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The way to obtain Spanish citizenship that few people take advantage of and which expires this year
An extraordinary route to nationality that benefits descendants of Spaniards abroad is still open... but only until October 2025
The Democratic Memory Law, better known as the Grandchildren’s Law, offers a unique opportunity for thousands of people around the world to obtain Spanish nationality without needing to reside in Spain or take a citizenship test. Yet, despite its significance, many eligible descendants have not taken advantage of this path, which will close definitively on October 22, 2025.
The law, which was approved in October 2022, was created to recognise and repair injustices suffered by those who lost their Spanish nationality between July 18, 1936 and December 28, 1978 – the years of the Franco dictatorship in Spain.
Among the reasons many people were forced to give up their Spanish nationality and flee the country during those 42 years are exile, political persecution, ideology, sexual orientation and the consequences of discriminatory marriage laws.
Now, for many families, particularly in Latin America, the Grandchildren’s Law has become a bridge to be able to reclaim their Spanish roots and rights, and become European citizens.
Who can apply under the Grandchildren’s Law?
The regulation does not cover all descendants, but it establishes several specific cases:
- People born abroad to a father, mother, grandfather or grandmother who was originally Spanish but who lost or renounced their nationality due to exile or persecution.
- Sons and daughters born abroad to Spanish mothers who had to renounce nationality upon marrying a foreigner before Spain’s 1978 Constitution.
- Adult children of those who obtained nationality through the 2007 Historical Memory Law or the current Democratic Memory Law.
- Sons and daughters of Spaniards born in Spain who later acquired nationality not by origin under Article 20.1.b) of the Civil Code.
- Minor children of those who gained Spanish nationality by option under Article 20.1.a) of the Civil Code.
Applicants must provide proof of family ties, generally through official certificates of birth, marriage or death from both their Spanish ancestors and immediate family.
These documents, along with a valid identity document and an apostilled birth certificate, must be submitted through the Spanish consulate corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence.
Why time is running out
Although the law came into force on October 21, 2022 with an expected two-year window, delays at consulates around the world – some as long as 14 months – led to an extension of the application period. The final cut-off is now set for October 22, 2025 at 11.59pm Peninsular Time.
Once this deadline passes, the opportunity will be gone permanently. Even those who submit late could risk being excluded, as consular backlogs mean that appointments and processing times are often lengthy. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that applicants begin the process as soon as possible and ensure they retain proof of submission.
Address
Main office : Avda. Doctor Meca, 107 local 3 30860 Puerto de Mazarron Murcia - EspanaTel: (00 34) 968 595826 Pto Mazarron
PALS Solicitor for the most trusted tax, conveyancing and inheritance advice in the Costa Cálida
Multi-lingual staff provide help for both residents and non-residents at the offices in Puerto de Mazarrón
With over 20 years of experience in helping both residents and non-residents in the Costa Cálida with all of their conveyancing, tax, inheritance and family law needs, the team at PALS Solicitor have become one of the most trusted and reliable in the Region of Murcia.
The multi-lingual staff at the offices in Puerto de Mazarrón bring a wealth of knowledge and the wisdom which can only be gained through years of experience to the task of assisting you in a precise, efficient, measured and friendly manner, whether it is in managing your tax burden, completing the sale or purchase of a property, ensuring that you have a valid will to cover your assets in Spain or any other of the numerous obstacles and hurdles that living in Spain sometimes seems to entail.
The vision of PALS (Professional and Legal Solutions) is to offer the most inclusive tax and law services in Murcia, always providing clear and affordable advice in order to take the hassle out of what could otherwise be daunting paperwork and bureaucracy. The languages spoken by the experts at PALS include not only Spanish and English but also French, German, Dutch and Swedish, making them accessible to the vast majority of non-Spaniards with interests in the Costa Cálida.
The main services offered include the following:
Property law and conveyancing
PALS have dealt with countless property sales and purchases over the years, but their services regarding property are not limited to the conveyancing side. They can also help in finding the right property, arranging finance‚ securing an NIE number, opening a Spanish bank account, ensuring Due Diligence, overcoming the potential difficulties after Brexit (such as the requirement for British nationals to obtain a military permit if buying certain properties in the Costa Cálida!) and even helping to organize repairs and refurbishments once the property is yours!
And in completing transactions, PALS accompany you to the notary to check the deeds before signing, make all the arrangements for tax obligations to be correctly met, and register the deeds with Land Registry.
The team also have experience in dealing with the controversial mortgage rate “floor clauses” which were included in many loan conditions in the past, protecting clients’ interests against lending banks.
In addition, if you plan to rent out your Spanish home it is vital to make sure you do so legally, and again PALS can help you to put everything in place quickly, easily and with the minimum hassle.
Tax and Accounting
Taxation in Spain can be a complex topic, and at a time when the current Spanish tax system is regularly subject to review on issues surrounding Brexit, globalisation, and even the popularity of cryptocurrency, it is especially important to make sure that your affairs are up to date with the latest requirements.
PALS will take care of all the legalities regarding fiscal residence in Spain, legal tax obligations for both residents and non-residents and property taxes, guaranteeing that tax declarations are filed on time and no surcharges or other unpleasant surprises are incurred.
Inheritance and Wills
Arranging a will and inheritance for your estate in Spain is of the utmost importance, but many people fail to make proper provision for the distribution of their assets.
At PALS, making a will could not be easier: simply explain your preferences to the staff and they will produce the necessary document – in two languages if required – leaving you with nothing more to do except sign it before a notary.
Power of Attorney Service/Representation
If you plan to be absent from Spain for long periods, of if you simply want to do away with much of the stress of buying and owning property in Spain, why not let PALS help you?
Many clients take advantage of PALS’ "Power of Attorney," allowing them represent their interests.
Other legal advice
PALS also provide a wide variety of legal, accounting, fiscal and labour relation services including but not limited to General Contracting, Family Law, Evictions, Traffic Matters and Monetary Claims.
All of the above services are tailored to the needs of each individual client: contact PALS now and make an appointment to discuss how they can help you to enjoy your property and your life in Spain!
| Main office : Avda. Doctor Meca, 107 Local 3 Puerto de Mazarrón Murcia 30860 - España E-mail: info-mazarron@palsolicitor.com Direct Line (00 34) 968 595 826 Fax (00 34) 968 595 827 |
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