Spanish Consulates Struggling With Over Half a Million Citizenship Applications Under 'Grandchildren's Law'

Over a Million Applications — Half Still Waiting

Spanish consulates around the world are struggling to process a flood of citizenship applications via the Grandchildren's Law (La Ley de Nietos), new figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have revealed.

In total, more than 1.17 million people have applied for citizenship via descent since 2021. Of those, more than half — 632,670 — are still awaiting a decision. Only 25% of all applications have been finally registered.

Where Are the Applications Coming From?

Four countries account for 72% of all applications:

• Argentina: 462,815 (across five consulates)
• Cuba: 137,770 (single consulate in Havana)
• Brazil: 137,322
• Mexico: 116,785

The United States and Chile each recorded over 50,000 applications, while France exceeded 25,000.

Near-Universal Approval — But Endless Waits

The good news: of applications processed so far, virtually all have been approved, with only 1.32% rejected. The bad news: 54% of applications are still waiting to be processed, leaving thousands in legal limbo around the world.

Many applicants have been waiting over a year just to secure an appointment. One Cuban applicant told El Diario: "For many families, this has become a bureaucratic nightmare and an ordeal of paperwork, administrative silence and emotional strain."

What Is the Grandchildren's Law?

The Law of Democratic Memory, in force since October 2022, offered a path to Spanish citizenship for descendants of Spaniards who fled during the Civil War and Franco's dictatorship. The application window closed in October 2025 after being extended by a year due to overwhelming demand.

The Spanish government estimates it received more than 1.5 million applications in total. Reports suggest the processing period could stretch on for years.

What's Being Done?

Government sources say "enormous efforts" have been made to increase consular staff numbers abroad — but the sheer volume of applications has overwhelmed the system. For now, applicants have little choice but to wait.

This article is based on reporting from The Local Spain and El Diario, published April 14, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only.