The Consulate General of Spain in Cuba announced this Thursday the permanent activation of its new appointment scheduling system for applying for Spanish citizenship under the Democratic Memory Law.
According to the diplomatic mission explained on its website, this new system allows applicants to manage their credentials through an online form.
From now on, all appointments must be processed exclusively through this channel, and the old system of requesting via email has been permanently closed.
The institution warned that all credentials generated under the previous system will be eliminated starting from October 22, 2025.
However, he clarified that those who have already submitted their application using the previous method do not need to repeat the process, as they will receive their electronic receipt by email in chronological order, along with their username and password when appropriate.
Among the new features of the new system, it stands out that multiple applications can be sent from the same email address, provided that the applicants have permanent access to that address.
Una vez enviado el formulario, se emitirá automáticamente un resguardo con firma electrónica (CSV), que será válido incluso si la cita presencial ante el consulado ocurre después del 22 de octubre de 2025, mientras se mantenga la vigencia de la ley.
The Consulate reminded that it will continue to respect the order of requests made, both through the previous system and the new platform, and recommended that interested parties carefully review the data entered, as the validity of the process depends on the proper use of their credentials.
The new appointment system activated by the Consulate of Spain in Havana marks the latest chapter in a process that has been in constant evolution – and has also been widely criticized – since the implementation of the Democratic Memory Law.
Already in 2024, the elimination of old credentials had been announced in order to streamline the applications and enhance digital management. The goal was to organize a process that had become chaotic due to high demand.
The expectation among applicants is immense. More than 300,000 Cubans were in the application process by mid-March, a number that has continued to rise as the deadline for the law approaches.
The volume of applications has put significant pressure on the Spanish consular system on the island.
In light of this situation, the consulate announced a radical change in the system for May, establishing new validation methods and definitively closing previous mechanisms.
This transformation generated both relief and uncertainty among applicants who were already registered through previous means.
Tension has recently increased after the Consulate issued a statement warning about deadlines and validity of documents, reminding that credentials sent before the change would be validated in chronological order.
Nonetheless, many people are still not receiving answers, which has generated collective anxiety.
In this context, requests are increasing for the Spanish government to extend the law, amid concerns that thousands of applications may go unprocessed in time.
The applicants argue that the volume of pending proceedings and the rigidity of the current deadlines could exclude a significant number of descendants with a legitimate right to nationality.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Appointment System for Spanish Nationality in Cuba
What is the new appointment system for applying for Spanish nationality in Cuba?
The Consulate General of Spain in Cuba has implemented a new appointment request system to apply for Spanish nationality under the Law of Democratic Memory. This system operates through an online form that replaces the previous method of application via email.
What happens to the requests made in the previous system?
The credentials generated under the previous system will be eliminated starting October 22, 2025, but those who have already initiated their application do not need to repeat the procedure. They will receive their electronic receipt and access credentials in chronological order.
Until when can the application for Spanish nationality be submitted under the Law of Democratic Memory?
The deadline for submitting new applications is October 22, 2025. However, those who manage to start their file before this date can complete the process until 2028, provided they submit the necessary documentation within the established timeframe.
What are the main difficulties for Cubans when using the new appointment system?
The main challenge is the need for a stable internet connection, as the new system requires the uploading of documents in real time. ETECSA's limitations in Cuba can complicate access to the platform, increasing frustration among applicants.
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