Spanish nationality through the Law of Grandchildren: How long does the process take?
There are various reasons to explore the option of obtaining a second passport. But whatever the reason, applying for Spanish nationality through the 2022 Democratic Memory Law, also known as the "Grandchildren Law," has become a highly sought-after option. Just over a year after its implementation, there are already more than 60 applications worldwide.
Considering this figure alone, we already have an indication that if I wish to take advantage of the possibilities offered by this law, I must begin the application process well in advance. Furthermore, and equally important, the "Grandchildren Law" has an expiration date , as its text itself states that it is valid until October 2024.
In any case, as has been pointed out, there are thousands of applications submitted to Hispanic consulates worldwide. This places a heavy workload on these offices, which in turn slows down all subsequent processes following the initial submission.
Along with considering this high demand at consular offices, it should also be taken into account that the requirements of the law itself require a search for background information and documentation, which in itself takes time.
The regulations state that for this procedure, you need the "full birth certificate" of your Spanish grandparent or great-grandparent. For Spanish consular services , this document is "an exact copy of the birth registration, containing all the information relating to the identity and the fact of birth."
In other words, you have to look for the document in the place where your ancestor's birth was registered, which can take weeks, and may not even be fruitful: it involves locating birth certificates in archives that are years and years old, and which may even have been destroyed over time.
In cases like that, the alternative is to look for the person's baptismal certificate in church archives, with similar time implications to those already mentioned.
At AIM Global, we understand the delays and difficulties associated with the process of obtaining Spanish citizenship through the Law of Grandchildren. That's why we offer ongoing support to our clients every step of the way.
Our team of expert advisors, both in Chile and in Europe, are very familiar with the procedures and their timelines, and we will be happy to support you and answer all your questions until you receive all your documentation.
Schedule a meeting with us now so we can answer your questions.
