The Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democratica), is a new law in Spain that came into effect on 21 October 2022. The Law enables thousands of Spanish descendants to obtain the Spanish nationality.
The Law can be beneficial to children and grandchildren of Spaniards as well as of those who lost their nationality due to being targeted and forced out of Spain for political reasons for example, during and following the Spanish Civil War under General Franco’s regime.
Those looking to apply for Spanish nationality in this way will need to meet some of the following conditions:
- You are the child or grandchild of a person who is Spanish.
- You are the child or grandchild of a Spanish citizen that had to leave Spain during/following the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship.
- You are an adult whose parents acquired Spanish citizenship based on the temporary rules of the Historical Memory Law of 2007 and as an adult is no longer under parental authority.
Benefits of achieving Spanish Nationality through the Law of Democratic Memory
There are many benefits of obtaining the Spanish nationality. The main one would be to be able to live and work in Spain, or in any other EU country, as well as using their public health service. This right is also extended to spouses and dependent children.
There is also the right to enrol on education in any European university and benefiting from the reduced fees for EU students.
Once you have your Spanish passport, as a British national, you can still maintain both nationalities and you will have a dual nationality status. This will give you the opportunity to choose which passport to use depending on where you will be travelling, as well as taking advantage of the protection of Spanish Consulates if at any point you need some assistance whilst abroad.
Application process and deadline
It is important to understand there is an application deadline for achieving Spanish nationality with this route.
At the moment, two years have been given following the implementation of this law meaning the deadline for applications will be 21st October 2024.
The evidence to provide could be difficult to find in some cases, and this added to the bureaucratic procedures of the Spanish institutions, makes the application to become very complex on occasions.
If you require of any assistance with the documentation or the process, please do not hesitate to contact Carmen Calvo on the number 01273 284 120.