With the end of the Grandchildren’s Law in October 2025, the path has changed. We map the routes that remain open — child of a Spaniard, the Civil Code and residence — and the right strategy for your case.
The Democratic Memory Law (Law 20/2022), known as the “Grandchildren’s Law”, permanently closed the window for new applications on 22 October 2025, with no extension. Those who filed within the deadline continue with their applications under normal processing.
For those who missed that window, recognition now depends on the general rules of the Civil Code — stricter and focused on the direct line — and on routes such as naturalization by residence (two years of legal residence for those born in Ibero-America). Defining the correct route is the first step, and it is where our assessment begins.
Every lineage is unique. The profiles below cover the main scenarios — an eligibility assessment confirms your specific case.
Option for Spanish nationality of origin for the child of a Spanish father or mother, through the permanent Civil Code route.
Those who applied under the Grandchildren’s Law within the deadline keep their application in progress — close follow-up is essential.
Naturalization after two years of legal residence in Spain for those born in Ibero-American countries.
Closed on 22/10/2025 — the consular system no longer registers files through this route.
Since 22/10/2025 no new applications are accepted under the Democratic Memory Law, and the Spanish government has confirmed there will be no extension. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren who did not file now depend on narrower Civil Code or residence routes. We assess which path is still viable for you.
The list varies by route and lineage. We handle record searches, corrections, sworn translation and apostille — end to end.
A structured process, led by our in-house legal team and sworn translators.
We review your lineage and existing documents to confirm your entitlement and the safest route — at no initial cost.
We locate historical certificates in Brazil and abroad, correcting inconsistent names, dates and spellings.
In-house sworn translators and the Hague Convention apostille, giving your file international legal validity.
Your dossier assembled in the required format, filed through the correct route and followed through to your passport.
Not for new applications. The deadline closed on 22/10/2025 with no extension. Those who filed within the deadline keep their application. For everyone else, we assess the permanent Civil Code and residence routes.
Recognition now depends on the general rules, which prioritize the direct line, or on prior recognition of your direct ancestor. We assess whether there is a viable path for your lineage.
Yes. The option for nationality of origin for children of Spaniards is a permanent Civil Code route and did not depend on the Grandchildren’s Law deadline.
Yes. People born in Ibero-American countries can naturalize after two years of legal residence in Spain, with documentary and language requirements.
It depends on the route and the consulate. Applications filed in the final rush of the Grandchildren’s Law face longer queues. We provide an estimate in your assessment.
Talk to a Santy specialist. We assess your lineage, identify the safest route and map out a realistic plan — with no obligation.
A fast reply from a specialist consultant.
Your data is handled under LGPD and GDPR, in strict confidence.
Each country has its own rules, deadlines and requirements. See which path could be yours.