Spain’s Law of Democratic Memory (Spanish: Ley de Memoria Democrática), often referred to as the “Grandchildren Law,” is a historic piece of legislation that grants Spanish citizenship to the descendants of those who were exiled during the Franco regime. This new law expands on the 2007 Historical Memory Law, which had previously provided a path to citizenship for the children of Spanish exiles but excluded those whose parents had renounced their Spanish nationality. Now, with the updated law, hundreds of thousands of people with Spanish ancestry may be eligible to reclaim their citizenship and reconnect with their heritage.
What Is the Law of Democratic Memory?
The Law of Democratic Memory, enacted in 2022, aims to recognize and correct the injustices suffered by those who were forced to flee Spain during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975). The law acknowledges Spain’s historical responsibility in ensuring that the descendants of those exiled due to political persecution, war, or dictatorship can reclaim their nationality.
The law also applies to descendants of Spanish women who lost their citizenship by marrying non-Spaniards, a rule that existed before Spain reformed its nationality laws in 1985. Prior to this, Spanish citizenship was often passed through the male lineage, meaning many women and their descendants were unjustly excluded from citizenship rights.
Who Is Eligible for Spanish Citizenship Under the New Law?
If you have Spanish ancestry, you may now be eligible for Spanish citizenship under the Law of Democratic Memory. The law grants citizenship to:
- Children of Spanish exiles – If your parent was exiled from Spain during the Franco dictatorship and was unable to retain or transmit their Spanish nationality, you may now qualify.
- Grandchildren of Spanish exiles – Unlike previous laws, the new legislation extends eligibility to grandchildren of exiles, significantly widening the scope of potential applicants.
- Descendants of Spanish women who lost their citizenship due to marriage – Before 1985, Spanish women who married foreign nationals were forced to renounce their Spanish citizenship. Their descendants are now eligible to reclaim Spanish nationality.
- Descendants of Spanish immigrants born before 1985 – Anyone born before Spain changed its nationality law in 1985 is now eligible, even if their parents had previously renounced their Spanish nationality.
The law is expected to impact up to 700,000 people worldwide, particularly those in Latin America, the United States, and Canada, where many Spanish exiles and their descendants have settled.
Why Apply for Spanish Citizenship?
Obtaining Spanish citizenship through ancestry comes with numerous benefits, including:
- EU Citizenship – As a Spanish citizen, you gain the right to live, work, and study in any EU country without restrictions.
- Visa-Free Travel – Spanish passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries, making it one of the most powerful passports in the world.
- Access to Healthcare & Education – Spain offers a high-quality public healthcare system and affordable university education, both of which are accessible to Spanish citizens.
- Cultural & Family Connection – Reclaiming Spanish citizenship allows you to reconnect with your heritage, apply for residency in Spain, and strengthen ties with your ancestral homeland.
How EuroPassport Can Help You Reclaim Spanish Citizenship
Navigating the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship under the Law of Democratic Memory can be complex, especially when dealing with historical records, multiple government agencies, and country-specific documentation requirements.
At EuroPassport, we specialize in:
- Verifying your eligibility and confirming whether you qualify under Spanish nationality laws.
- Helping you gather required documents from Spain and your home country.
- Handling the application process and ensuring everything is submitted correctly.
- Providing expert guidance to make your journey to Spanish citizenship smooth and stress-free.
With new opportunities now available under Spain’s “Grandchildren Law,” there has never been a better time to reclaim your Spanish heritage.
Stay Updated on Citizenship Laws
Citizenship laws are subject to change, and application deadlines or requirements may be updated over time. To ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend speaking with our experts at EuroPassport before starting your application.