The territory contained in the province of Santander obtained a pre-autonomy regime in 1978.

The Statute of Autonomy, which came into force on January 11th, 1982, established in its final provision the change of name from Santander to Cantabria.

Cantabria was set up as an Autonomous Community under Organic Law 8/1981, December 30th (B.O.E. 11-1-82).