The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a reminder this Tuesday that the deadline for applying under the Democratic Memory Law, commonly referred to as the Grandchildren Law, is set for October 22, 2025. This legislation has enabled hundreds of thousands of descendants of Spaniards to seek Spanish citizenship. "The opportunity to apply for Spanish nationality in accordance with Law 20/2022, dated October 19, of Democratic Memory (LMD), will conclude on October 22, 2025. At 11:59 PM (local time) on October 22, the option to request an appointment for Spanish nationality through our online platform will be closed," the ministry announced on its official website.
The Spanish Consulate in Havana clarified that only those who have secured an electronic signature receipt—Secure Verification Code (CSV)—will be assured a face-to-face appointment. Conversely, individuals who have received credential rejections or lack a CSV must re-register before the deadline.
Over 414,000 Beneficiaries, Yet Many Are Still Waiting
As reported by the Spanish newspaper *La Región*, by July 31, around 875,000 nationality applications had been submitted under the Democratic Memory Law, with over 414,000 of these already approved. A significant portion of applications originates from Argentina, with 185,000 in Buenos Aires, 75,000 in Rosario, and 60,000 in Córdoba, while Cuba ranks second with over 108,000 requests. Notable numbers also come from São Paulo (76,000) and Mexico.
Carolina de Manueles, the General Director of Spaniards Abroad, acknowledged that the volume of applications matches the appointment requests in numerous consulates, leading to bottlenecks and delays.
Complaints in Cuba: "We Feel Helpless"
Meanwhile, dissatisfaction is mounting in Cuba. Numerous descendants of Spaniards have sent letters to our editorial office highlighting technical failures, delays, and arbitrary actions within the credential system of the Consulate in Havana. One formal complaint describes how the system "has placed thousands of applicants in a predicament of helplessness and rights violations," arbitrarily assigning credentials, erasing registrations without explanation, and failing to ensure the migration of applications to the new system.
The letter warns that the situation has caused "anxiety, economic harm, health issues, and extreme vulnerability," as many fear being excluded from the process when the deadline expires. The claimants demand an effective communication channel, immediate issuance of acknowledgments, respect for chronological order, and a special extension to prevent thousands of families from being denied Spanish citizenship.
Collective Grievance: "The System Skips Turns"
A second document, collectively signed by Cuban applicants, accuses the appointment platform of "skipping turns" and providing credentials to those who registered later, while many earlier applications remain unresolved. "We feel discriminated against and unprotected compared to other consulates where the process progresses more smoothly, such as in Buenos Aires," they express in the letter. They also point out arbitrary credential rejections and a lack of transparency in the system.
The grievance calls for urgent action to ensure no application submitted before October 22 is overlooked, stressing that for thousands of Cuban households, the chance to gain Spanish nationality depends on the resolution of this process.
With less than a month remaining, the countdown keeps thousands of Cubans on edge. While Spain boasts of the over 400,000 beneficiaries of the Grandchildren Law, many descendants on the Island argue that what should be a fair and transparent process is instead threatened by bureaucracy and system failures, jeopardizing a right that represents not just familial ties, but also the hope for a different future.
Cuban Applicants and Spanish Nationality
What is the deadline for applying for Spanish nationality under the Grandchildren Law?
The deadline for applying under the Grandchildren Law is October 22, 2025. Applications must be submitted before 11:59 PM local time on this date.
What challenges are Cuban applicants facing?
Cuban applicants have reported technical failures, delays, and arbitrary actions in the credential system at the Consulate in Havana, leading to feelings of helplessness and concerns about missing the deadline.
How many applications have been approved under the Democratic Memory Law?
As of July 31, over 414,000 applications have been approved under the Democratic Memory Law.