Spain – Citizenship by Descend
Introduction
Spain offers a unique pathway to citizenship for those impacted by the Spanish Civil War, the Franco Dictatorship, and their descendants through the “Grandchildren’s Law” (Ley de Nietos). If you have Spanish ancestry, you may be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship under specific qualifying cases.
This opportunity allows descendants to connect with their heritage while gaining the advantages of a Spanish passport, including expanded business, lifestyle, and mobility options within the European Union and beyond.
Embrace the benefits of dual citizenship and access to one of the world’s most sought-after citizenships with this reparative measure from Spain.
Context Overview: Ley de Nietos
On October 21, 2022, Spain enacted the “Grandchildren’s Law” (Ley de Nietos) as part of the Law of Democratic Memory. This legislation addresses historical injustices tied to the Spanish Civil War and Franco Dictatorship, aiming to “close a debt owed by Spanish democracy to its past” by promoting a shared narrative based on peace, pluralism, and the rejection of totalitarianism, as stated in the law’s preamble.
Under this law, descendants of Spanish citizens who suffered exile or persecution may apply for Spanish citizenship, offering a lifetime benefit that can be passed down to future generations by descent. The law reflects Spain’s commitment to reconciling its history and preserving the democratic rights and freedoms essential to human dignity.
Requirements
- Case 1: Those born outside Spain of parents or grandparents who were originally Spanish.
- Case 2: Those born outside Spain of parents or grandparents, who were originally Spanish, and who, as a consequence of having suffered exile for political, ideological, religious or sexual orientation and identity reasons, have lost or renounced their Spanish nationality.
- Case 3: Those born outside Spain of a Spanish woman who lost their nationality because they married a foreigner before the enactment of the 1978 Constitution.
- Case 4: Those of legal age, born of a Spanish father or mother whose nationality of origin was recognized by virtue of the right of option in accordance with the Seventh Additional Provision of Law 52/2007 of 26 December or with the Eighth Additional Provision of Law 20/2022, the “Grandchildren’s Law”.
- Case 5: Those born of a father or mother originally Spanish, born in Spain, who opted for Spanish nationality not of origin (by virtue of Article 20.1.b of the Civil Code), as well as minor children of those who acquired Spanish nationality by application of the Law of Historical Memory, who opted, in turn, for Spanish nationality not of origin (by virtue of Article 20.1.a of the Civil Code) because they were under the parental authority of a Spaniard.
Procedures and time frame
- All applications for Spanish citizenship by ancestry must be submitted in person at the applicant’s local civil registry, consulate, or embassy.
- Required documents typically include a passport for identity verification and a certified copy of the applicant’s birth record.
- Each consulate or registry may have unique documentation requirements, so it’s essential to check the specific list beforehand.
- All foreign documents must be legalized, apostilled, and translated by a translator accredited by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Applicants are encouraged to review requirements thoroughly and complete a client intake form to verify eligibility.
If Your Previous Application Was Denied
Given recent changes to the law, it’s worth applying even if a previous application was denied.
Summary of key advantages
Visa free travel to over 170 countries
Right to live and work anywhere in the European Union
Access to healthcare and Social Security
Access to Spanish Education
Consular Benefits
European citizenship is considered the “gold standard” in the citizenship industry