Spain’s two-year-plus citizenship window for descendants of Spaniards has closed. The government confirmed that the application period under the Grandchildren’s Law, part of the Democratic Memory framework, ended on October 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. local time. Officials have stated that no further extensions will be granted, shutting the door to new filings under this special route.
People who submitted a valid application before the cutoff can continue with processing, but new requests will not be accepted.
What the Grandchildren’s Law allowed
Enacted in October 2022, the Grandchildren’s Law permitted certain descendants of Spanish nationals to apply for citizenship without:
- living in Spain,
- proving Spanish language proficiency, or
- passing a civics exam.
The law targeted families affected by exile, loss of nationality due to past discriminatory rules, and other historic injustices. The original two‑year filing period was later extended by one year, with the final deadline set for October 22, 2025. The Ministry confirmed the closing date in line with the legislative timeframe.
Filing mechanics and the Secure Verification Code (CSV)
Applications had to be lodged in person at the relevant Spanish consulate or a civil registry office. Authorities required that files be validated and assigned a Secure Verification Code (CSV). The CSV is essential:
- Only applications with a CSV created before the deadline can move forward after the cutoff.
- Files without a CSV are considered not filed and will not be processed.
Consulates clarified that an appointment date falling after October 22 could still be valid only if the application was submitted and validated beforehand and the CSV was generated before the deadline. A reserved slot alone did not secure a place.
Demand and geographic hotspots
Demand was high worldwide. Spain received more than 680,000 applications under the Grandchildren’s Law, according to consular figures.
- Cuba was a major hotspot: more than 107,000 people started the process there.
- Other countries with large communities of Spanish descent also reported heavy interest.
In some posts, applicants faced technical hurdles, appointment shortages, and delayed responses. A number of applicants reached the counter only to learn their file had not been assigned a CSV and therefore did not count as submitted. Others secured the CSV just before the cutoff, allowing their cases to proceed.
Eligibility categories (Policy changes overview)
The Grandchildren’s Law recognized several eligibility pathways tied to historical loss of nationality and family links. Categories included:
- Children and grandchildren of original Spanish nationals, especially families exiled for political, ideological, or religious reasons.
- Descendants of Spanish women who lost their nationality by marrying foreign citizens before the 1978 constitutional reforms.
- Adult children of people who gained Spanish nationality under the earlier Historical Memory Law or the newer Democratic Memory Law.
Required proof and documentation
Documents required varied by category, but common items included:
- Birth certificates for the applicant and the Spanish ancestor
- Proof of Spanish nationality in the family line
- Records showing exile or loss of nationality (when relevant)
- The completed official application form and any category‑specific attachments
Consulates retained the right to request corrections or additional evidence. If a consulate asked for extra documents, deadlines for those requests still applied — missing follow‑up deadlines can lead to denial even if the original filing was on time.
Practical advice for applicants
- Keep your CSV receipt and any proof of submission safe.
- Maintain current contact details with the consulate and monitor communications carefully.
- Store certified copies of all records (birth certificates, proof of nationality, exile documents, etc.).
- Respond promptly to any consular requests for additional documents.
For official guidance and forms:
– Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.exteriores.gob.es
– Ministry of Justice – Nationality information and forms: https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/es/ciudadania/nacionalidad
Consulates may publish local instructions, but national legal requirements apply across all posts.
Impact and current processing
The closure marks a hard stop for families relying on this route. Over 680,000 applications worldwide will now move through review. Final outcomes will depend on:
- document quality,
- correct categorization, and
- each consulate’s processing capacity.
Officials emphasize that applications filed on time will continue to be processed, even if interviews or document checks take months. Consulates are now working through backlogs and will process only those applications validated before the deadline.
Alternatives if you missed the deadline
Spain’s broader nationality system remains available through standard routes, such as:
- residence‑based naturalization,
- certain forms of citizenship by option, and
- other statutory pathways.
These alternative routes have different timelines, evidence standards, and language or integration requirements. They do not mirror the special terms offered under Democratic Memory.
Key takeaways and warnings
The filing period under the Grandchildren’s Law has ended and will not reopen. There is no hidden grace period or undisclosed exception.
- Applications without a CSV created before October 22, 2025, 11:59 p.m. are invalid under this law.
- Consulates will not admit late filings or new applications under the Grandchildren’s Law.
- For those who filed on time, keep documentation and await consular communications; failure to meet follow‑up deadlines can still result in denial.
Consulates and the central government have been clear: no new applications or exceptions allowed. Families who acted within the window can expect processing to continue; others should explore standard nationality routes and rely on official sources to avoid misinformation.
This Article in a Nutshell
Spain closed the two-plus-year application window for citizenship under the Grandchildren’s Law on October 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., with officials stressing no further extensions. Enacted in October 2022 as part of the Democratic Memory framework, the law allowed certain descendants of Spanish nationals to seek citizenship without residency, language tests, or civics exams. Applications had to be submitted in person and validated with a Secure Verification Code (CSV); only files with a CSV created before the deadline will be processed. Authorities received more than 680,000 applications worldwide, with Cuba a major hotspot. Those who filed on time should retain CSV receipts and respond promptly to consular requests; missed opportunities must pursue standard nationality routes.
