Key Information for Cubans Seeking Spanish Citizenship: What to Know Before October 22nd

Thousands of Cubans with Spanish ancestry are racing against the clock to secure Spanish citizenship through the Democratic Memory Law (DML), commonly referred to as the Grandchildren's Law. This legislation offers a golden opportunity for legal emigration but has also led to consular backlogs, document fraud, and criticism of the process, particularly at the Spanish diplomatic mission in Havana. Here, we detail the most crucial facts, the Spanish government's efforts to expedite the process, how the procedure is progressing, and what you should be aware of before the legal deadline.

Challenges: Fraud, Overload, and Frustration

Starting in March of this year, reports have surfaced about a black market for falsified documents in Cuba, including altered birth and baptism certificates to forge connections with Spain. The Diocese of Ourense's Historical Archive discovered documents that appeared authentic but had been tampered with. According to Pablo Cid, the head of the archive, certificates that cost 10 euros in Spain are being sold for up to 3,000 euros in Cuba. Some intermediary law firms are charging 300 euros just to process these documents. These forgeries have necessitated stricter controls and further slowed the process, particularly in Havana, where demand has been overwhelming. The Galician archive receives up to 50 requests daily, primarily from Cuba, Argentina, and Venezuela.

Spanish Government's Response

In response to criticism over delays, the Spanish Consulate General in Havana announced on April 25th an increase in appointments for processing applications under the DML. From May 5th, an additional 336 weekly appointments were supposedly made available, representing a 27.2% increase in their service capacity. This expansion aims to ease the bottleneck caused by the high demand for Spanish citizenship applications in Havana. However, many people continue to express their frustration over the slow pace, disorder, and lack of transparency. On social media, applicants complain about stalled processes, skipped appointments, and delays in receiving official documents.

Progress and Current Situation

Since the Democratic Memory Law was enacted in October 2022, over 680,000 applications for Spanish citizenship have been submitted, primarily from Latin America and the United States. To date, only about 30% of these applications have been processed, leaving over 474,000 cases pending resolution. In Havana, the Spanish Consulate General has received around 87,000 applications, successfully registering nearly 56% of them, the highest percentage among the busiest consulates. However, those who send their applications via email to initiate the process receive an automatic reply warning of up to a 10-month wait just to obtain the necessary credentials for an in-person appointment. Cuba remains one of the key processing locations alongside Argentine cities like Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Rosario.

Essential Considerations

The legal deadline for submitting new applications is October 22, 2025. If you manage to create a consular user account or secure an appointment before this date, you can complete the process by 2028. This does not extend the deadline but guarantees that those who correctly initiate the procedure within the official timeframe can continue. According to Juan Manuel de Hoz, spokesperson for the Center of United Spanish Descendants (CeDEU), the crucial step is to register in the corresponding Spanish consulate system before the legal closure. The opportunity presented by the Democratic Memory Law is genuine, but time is of the essence. For many Cubans, obtaining Spanish citizenship represents a way out of the crisis. Ensure you act legally, avoid dubious intermediaries, and don't leave your application to the last minute.