As of 2025, the Consulate General of Spain in Havana has processed 107,338 applications for Spanish citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law, widely referred to as the "Grandchildren Law." This number accounts for 12.24% of all applications submitted globally under this legislation, as reported on the Spanish government's official website.
Ángel Víctor Torres, Spain's Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, confirmed these figures during a visit to the Foreigners' Office in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. By mid-year, Spain had registered 876,321 applications through its consular offices worldwide, approving nearly 240,000 citizenships for descendants of Republican exiles.
In Cuba, estimates suggest that roughly 300,000 individuals initiated the application process since the law was enacted in October 2022 until March 2025. However, official data on the number of Cuban requests granted remains undisclosed. Over 95% of the applications have been filed at consulates across Latin America and Miami, with Argentina's five Spanish consulates alone accounting for 40% and, along with Havana, surpassing 53% of all applications globally.
The Democratic Memory Law, enacted as Law 20/2022, aims to recognize the descendants of Spaniards who lost their nationality due to political, ideological, or identity-related exile during the Civil War and subsequent dictatorship. It also considers children and grandchildren of Spanish women who lost their nationality upon marrying foreigners before the 1978 Constitution.
Initially, the law set a two-year application window, which was later extended by an additional 12 months. The final deadline for new applications is October 21, unless a further extension is granted.
In light of these deadlines, a citizen petition addressed to King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has gathered approximately 3,500 signatures on Change.org. The campaign calls for an additional extension and a review of administrative hurdles complicating access to this right.
The "Grandchildren Law" has symbolically and legally opened avenues for thousands of descendants of Spanish exiles. In Cuba, where Spanish emigration has historically played a significant role, the law has sparked immense interest, evident in the long lines still seen outside the Spanish Consulate in Havana.
Understanding Spain's 'Grandchildren Law' and Its Impact
What is the purpose of the Democratic Memory Law?
The Democratic Memory Law is designed to recognize and restore Spanish nationality to the descendants of individuals who lost their citizenship due to political, ideological, or identity-related exile during Spain's Civil War and dictatorship.
Who is eligible for Spanish citizenship under this law?
Eligibility extends to descendants of Spaniards who lost their nationality during the exile, including children and grandchildren of Spanish women who lost their nationality by marrying foreigners before the 1978 Constitution.
Why is there a surge in applications from Cuba?
The surge is attributed to the historical significance of Spanish emigration to Cuba and the approaching deadline to apply for citizenship under the 'Grandchildren Law,' prompting many to take advantage of this opportunity.