The acquisition of Spanish nationality through the Democratic Memory Law (LMD) continues to mark a turning point in Spain’s nationality policy. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, as of March 31, 2026, more than 1.2 million applications have been filed, out of a total of 2.45 million people who have expressed interest in this process.
These figures reflect not only the scale of the measure, but also its real impact on thousands of families with historical ties to Spain.
⏺️ An unprecedented volume of applications
Since the LMD came into force in October 2022, the number of applications has far exceeded those submitted under the previous Historical Memory Law of 2007.
Between October 2022 and March 2026:
- More than double the number of applications compared to the previous law have been filed
- More applications have been approved than in the entire period between 2008 and 2024
- A total of 545,000 nationalities have already been granted
- More than 306,500 registrations have been completed in consular civil registries
This growth highlights two key realities: on the one hand, the strong demand for this type of process, and on the other, the need to strengthen administrative structures to effectively handle applications.
💡 If you would like to understand in detail how to apply for Spanish nationality by residence, including updated requirements, realistic processing times, and the most common mistakes, you can consult our Spanish Nationality Guide, where we explain the process step by step with a practical approach.
Spanish Nationality Guide 2026
⏺️ How can we support you at ARC Legal?
At ARC Legal, we provide comprehensive legal assistance in immigration and Spanish nationality matters, tailored to each client’s profile and personal circumstances.
We can assist you with:
- Spanish nationality applications
- Residence procedures in Spain (visas, initial permits, renewals, and modifications)
- Legal strategy and mid- to long-term immigration planning
- Review and preparation of application files for submission in Spain or through consulates
- Ongoing support throughout the entire process, from initial assessment to final resolution
Our approach is clear: to offer a structured, transparent service aligned with the practical reality of administrative procedures, so you can make informed decisions and move forward confidently with your immigration project.
Related publications
- Spanish nationality by residence | 2026 Guide
- Changes in nationality laws: what is happening in Portugal and the lesson for Spain
- Spanish nationality 2025: record applications and over 256,000 pending cases
¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Aquí te dejamos el link: Nacionalidad española: récord histórico de solicitudes bajo la Ley de Memoria Democrática
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and nationality regulations are subject to ongoing changes in interpretation and administrative practice. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep our content accurate and up to date based on official sources, but we always recommend consulting a specialized professional before initiating any procedure or making legal decisions. If you need personalized advice, feel free to contact our firm.