Update on Spanish nationality procedures under the Grandchildren Law

The descendants of Spaniards in Cuba continue to face significant difficulties in obtaining Spanish nationality through the Law of Grandchildren. Although some reports indicate some improvements, the reality is that the long wait and bureaucratic obstacles continue to be common problems.unes.

In Cuba, the process of obtaining credentials and legalizing documents is marked by delays. Attorney Estela Marina Pérez goes further, suggesting that corruption and mismanagement in Spanish consulates are serious obstacles.

He mentions that appointments have been scheduled at extremely inconvenient times, such as 3 a.m., and that the lack of basic materials such as paper has made it difficult to issue the necessary certificates.

To address these issues, the Aristeo group, which specializes in Spanish nationality procedures, has proposed donating paper to facilitate the issuance of documents, although they have not yet received a response from the authorities.

Documentation actions and formal complaints

The Aristeo group has also traveled to Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, to obtain baptismal certificates and other essential documents proving the applicants' Spanish ancestry.

The Association of Spanish Descendants in the World has filed formal complaints with the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Transparency in an effort to resolve these issues, although they have not received definitive responses so far.

Uncertainty about the extension of the Democratic Memory Law

Despite rumors about the possible signing of the extension of the Democratic Memory Law, nothing official has yet been published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). This lack of confirmation and the long waiting times exacerbate the situation for descendants of Spaniards.

Estela Marina, director of the Aristeo Group, recommends that applicants submit their credentials as soon as possible to ensure their applications are accepted and processed. "An open application is one that can be saved because it was submitted within the deadline," explains Marina.

Who can become Spanish?

To benefit from the Grandchildren Law, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

1. Being the grandson or granddaughter of a Spaniard of Spanish originThis includes those whose grandparents were born in Spain and later emigrated.
2. Being the son of a Spanish woman who lost her nationality by marrying a foreigner before 1978: The law allows these children to recuperar the nationality lost by their mothers.
3. Being a descendant of Spaniards who opted for the nationality of the country of residence after emigrating: This applies to the descendants of those who lost their nationality by obtaining another.

How can I become Spanish?

1. Gather the necessary documentation: Includes birth certificates of the applicant, parents and grandparents, and any document proving the loss of Spanish nationality, if applicable.
2. Submit the application at the corresponding Spanish consulateApplicants must go to the consulate in their place of residence to submit the documentation.
3. Complete the application form: Available at the consulate or online, it must be filled out with all the required information.
4. Pay administrative fees: The rate varies depending on the consulate.
5. Wait for the resolutionThe process can take several months, during which the consulate will review the documentation and perform the necessary verifications.

new spanish

As of December 31, 2023, of the 110.540 applications approved since the Grandchildren Law came into force in October 2022, 69.421 had already been registered as new Spanish citizens at consulates.