Call for applications to request financial aid for descendants of Spaniards

The Añoranza-Asturias program opens its call for elderly Asturian emigrants in Latin America.

The Principality of Asturias has launched a new call for proposals of the Yearning-Asturias Program, aimed at Asturian emigrants over 65 years old who reside in Latin America and wish to temporarily return to their homeland.

This initiative aims to facilitate the reunion with their roots through an in-kind aid that covers transportation and accommodation in Asturias.

¿Quiénes pueden solicitar esta ayuda?

To be eligible for the program, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:

• Being a native of Asturias or having had the last administrative residency in an Asturian municipality.
• Reside in Latin America, specifically in Central America, South America, Mexico or the Greater Antilles.
• To have 65 years or older at the time of the publication of the call.
• Not having traveled to Spain during the following periods:
  • 15 years if the applicant's age is equal to or greater than 81 years.
  • 20 years if the applicant's age is between 65 and 80 years.
• Do not exceed the income threshold set in the call.
• Estar registered in the Register of Spaniards Resident Abroad (PERE) from Asturias.
• Not having participated in this or other similar programs.

Deadline and procedure for the application

The application period will be open from March 7 to April 3, 2025They are counted. 20 business days from the day following the publication of the summary of the call in the Official Bulletin of the Principality of Asturias.

The application can be submitted in two ways:

1. Presencialmente, at the Citizen Service Offices or at the Assistance Offices for Registry matters of the Principality of Asturias.
2. Electronically, through the Electronic Registry of the Principality of Asturias or through the General Electronic Registry of the State Administration.

For those residing in Latin American countries and choosing to send the documentation by postal mail or courier companies, applications will be accepted if the postage date is within the established deadline, even if they arrive at the Consulate Registry with a maximum delay of five business days.

Selection criteria and number of positions

The program will finance a maximum of 8 placesIn the event that the number of applications exceeds this figure, selection criteria will be applied based on:

1. Applicant's age (up to 10 points): Priority will be given to older individuals.
2. Long time without traveling to Spain (up to 10 points): Preference will be given to those who have gone the longest without returning.
3. Per capita income of the family unit (up to 10 points): Preference will be given to those with fewer economic resources.

If a tie still persists after applying these criteria, priority will be given to the person with lower income and, as a last measure, a will be carried out raffle.

Exceptional cases and expansion of beneficiaries

If, after evaluating all applications, there are vacant spots, they may be granted to:

• Descendants of Asturians with Spanish nationality from birth and who meet the program requirements.
• Spouses or domestic partners of the applicants listed in the application as accompanying persons and who meet the established requirements.

Necessary documentation

Applicants must submit various documents proving their identity, residence, and financial situation. Among them:

• Copy of valid passport (with at least six months of validity after the completion of the program).
• Certificate of registration in the Register of Spaniards Resident Abroad (PERE).
• Responsible declaration for not having traveled to Spain within the stipulated deadlines.
• Documentation proving economic income from all members of the household in the previous year.
• Medical certificate that guarantees that the applicant is in optimal condition to travel, does not suffer from infectious-contagious diseases or psychophysical disorders that could affect group coexistence.
• Proof of residence documentation in Latin America.
• Declaration of not having received other aid for the same purpose.

Resolution deadlines and available appeals

The administration has a deadline of six months to resolve the request. If no response has been received after this period, it will be understood that it has been denied due to administrative silence.

In case of dismissal, the applicant may file an optional appeal for reconsideration before the same body that issued the resolution.

A reunion with Asturian roots

The Yearning-Asturias Program It is a key initiative for older Asturian emigrants, who have been away for decades, to be able to return to their homeland and reunite with family and friends.

Given the reduced number of seats and the usual demand for this type of aid, it is recommended that interested parties submit their application within the established deadline and meet all the requirements to increase their chances of being selected.