Democratic Memory Law Spain: Last Chance to Apply

The Democratic Memory Law in Spain (LMD), also known as the Grandchildren’s Law, represents an excellent opportunity for descendants of Spaniards to obtain citizenship under simpler and more favorable conditions. However, the deadline is approaching: it ends on October 21, with no expectation of renewal. If not extended, the previous, more restrictive rules will apply again. That’s why it’s essential to act now. In this article, we explain the main benefits of LMD Spain and what you need to do to secure your Spanish citizenship before the deadline.

Learn everything about Spanish citizenship for grandchildren and great-grandchildren!

What is the Democratic Memory Law?

The Spanish Democratic Memory Law is a piece of legislation aimed at recognizing and addressing injustices committed during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the dictatorship of Francisco Franco (1939-1975). It covers a broad range of issues, including Spanish citizenship, historical reparations, the annulment of political convictions, the removal of monuments that glorify the regime, and educational reforms.

LMD and the Application for Spanish Nationality

Regarding Spanish nationality, the LMD extends the right to people born outside Spain to parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who were originally Spanish but lost or renounced their nationality due to exile for political, ideological, or belief-related reasons. Additionally, the law simplifies access to nationality by waiving the residency requirement in Spain, as well as the need to pass language and cultural integration tests.

Who is the Democratic Memory Law for?

Direct Descendants:

Individuals born outside Spain to a Spanish parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent.

Children, Grandchildren, and Even Great-Grandchildren of Exiles:

Children or grandchildren of Spaniards who lost or renounced their nationality due to exile caused by political, ideological, identity, or sexual orientation persecution between 1936 and 1978.

Descendants of Women Affected by Gender Laws:

Children and grandchildren of Spanish women who lost their nationality upon marrying foreign citizens before the 1978 Constitution. This change acknowledges the gender discrimination in the laws before 1978, when Spanish women automatically lost their nationality upon marrying foreigners.

Adult Children of Spaniards:

Those whose nationality was not recognized under previous laws, such as adult children of Spaniards who obtained nationality through the right of option under the Historical Memory Law (Law 52/2007). Now, these children can apply for nationality under the Democratic Memory Law (Law 20/2022).

Additionally, this possibility extends to the children of Spaniards (great-grandchildren of original Spaniards) who acquired nationality based on Law 20/2022, thus broadening the scope of historical reparations to newer generations.

Descendants of International Brigadiers:

Volunteers who fought in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) in the International Brigades and their descendants can acquire nationality through a naturalization certificate.

Advantages of the Democratic Memory Law

The Law of Democratic Memory facilitates access to Spanish citizenship in several ways:

1. Waiver of Traditional Requirements

• No Prior Residency in Spain: Beneficiaries of the LMD can apply for nationality without needing to live in Spain for at least one year, a requirement for adult children and grandchildren born abroad.
• Exemption from Integration Tests: Applicants are not required to take the language (DELE) or cultural knowledge tests (CCSE) that are mandatory in naturalization processes.

2.Inclusion of Multiple Generations in the Application

• Great-grandchildren Can Be Included: If the applicant is a grandchild of an exiled Spaniard, their children (the great-grandchildren of the exiled Spaniard) can also obtain Spanish nationality, even if they are adults.
• Unified Family Applications: This allows entire families to regularize their nationality at the same time, speeding up the process.

3.Recognition of Origin Nationality

• The nationality granted under the LMD is an origin nationality, meaning it is not subject to revocation due to prolonged absence from Spain or acquiring another nationality, providing greater legal stability to the applicant.

When Does the Democratic Memory Law Expire?

The law is valid until October 21, 2025. Law 20/2022 was initially approved on October 21, 2022, and renewed in 2024 due to the large number of requests, particularly from Latin America, which could not be processed within the original deadline.

Updates to the Democratic Memory Law: Online Appointment Now Available

An amendment to the law, published in the BOE on November 11, 2024 (Disposición 23338), has made it possible to request an online appointment using the digital platforms provided by the Spanish Consular Offices. The “appointment” (cita) refers to the scheduled date for an in-person appearance at the Consulate to submit the necessary documents for claiming Spanish nationality. This step is essential for the application to be considered valid.

Previously, appointments had to be scheduled in person at the consular offices or through less automated systems, depending on each consulate’s resources. This created obstacles, especially for applicants living far away or facing tight deadlines.

The recent change introduced the following improvements:

• Initial request online
  Appointments can now be requested via the internet, removing the need for an initial visit to the consulate. However, attending in person to submit documents remains mandatory.
• Digital receipt
  Applicants now receive an electronic receipt confirming that the appointment request was submitted within the legal deadline, even if the in-person appointment takes place later.
• Protected deadlines
  As long as the appointment request is made within the stipulated period, the in-person submission can occur after October 2025, without affecting the validity of the process.
• Improved consular organization
  This digital transition aims to improve efficiency in managing applications, reducing wait times and administrative delays at Spanish Consular Offices.

Apply for Your Spanish Nationality with Atlantic Bridge

While the change represents a significant advancement, it is still in its early stages of implementation. If you need guidance or support in the process of applying for Spanish nationality, the Atlantic Bridge team is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring everything is completed within the legal deadlines.

If you are eligible to apply for Spanish nationality, take advantage of the benefits provided by the Democratic Memory Law. Rely on our specialized guidance to ensure the process is handled correctly. Fill out our form to speak directly with a specialist and ensure your request is processed efficiently.