In February, excellent news was announced for Cubans and other descendants of Spanish in the region: the official extension of the Democratic Memory Law (LMD) until 2025.
This law, also known as the “grandchild law”, offers more time for people to access Spanish nationality.
To date, at least 69,000 people around the world have received Spanish nationality, especially in Latin American countries, thanks to this law that came into force in October 2022.
How can you obtain Spanish nationality through the Democratic Memory Law?
Below, we explain the cases in which you can request it:
1. Born outside Spain to a father or mother, grandfather or grandmother, who originally would have been Spanish. If your ancestors were Spanish and suffered exile for political, ideological or belief reasons, or due to their sexual orientation and identity, you can opt for Spanish nationality (see Annex I).
2. Sons and daughters born abroad of Spanish women who lost their nationality by marrying foreigners before 1978. If you are the son or daughter of a Spanish woman who lost her nationality by marrying a foreigner before the entry into force of the Constitution of 1978, you can also apply for nationality (through Annex II).
3. Sons and daughters of legal age of Spaniards whose nationality of origin was recognized according to the Democratic Memory Law or the Historical Memory Law. If your parents or grandparents recovered their Spanish nationality due to these laws, you can also opt for it (through Annex III).
4. People who, being children of Spanish parents and born in Spain, opted for Spanish nationality by article 20.1.b) of the Civil Code. (By Annex IV).
Does the Democratic Memory Law apply to great-grandchildren?
Although this is not a law for great-grandchildren of Spaniards, there are some who have been able to benefit.
According to a Cuban who achieved Spanish nationality, the most important thing will be to prove that you are the great-grandson of a Spaniard and that your great-grandfather has not renounced or lost Spanish nationality before having your grandfather. It is presented through Annex 1, following the same procedure as the grandchildren.
Please note that each case is unique and may vary depending on your circumstances. If you are thinking about applying for Spanish nationality through the LMD, we advise you to consult with a specialist in this procedure. A lawyer or manager with experience in the LMD will be able to evaluate your particular case and advise you on the chances of success of your application.
All the official information on the requirements for each case can be found on the website of the Spanish Consulate in your country. This is the link in Havana.
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