Spain has recently announced the extension of the Grandchildren Law until October 2025, a move praised by Ángel Víctor Torres, the Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory. This legislation enables descendants of Spaniards who were exiled during the Civil War and Franco’s regime to acquire Spanish nationality, fostering deeper connections with the Spanish diaspora globally.
Originally set to expire in 2024, the law’s extension allows for additional time for applicants to complete their processes, thus integrating more fully into the Spanish community. The decision reflects Spain’s ongoing commitment to reconcile with its historical past and embrace citizens displaced by political turmoil.
Since its enactment on October 21, 2022, the law has seen significant interest. As of December 2023, over 226,000 descendants have applied for Spanish citizenship through this channel, with more than 110,540 applications approved and 69,421 registrations completed. This surge in applications underscores the profound impact of the law on reconnecting families with their Spanish roots.
The law not only covers the descendants of exiled Spaniards but also extends to children born abroad to Spanish women who lost their nationality due to marriage with foreigners before the 1978 Constitution, as well as adult children of Spaniards who have reclaimed their nationality.
In Buenos Aires alone, 1,588 Argentinians acquired Spanish nationality in May 2023 under this law, highlighting its widespread effect across the Spanish-speaking world. With ongoing processing and scheduled hearings, the impact of this legislative extension is expected to grow, reinforcing Spain’s role as a nurturing homeland for its global family.
