The Democratic Memory Law, or Ley de Memoria Democrática in Spanish, is a law enacted in Spain that grants several additional groups of people the ability to apply for Spanish citizenship. Through the law, also known as the Grandchildren’s Law, or Ley de Nietos in Spanish, those born outside Spain and who have a Spanish parent or grandparent may apply for Spanish citizenship. In today’s article, we will discuss the relevance of this law and translation procedures related to it.
The Democratic Memory Law was approved on October 19, 2022. Under the law, three main groups of people can apply for citizenship:
Persons born outside of Spain with a parent or grandparent who were originally Spanish, and persons born outside of Spain with a parent or grandparent who were originally Spanish and that may have lost or renounced their Spanish citizenship as a result of having suffered exile for political, ideological, religious or sexual orientation reasons.
Children born abroad to Spanish women who lost their citizenship due to marrying foreigners before the Constitution of 1978 took effect.
Adult children of Spaniards who had their nationality by origin recognized by virtue of the right of option in accordance with the provisions of the Democratic Memory Law (Law 20/2022) or the so-called Historical Memory Law (Law 52/2007).
It is important to understand the law and the implications for your particular case. When applying for Spanish citizenship under this law, it is also important to understand what documents are required. Any documents in a language other than Spanish will need to be translated to Spanish and properly certified according to Spanish law. CSH Translation is an approved translation partner of the Spanish Consulate General in Miami, and would be happy to assist you with the translation of documents for the Spanish Consulate.
It is also important to know that failure to bring all documents required will result in the Consulate imposing a 30-day period to provide the correct documentation. If after the 30 day period has passed, you have still not obtained the required documentation, the Spanish Consulate will consider your application withdrawn. Thus, it is very important to get your documents in order prior to making an appointment at the Consulate. Below are some helpful links with more information about the process. Please contact us with any questions at info@cshtranslation.com.
Important Links