Thousands of descendants of Spaniards have been able to obtain Spanish nationality thanks to the Grandchildren's Law. For many, the wait has been endless, controversial and exhausting.

The Grandchildren's Law came into force in October 2022 and remained in force until October 2025. Under this law, the children or grandchildren of emigrants with Spanish citizenship could apply for Spanish nationality. The Democratic Memory Law (LMD), as it is officially known, was intended, according to its precursors, to settle the debts that Spain owed to its recent past. In other words, to recover, safeguard and disseminate this memory, so damaged by 40 years of dictatorship. And, by extension, to ‘promote cohesion and solidarity between different generations around constitutional principles, values and freedoms’.

Before going into detail, here are three key ideas

1. The so-called ‘Grandchildren's Law’ was not a separate law, but a specific provision of the Democratic Memory Law.
2. The deadline for applying for nationality through this route was temporary and is no longer open for new ordinary applications.
3. In 2026, the relevant question is not only whether it was possible to apply for nationality, but what happens to the files that have been opened and what legal alternatives exist.

What you need to know today

The eighth additional provision of the LMD established a deadline for certain descendants of Spaniards to apply for Spanish nationality.

Following the planned extension, the deadline for submitting new applications ended in October 2025.

All of this should change your approach and priorities. In other words:

• If you have already submitted your application or have been given an appointment, your situation will need to be analysed step by step.
• If you did not submit your application within the deadline, it is necessary to explore different legal alternatives.

In 2026, your priorities will no longer revolve around “getting there on time”, but rather “understanding your actual situation”.

What exactly was the so-called ‘Grandchildren's Law’?

The route to nationality provided for in the LMD for descendants of Spaniards who, for historical reasons, were unable to acquire nationality, is popularly known as the “Grandchildren's Law”.

Its aim was to remedy historical situations, not to establish an indefinite mechanism for acquisition.

Who was eligible and why was it relevant?

The provision covered several cases, including:

• If you were born outside Spain and have a father, mother, grandfather or grandmother who was originally a Spanish citizen and who, as a result of being exiled for political, ideological or religious reasons, or because of their sexual orientation or identity, lost or renounced their Spanish nationality. When the law was passed, it was necessary to prove the exile of the relative, but when the instruction was approved, all persons born outside Spain to a father, mother, grandfather or grandmother who were originally Spanish could apply for nationality without having to prove exile.
• If you are the son or daughter born abroad of a Spanish woman who lost her nationality by marrying a foreigner before the 1978 Constitution came into force.
• If you are the adult child of Spanish citizens who were recognised as Spanish nationals by virtue of the right of option provided for in the Historical Memory Law of 2007 or the Democratic Memory Law of 2022.
• If Spanish nationality has been processed under the article of the Civil Code provided for persons who have been subject to the parental authority of a Spanish citizen.

During the period when the Grandchildren Act was in force, an extraordinary volume of applications was generated in consulates and civil registries.

At the end of 2025, according to data provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation to the newspaper España en el exterior, more than 414,000 people had obtained Spanish nationality, with a total of more than 876,000 applications, Argentina being the country with the highest number of applications.

What happens to applications that are already being processed?

Since 23 October 2025, no new applications or appointments have been accepted, as indicated in communications from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One of the most sensitive issues in 2026 for people who submitted their application for nationality through the LMD is the follow-up of applications that are already being processed.

In general terms:

• Applications submitted within the deadline will continue to be processed.
• Appointments granted within the deadline may have specific effects depending on the consulate or registry.
• The documentation requirements remain the same. Consulates may request additional documents or corrections for files that have already been submitted.

Each case depends on specific circumstances, especially at the consular level. It is always advisable to remain calm, keep all documentation, and pay attention to official notifications.

If your file is being processed, check out our practical analysis on how to strengthen your application and avoid common mistakes.

And if you didn't make it in time: alternatives

The end of the deadline does not eliminate other ways to obtain Spanish nationality. There are alternatives such as:

Nationality by residence.

This is the most common route and requires legal and continuous residence.

• 10 years: General regime.
• 5 years: For refugees.
• 2 years: Nationals of Latin American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal or Sephardic Jews.
• 1 year: Those born in Spain, married to a Spanish national, widowed from a Spanish national or children/grandchildren of a Spanish national by origin.

Nationality by option in certain cases.

For children of Spanish nationals, adopted children or persons whose father/mother was originally Spanish.

Letter of naturalisation in exceptional cases.

Discretionary granting by the Government due to exceptional circumstances.

The key is to understand that each route has different requirements and deadlines.

Documentation and proof of ancestry: the critical point

One of the great challenges of applying for nationality through the Grandchildren's Law was, and continues to be, the documentary reconstruction of family lineage.

Birth certificates, civil registry certificates, baptism certificates and international legalisations have been fundamental elements in thousands of cases.

From a temporary phenomenon to a structural issue

The Grandchildren's Law generated a historic peak of interest and applications. However, Spanish nationality through family ties does not disappear with the end of an extraordinary deadline.

What changes is the legal framework.

In 2026, the correct approach is no longer to react to a temporary window of opportunity, but to design a strategy that is appropriate to your personal situation.

Conclusion

The ‘Grandchildren's Law’ was a specific opportunity at a specific moment in the legislative process. That is why it is essential to understand the context in order to make an informed decision.

Today, the relevant question is not only that this opportunity existed, but what you can do from now on.

In 2026, the scenario combines ordinary channels that are fully in force with residual effects of extraordinary laws that have already expired. The key is to correctly identify the legal framework for each case and act with documentary and administrative precision.

Understanding your current framework, your family history, and the available alternatives is the first step in making an informed decision.

This article is informative and does not replace individualised legal advice.