Spain May Extend Processing of Grandchildren’s Law Citizenship Applications Until 2028

Madrid, 2025 – Spain is considering extending the processing time for citizenship applications under the Democratic Memory Law until 2028 due to high demand and administrative bottlenecks in consular offices, particularly in Argentina, Venezuela, and Cuba.

According to Schengen News, while the deadline to submit applications remains October 25, 2025, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that processing could continue for several more years.

High Demand and Consular Delays

A report by Periodico Cubano reveals that Spanish consulates worldwide are struggling to handle the surge in citizenship applications. Many applicants have already been assigned interview dates as late as 2026 or 2027, leading to the necessity of extending processing times.

To mitigate delays, Spanish authorities are developing a digital appointment system that will allow applicants to complete the process even after the 2025 deadline.

“Anyone who secures an appointment before October 25, 2025, will be able to complete the process, regardless of consular delays,” the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

This means that the key requirement for eligibility is to secure an appointment before the deadline, even if the review process takes years.

More Opportunities for Descendants of Spanish Emigrants

The Democratic Memory Law, commonly known as the Grandchildren’s Law, allows descendants of Spanish emigrants to obtain Spanish citizenship without requiring residency.

In November 2024, the Spanish government officially extended the submission deadline to October 2025, allowing more time for applicants to prepare and file their documents.

Since the law came into effect in October 2022, over 226,000 applications for Spanish citizenship have been submitted, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Spain Seeks to Address the Consular Backlog

Recognizing the unprecedented demand, Spanish authorities have outlined several key measures to prevent further processing delays:
- Developing an online registration system for tracking applications.
- Expanding consular staff in countries with the highest number of applicants.
- Guaranteeing that those with confirmed appointments will be able to complete the process, regardless of delays.

If the proposed changes are implemented, Spain will continue processing accumulated applications for several years, ensuring that eligible applicants will not be excluded due to administrative slowdowns.