Two Spanish passports in a file photo Isaac Medina Alcazar (Getty Images)
The Spanish consulate in Argentina has announced a new deadline for naturalization applications for Argentines wishing to obtain Spanish citizenship. From January 12, the trial to which every child or grandchild of Spaniards who immigrated to the South American country as exiles during the Franco dictatorship is entitled will start in regular shifts. This power is granted by the recent Democratic Memory Act, popularly known as the Grandchildren Act, which came into effect at the end of October 2022. The advantage, unlike similar laws before this law, is that applicants do not have to live in Spain to verify permanent residency; can apply for citizenship from Argentine territory.
Who can get Spanish citizenship?
With the aim of restoring civil rights to the descendants of Spaniards fleeing Francoism, the Spanish government has made the requirements for applying for citizenship more flexible in this new law; for example, it has abolished the age limit for its applicants. According to current law, Spaniards are considered to be those whose families emigrated between the coup of July 18, 1936 and the promulgation of the 1978 Constitution, as well as the children of Spaniards married to foreigners before the decree of the said Magna Carta.
Rights of Beneficiaries of the Grandchildren Act
Argentine citizens who manage to obtain the Spanish citizenship passport have the civil rights prescribed by the European country’s current constitution. One of the most prominent, based on interest in migrating to Spain, relates to the labor market: Argentines of Spanish descent, who benefit from the current grandchildren law, can apply for employment in Spain and within the Schengen area, which comprises 26 countries Europe.
Documents and requirements of the Grandchildren Law for the process of Spanish citizenship
The Spanish nationalization process must be carried out at the Spanish Consulate in Argentina. By appointment, the applicant can visit any of the five consular offices in the South American country, located in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza and Bahía Blanca.
The general documents required by the Spanish consulate to obtain citizenship depend on the following cases:
Children of Spanish emigrants:
- Applicant’s birth certificate.
- Birth certificate issued by the Spanish registry office of the father or mother.
Grandchildren of Spanish emigrants:
- Applicant’s birth certificate.
- Birth certificate issued by the Spanish registry office of the father or mother and grandfather or grandmother.