This Thursday, the Spanish Consulate General in Cuba officially unveiled its revamped system for scheduling appointments to apply for Spanish citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law. As outlined on the consulate's website, this new system allows applicants to manage their credentials through an online form. From now on, all appointments must be booked exclusively through this platform, and the previous email-based application system has been permanently discontinued.
The consulate has warned that all credentials generated under the old system will be deleted starting October 22, 2025. However, it clarified that those who have already submitted their applications via the previous method should not reapply, as they will receive their electronic receipt by email in chronological order, along with their username and password when applicable.
Key Features of the New System
One of the new system's highlights is the capability to submit multiple applications from a single email address, provided that applicants have ongoing access to that address. After submitting the form, an automatically generated receipt with an electronic signature (CSV) will be issued, which remains valid even if the in-person appointment at the consulate takes place after October 22, 2025, as long as the law is still in effect.
The consulate emphasized that it will continue to respect the order of applications submitted through both the old system and the new platform. It advised applicants to carefully review the data entered, as the validity of their application depends on the correct use of their credentials.
Implications and Reactions
The activation of this new appointment system by the Spanish Consulate in Havana marks the latest chapter in an ongoing and evolving process—one that has also faced considerable criticism—since the implementation of the Democratic Memory Law. As early as 2024, the consulate had announced the elimination of outdated credentials to streamline applications and enhance digital management, aiming to organize a process that had become chaotic due to high demand.
The anticipation among applicants is significant. By mid-March, over 300,000 Cubans were in the process of applying, a figure that has continued to rise as the law's expiration draws near. The sheer volume of applications has placed substantial pressure on the Spanish consular system in the country.
In response to this reality, the consulate announced a radical overhaul of the system in May, implementing new validation methods and the definitive closure of previous mechanisms. This transformation has brought both relief and uncertainty to applicants who were registered through earlier methods.
The tension escalated recently when the consulate issued a statement addressing deadlines and document validity, while reminding applicants that credentials submitted before the change would be validated in chronological order. However, many individuals are still awaiting responses, leading to widespread anxiety.
In this context, there is growing pressure on the Spanish government to extend the law, amid fears that thousands of applications may not be processed in time. Applicants argue that the current volume of pending applications and the rigidity of existing deadlines could leave a significant number of descendants with legitimate claims to citizenship unrecognized.
FAQs About the New Spanish Citizenship Application System in Cuba
What is the new appointment system introduced by the Spanish Consulate in Cuba?
The new system allows applicants to schedule appointments for Spanish citizenship applications under the Democratic Memory Law through an online form, replacing the old email-based system.
Are previous applications still valid under the new system?
Yes, applications submitted through the old system will still be processed in chronological order, and applicants will receive their electronic receipts via email.
Why are applicants concerned about the current deadlines?
Applicants are worried that the high volume of pending applications and strict deadlines may result in many legitimate claims not being processed in time.