Spain’s new Democratic Memory Law (Ley 20/2022) introduces a special “option” for nationality of origin—open until October 22, 2025. If you have ties to Spain through family history, it’s worth checking whether you qualify.
⚠️ Important Notice: The Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democrática) application window has closed.
This law is no longer in force and no new applications are being accepted. The information below is preserved for historical and informational purposes only. If you are seeking Spanish nationality, please explore current routes to Spanish citizenship.
Who can apply?
- Children & grandchildren of political exiles
Descendants whose parent or grandparent was originally Spanish and lost (or renounced) their nationality after going into exile for political, ideological, religious or LGBTQ+ reasons between 1 Jan 1956 and 28 Dec 1978. There is no maximum age for applicants. - Descendants of women who lost nationality by marriage
If your mother or grandmother was Spanish and forfeited her nationality by marrying a foreigner before the 1978 Constitution, you may also apply. - Children of previous beneficiaries
Includes anyone whose parent obtained Spanish nationality by option under the 2007 Historical Memory Law or the 2022 Democratic Memory Law—adults and minors alike.
Key dates
- Law in force: since 20 Oct 2022
- Application deadline: 22 Oct 2025
Required documents
- Your birth certificate (legalized; officially translated if not in Spanish)
- Family book or equivalent proof of lineage to the Spanish ancestor
- Evidence of the ancestor’s exile or loss of nationality (old passport, consular records, affidavits…)
- Ancestor’s Spanish birth certificate and any record of nationality renunciation
Fee exemption: Applications under this provision are free of charge.
How to submit
- Compile and legalize/translate all documents.
- File a “declaration of option” at:
- A Spanish Civil Registry office in Spain, or
- Your local Spanish consulate abroad.
- Consult the Ministry of Justice or your consulate’s website for the official form and any procedural updates.
Act now: Start your application today—after October 22, 2025, this opportunity will be gone.
Contact us as soon as possible so we can guide you through every step and help you obtain the necessary documentation.
Related Citizenship & Nationality Guides
- Spanish Citizenship — Complete Guide to All Routes (2026)
- Dual Nationality Spain — Can You Hold Two Passports? (2026)
- Citizenship After the 2025 Deadline — Routes Still Available
- Citizenship for a Baby Born in Spain
- Can You Be British and Spanish at the Same Time?
- Cuban Families — Spanish Nationality via Democratic Memory Law
Before counting the years, check which regulation applies to your route: Royal Decree 1155/2024 explained.
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This content has been prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by María Luisa de Castro, a lawyer specialising in Real Estate Law and founder of CostaLuz Lawyers.
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