Democratic Memory 'Grandchildren Law' closed to new applications
Spanish citizenship by descent
Spain grants nationality by origin to children of Spaniards, and by option to those whose parent was born Spanish in Spain — but the Democratic Memory 'Grandchildren Law' closed to new applications in October 2025. Check whether you qualify, build your lineage, and get a primary-source-backed document checklist and cost estimate.
Grandparent or great-grandparent claim? Complex chain? Skip the research — talk to a Spain citizenship specialist in 30 minutes.
Democratic Memory 'Grandchildren Law' closed to new applications
Spain's Ley de Memoria Democrática window for grandchildren of Spanish exiles and emigrants stopped accepting new applications on October 22, 2025, with no extension. Applications filed before the deadline continue to be processed. Nationality by origin (Art. 17) and by option (Art. 20) remain available.
Read the full summary
🇪🇸 By origin, by option
Spain recognizes children of Spaniards by origin and offers an option route — the grandparent window has closed.
Eligibility
Who may qualify
A Spanish parent who was a citizen when you were born → nationality by origin (Art. 17).
A parent who was originally Spanish and born in Spain → you may opt for nationality (Art. 20.1.b), with no deadline.
Grandparent-only claims ran through the Democratic Memory Law, which stopped accepting new applications on Oct 22, 2025 (pending files still processed).
No language exam or residence requirement for descent-based registration.
A general overview — your eligibility depends on the specifics of your line. The free check gives a personalized answer. EasyPassport is not affiliated with Registro Civil / Consulate. We help you organize and verify your documents. You submit your application to Registro Civil / Consulate directly — we do not file, submit, or act on your behalf with any government authority.
Why Spain
What makes Spain different
Two routes open, one window closed
Art. 17 origin (child of a Spaniard) and Art. 20.1.b option (parent originally Spanish and born in Spain) stay open with no deadline; the grandparent-based Democratic Memory route closed to new applications on Oct 22, 2025.
No language or residence test
Descent-based registration doesn't require a Spanish-language exam or living in Spain.
Recognized by origin, not naturalized
Under Art. 17 you're treated as Spanish by origin from birth when a parent was a citizen at your birth — not naturalized later.
Generally free at the consulate
Consular civil-registration of a descent claim typically carries no government fee.
The option route has no deadline
Art. 20.1.b (parent originally Spanish, born in Spain) can be exercised at any time, unlike the lapsed Memory-law window.
By ancestor path
Your relationship to the Spanish ancestor determines which rules apply
Through your parent
If your parent was a Spanish citizen when you were born, you're Spanish by origin (Art. 17) — register at the consulate.
See requirements 02PARENT-BORN-IN-SPAINParent born in Spain (option)
If your parent was originally Spanish and born in Spain, you can opt for nationality under Art. 20.1.b — no deadline.
See requirements 03GRANDPARENTThrough your grandparent
Grandparent-only claims ran through the Democratic Memory 'Grandchildren Law', which closed to new applications on Oct 22, 2025; pending files are still processed.
See requirementsProcess
How to apply
- 1
Confirm which article applies
Establish whether you're Spanish by origin (Art. 17, parent a citizen at your birth) or eligible to opt (Art. 20.1.b, parent originally Spanish and born in Spain) — the free check helps.
- 2
Gather the civil records
Collect long-form birth certificates for you and your Spanish parent, the marriage records linking the names, and proof of the parent's Spanish nationality.
- 3
Translate and legalize
Provide sworn (traducción jurada) Spanish translations and apostille/legalize foreign documents as your consulate directs.
- 4
Book your consulate appointment
Descent registration is handled at your Spanish consulate or the Registro Civil Central in Madrid; appointment demand can be high.
- 5
File the registration or option
Submit the inscription of birth (Art. 17) or the declaration of option (Art. 20.1.b) in person with originals and copies.
- 6
Track and collect
Processing generally runs ~12–18 months; once registered you can request your Spanish passport and DNI.
Choose your path
Do it yourself, or talk to a specialist?
Do it yourself
Free tool- Parent or grandparent claim with clear documentation
- You know your ancestor held Spain citizenship
- Records are legible and translated where needed
- No broken-chain events (renunciation, timing gaps)
Talk to a specialist
- Great-grandparent or further-back claim
- Unsure whether a naturalization broke the chain
- Mixed ancestry — multiple possible pathways
- Want a professional to verify before gathering 10+ documents
At a glance
What you'll need
- Government fee
- Consular registration is generally free
- Typical timeline
- ~12–18 months
- Where
- Your Spanish consulate or the Registro Civil Central, Madrid
Key dates & laws
The rules that decide your case
Oct 22, 2025 — Democratic Memory Law
The 'Grandchildren Law' window closed to new applications, with no extension. Applications filed in time are still processed.
Art. 17 & Art. 20 Código Civil
Nationality by origin (children of Spaniards) and by option (parent originally Spanish, born in Spain) remain available.
2007 — Historical Memory Law (Law 52/2007)
An earlier window for descendants of Civil War and Franco-era exiles — the precursor to the 2022 Democratic Memory 'Grandchildren Law'.
Where it's processed
A single national authority
🇪🇸 Spanish Consulate / Registro Civil Central
Spanish Consulate / Registro Civil Central
Spain processes descent applications centrally through one national authority, rather than routing them through consulates.
See mailing instructionsTools & guides
Plan your application
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
🇪🇸 Not sure where to start?
See if you qualify in about two minutes.
A personalized answer based on your specific line of descent. No passport or ID uploads — ever.