descendants of exiled Spaniards who left the country for political, ideological, or religious reasons.
Applications required in-person submission at a Spanish consulate, accompanied by legalized or apostilled documents verifying both family connection and eligibility.
The Deadline: What Happens After October 22, 2025
After today, no further applications will be accepted under this route.
Those who managed to file their applications before the deadline will still have their cases reviewed by consular authorities. However, new applicants will no longer be eligible, even if they had initiated the process but failed to formally register their file.
For many, this final cutoff signifies the conclusion of a historic opportunity. While the Spanish government has not announced any successor program, existing applications will continue to be processed throughout 2026 until all pending cases are resolved.
The Consular Rush: Final Submissions Before the Deadline
The weeks leading up to the deadline have been marked by unprecedented activity across Spanish consulates in Latin America—particularly in Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Havana, and Mexico City.
Applicants lined up early in the morning to submit their final paperwork before the official closure.
According to the Spanish Embassy in Colombia, the number of last-minute submissions has reached record levels, and appointments have been completely booked for weeks.
Officials have reiterated that no grace period or late submissions will be accepted after today.
Required Documentation to Apply
Applicants who managed to complete their process before the deadline had to submit the following documents:
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Applicant’s birth certificate, properly legalized and apostilled.
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Birth certificate of the Spanish parent or grandparent proving original nationality.
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Evidence of exile or nationality loss for political or ideological reasons.
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Valid identification and the official consular form.
In cases of incomplete files, applicants were granted 30 calendar days to provide the missing documents—but only if their initial application was officially registered before October 22.
Why Was This Law So Significant?
The Grandchildren Law represented one of the most far-reaching nationality measures ever introduced by Spain.
It offered a pathway to Spanish and European Union citizenship, allowing successful applicants to:
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Live and work legally in Spain and throughout the EU.
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Travel visa-free within the Schengen Area.
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Access social and healthcare systems under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.
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Pass on citizenship to future generations.
Beyond its practical benefits, the law was also an instrument of historical justice, reconnecting families separated by exile and time.
What Are the Next Steps for Applicants?
If you submitted your application on or before October 22, 2025, you can still expect your case to be processed in the coming months. The consulate handling your file may contact you for further information or clarification.
Applicants should:
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Keep their submission receipt or reference number safe.
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Regularly check their email and consulate website for updates.
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Respond promptly to any document requests from authorities.
If you did not submit your file before the deadline, you will no longer be eligible to apply under this law. However, alternative legal routes remain open, such as:
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Spanish nationality through residence.
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Citizenship through marriage to a Spanish national.
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Residency options like the Non-Lucrative Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Golden Visa (until its discontinuation earlier this year).
A Historic Chapter Closes
The conclusion of the Grandchildren Law marks the end of a program that profoundly shaped Spain’s connection with its global diaspora.
From 2022 to 2025, it allowed tens of thousands of descendants to regain the citizenship their ancestors lost under tragic historical conditions.
While today’s deadline closes this route, the spirit of the law—reconciliation, remembrance, and identity—continues to resonate through every new Spanish citizen who reclaimed their heritage.
If you were unable to apply before the deadline or wish to explore alternative pathways to Spanish citizenship, our lawyers at Sterna Abogados can guide you.
We specialize in nationality, immigration, and residency law, and can help you determine the most effective legal route based on your background and goals.
Contact us today at info@sternaabogados.com for personalized assistance with your Spanish nationality or immigration case.