The Government of Spain, under the Democratic Memory Act, has granted Spanish nationality to 36,041 descendants of exiles who had to emigrate to Chile during the Spanish War and the Franco dictatorship.
According to official data, as of July 31, 2025, there have been 44,181 petitions, and there are already 9,310 children and grandchildren of Spanish emigrants to Chile registered and have a passport.
“Chile saved them. He provided them with a home. His sons and daughters grew up here. Their grandchildren and grandchildren. The Chilean people allowed them to rebuild their lives. And they also contributed to making this country bigger with their efforts,” said the minister, accompanied by the Secretary of State for Democratic Memory, Fernando Martínez; the Secretary of State for Territorial Policy, Arcadi Spain; and the Ambassador of Spain in Chile, Laura Oroz.