Summary
Many people from Latin America are applying for Spanish citizenship because of a law that allows descendants of those who fled Spain during General Franco's rule to return. Over 2 million applications have been filed, and Spanish consulates are struggling to keep up with the demand. The deadline for applications was October 22, but processing the applications will take a long time due to the high number of people applying.
Key Facts
- The Democratic Memory Law lets descendants of people who left Spain during Franco's dictatorship apply for Spanish citizenship.
- Over 2 million applications have been made, mainly from Cuba, Argentina, and Mexico.
- Spain's consulates are dealing with long waiting lists, and processing could take years.
- The law was introduced in October 2022 and expired in October 2025.
- More than 1.3 million people are still waiting for appointments to submit their applications.
- About half of the 1 million processed applications have been granted citizenship.
- The Spanish consular network is struggling due to the high volume of applications.
- Over 1 million applications came from Argentina, with significant numbers also from Cuba and Mexico.
