A Cuban national has touched the hearts of many on social media by expressing his joy upon receiving Spanish citizenship, a goal achieved after a challenging 40-month journey. He described this milestone as "an act of self-love and pride."
He shared his story in the Facebook group "Consulado español de La Habana," alongside a photo of himself proudly holding his new European Union passport and wearing a shirt that read, "Thanks to the MD20/2022 Law, I AM SPANISH BY Blood and BY Law."
In his heartfelt message, he portrayed citizenship as a profound reconnection with his roots, stating, "Becoming a Spanish citizen is like opening a book filled with stories that link you to your origins. It's about embracing the land where your islander grandparents were born, where the Atlantic's whispers and a rich cultural heritage remind you that every step you take honors the resilient spirit and legacy of Canaria."
His mention of "islander grandparents" refers to the significant Canarian migration to Cuba, one of the most important migratory flows between Spain and the island during the 19th and 20th centuries. This history explains why descendants of Canarians form the largest group of Cubans applying for Spanish citizenship under this law, with 63,991 registered applicants.
The process he underwent falls under the Democratic Memory Law (Law 20/2022), which allows children and grandchildren of Spaniards who lost their nationality due to political exile during the Civil War or the Franco dictatorship to reclaim it.
The deadline for new applications officially closed on October 22, 2025, following two extensions. However, those with ongoing applications retain their right to a decision.
Globally, 876,321 applications were submitted under this law, with approximately 237,145 granted approval by September 2025. The Spanish Consulate in Havana alone received 107,338 applications, accounting for 12.24% of the worldwide total, and it is estimated that over 350,000 Cubans began the process to benefit from this opportunity.
The 40-month journey he describes highlights the process's complexity, requiring the gathering of historical documents, their legalization by the Cuban MINJUS and the Spanish Consulate, and awaiting a decision from the Civil Registry, with wait times in 2026 ranging from two to over five months just in the final phase.
For Cubans, Spanish citizenship offers unprecedented mobility: free movement within the Schengen Area and full access to the European Union, detailed as a primary incentive in the guide for Cubans returning to Spain with citizenship.
In October 2025, Spain warned that it might take up to twenty years to process all applications submitted under the Democratic Memory Law, adding even more significance to the Cuban's message: "40 months from starting from scratch, but it was worth it."
Understanding the Process and Impact of Spanish Citizenship for Cubans
What is the Democratic Memory Law?
The Democratic Memory Law (Law 20/2022) allows descendants of Spaniards who lost their nationality due to political exile during the Civil War or Franco's regime to reclaim Spanish citizenship.
Why is Spanish citizenship significant for Cubans?
Spanish citizenship provides Cubans with enhanced mobility, including free movement within the Schengen Area and full access to the European Union, which are major incentives for many applicants.
How long might it take for all applications to be processed?
Spain has indicated that processing all applications submitted under the Democratic Memory Law could take up to twenty years.