The Democratic Memory Law (Ley de Memoria Democratica), is a 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 obtain the Spanish nationality in this way will need to meet some of the following conditions:
• Being the child or grandchild of a Spanish person.
• Being the child or grandchild of a Spanish citizen that had to leave Spain
during/following the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent dictatorship.
• Being an adult whose parents acquired Spanish citizenship based on the
temporary rules of the Historical Memory Law of 2007.
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.
Initially, the law was applicable for two years, but it has now been extended, so the deadline for applications will be 21 st October 2025.
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. The sooner you start the process, the better.
If you require of any assistance with the documentation or the process of obtaining a Spanish Nationality, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07980 596 406.