Attention applicants for Spanish citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law: New system at the Civil Registry of the Spanish Consulate in Miami

Descendants of Spaniards seeking citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law (LMD) must now process part of their application through a new electronic system.

This is a recent change implemented by the Civil Registry of the Spanish Consulate in Miami. This measure seeks to streamline procedures and reduce waiting times for the issuance of essential documents needed to complete the citizenship process.

The digitalization of the Civil Registry allows applicants to obtain birth certificates and other documents electronically, without having to go in person to the consulate.

However, the nationality process still requires an in-person appointment, so it's essential to understand how the new system works and what steps those wishing to apply for Spanish citizenship must follow.

Below, we explain how to register on the platform, what documents are required, and the most important updates to the citizenship application process.

How to apply for Spanish nationality under the Democratic Memory Law

The process for applying for Spanish citizenship through the LMD at the Spanish Consulate in Miami consists of several key steps:

1. Document Review

   • Before requesting an appointment, it's essential to review the list of required documents and compile them into a single PDF file.
   • Each applicant will only be able to manage one appointment per person and procedure, and if they already sent their file through the old system before February 27, 2025, you should not apply again.

2. Registration in the credential system

   • To access the appointment system, interested parties must complete the Credential Registration Form, ensuring that they do not include accents, apostrophes, or hyphens in their first and last names.
   • For example, if the applicant's name is José María Núñez Sánchez-Bravo, he or she must register as:
     • Name: JOSE MARIA
     • First surname: NUÑEZ
     • Second surname: SANCHEZ BRAVO

3. Required documentation

   • Photo of the applicant along with his or her passport or identity card.
   • Literal birth certificate from the country of origin (Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, etc.), duly apostilled.
   • Spanish birth certificate of the family member granting the right to nationality.
   • Corresponding form according to the type of application (Annex I, II, III or IV).

4. Receiving credentials and requesting an appointment

   • After submitting the documentation correctly, the applicant will receive an email with a username and password to access the appointment system. This process may take several weeks due to the high volume of applications.
   • Once the email with the credentials is received, the interested party can access the system and choose the date and time of their appointment at the consulate.

Updates to the application process

From March 18th to June 7th, the consulate has enabled special appointments in the afternoon to process more applications for nationality through the LMD.

Another significant change is that, from now on, adult children of those who have already applied for citizenship will be able to submit their application without having to wait for their parents' application to be resolved. To do so, they must attach proof of submission of their parent's application.

In addition, the Spanish Consulate in Havana has eliminated the requirement to present the marital status of the applicant's parents at the time of birth. Those who received a request to submit this documentation will no longer need to submit it, and their application process will continue as normal.

How to obtain a Spanish passport after being granted nationality

New Spanish citizens can apply for a passport at the Spanish Consulate in Miami, following these requirements:

• Personal appearance at the consulate by appointment.
• Previous passport or, if this is the first time, a literal Spanish birth certificate.
• Valid ID (if you have one) or US residency card.
• Recent color photograph, on a white background.
• Application form and fee payment ($31 as of January 1, 2025).

The passport delivery time is approximately three weeks. Those who need to pick up their document can do so without an appointment during the hours indicated by the consulate.

Key recommendations for applicants

The consulate has reinforced some essential rules to avoid delays or problems in the process:

• Only those with an appointment will be served.
• Registrations through third parties will not be permitted. Each applicant must manage their application personally.
• If you need to reschedule your appointment, you'll need to cancel your previous one and schedule a new one.
• If you miss your appointment and don't cancel it at least 3 days in advance, your account will be blocked for 2 months.

The Spanish Consulate in Miami urges applicants to carefully read official instructions and follow the procedures indicated to avoid setbacks in processing citizenship and other documents.

For more information, we recommend visiting the official website of the Consulate General of Spain in Miami.

The new electronic Civil Registry model is now operational at the Spanish Consulate in Miami. Civil registry certificates can now be obtained electronically.
All information about the new procedures can be consulted https://t.co/YlvYkm0bNE pic.twitter.com/vQTnhBwf0r

— Consul General of Spain in Miami (@ConEspMiami) March 19, 2025