Introduction
Spain is considering extending the processing period for citizenship applications under the ‘Grandchildren’s Law’ until 2028, responding to overwhelming demand and consular appointment bottlenecks. While the deadline to submit applications remains October 25, 2025, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggests that the review and approval process could continue for an additional three years.
For thousands of applicants—many of them in Latin America—this potential extension provides a crucial window of opportunity to secure Spanish nationality, despite administrative delays.
Key Takeaways
- Spain may extend the processing of citizenship applications under the ‘Grandchildren’s Law’ until 2028 due to high demand.
- Applicants must secure a consular appointment before October 25, 2025, to ensure their case is reviewed.
- Consulates, especially in Latin American countries, face major backlogs, making appointment slots difficult to obtain.
- Those with confirmed appointments by the deadline will have additional time to submit any required documents.
- Spain’s decision to extend the processing window aims to assist descendants of Spaniards facing administrative hurdles.
Why Spain Is Extending Citizenship Processing
The ‘Grandchildren’s Law’, officially part of the Democratic Memory Law, was introduced to allow descendants of Spaniards forced into exile to reclaim their Spanish nationality. Since its implementation, demand for citizenship has far exceeded expectations, with consular services struggling to accommodate the surge in applications.
According to Periodico Cubano, thousands of applicants, particularly in Latin America, face difficulties securing appointments due to limited consular capacity. Spain’s response? Allow more time to process the backlog while keeping the application deadline intact.
How to Qualify for the Processing Extension
The deadline for submitting an application remains October 25, 2025, but there’s a critical requirement:
✅ Applicants must secure an appointment with a Spanish consulate before this date.
Those who successfully book their appointment before the deadline will have their applications reviewed—even if the final approval takes place as late as 2028. This means that while submission deadlines are firm, processing delays will not prevent eligible applicants from obtaining their citizenship.
Challenges Faced by Applicants
The biggest issue remains appointment availability. In many Latin American countries, where demand is highest, Spanish consulates are struggling to manage the flood of applications. Delays in appointment scheduling could mean many eligible descendants risk missing the deadline not because they lack qualifications, but because they simply cannot book a slot on time.
Opinion: A Step in the Right Direction—But More Needs to Be Done
Spain’s decision to extend processing until 2028 is a necessary and logical move, given the backlog. However, it does not solve the root problem:
⚠️ Consular appointment shortages remain a major barrier for applicants.
⚠️ No guarantee exists that all qualified individuals will get an appointment before 2025.
⚠️ More resources and staffing are needed in consulates to speed up the process.
If Spain is serious about honoring the rights of descendants of Spanish exiles, it must also address the accessibility issue—ensuring that securing an appointment isn’t a race against time.
Conclusion
The potential extension of the ‘Grandchildren’s Law’ processing window until 2028 is a positive step for applicants facing administrative bottlenecks. While the submission deadline of October 25, 2025, remains unchanged, those who secure consular appointments before this date will have their cases reviewed over the following years.
However, the appointment shortage remains a major challenge. Spain’s commitment to reconnecting with its diaspora must include practical solutions—ensuring that every eligible applicant has a fair chance to reclaim their Spanish nationality.
Source – schengen.news
