Obtain with us
European citizenship for Sephardic Jews
& Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews
The sephardi jew descendants
Portuguese nationality for Sephardic Jews
The designation of Sephardic Jews refers to the descendants of the ancient Jews and traditional Jewish communities of the Iberian Peninsula. The presence of these communities in the Iberian Peninsula is very old, and even before the formation of the Iberian Christian kingdoms, as was the case with Portugal.
Having these Jewish communities, from the late fifteenth century and after the Alhambra Edict of 1492, been the object of persecution by the Spanish Inquisition, many of its members took refuge then in Portugal.
However, King Manuel, who had initially issued a law that guaranteed their protection, he ordered the expulsion of all Sephardic Jews that did not apply to the Catholic baptism five years later (1497).
In 2015 the Portugueese government approved a law decree (no. 30-A/2015, of 27 February 2015) that changes different aspects of Portuguese nationality, so then the Portugueese government does not discriminate any descendants of Sephardic Jewish anymore. If you are a descendant of Sephardic Jewish you can apply.
Legal requeriments
Naturalization to the descendants of Sephardic Jews
Adult or emancipated
Not have been convicted*
Descendants or family from the Sephardic Portuguese origin community
Authenticated documentary records or issued by the Jewish community
* with final judgment of sentence for committing a crime punishable with a maximum prison sentence equal to or exceeding three years, under Portuguese law
Procedure steps to follow
Obtaining portuguese nationality
* In case any of the evidence is not correct it may be requested new one.
Document obtainment.
Necessary documents sent to Portugal (Documents and Requirements).
Power of attorney signed and sent to law office. Jewish community is obtained in Portugal or abroad.
Process is submitted.
Government analyses documents.
Process is dispatched and portuguese citizenship is obtained.
Cases handled
Cases accepted
Years of experience
I came to them on the recommendation of another descendant of Sephardic, also of Argentina. He told me they were the best working with Jews in Spain and I appreciate it.
Moises Ben Zaken
I got the Spanish nationality and I kept Argentina. I knew what it was the process with the notary but they offered me help with the process and they streamlined it.
Adrián Chocrón
I contacted them to get dual nationality. They helped me with notaries and legal procedures. Now I have a European passport and I keep the one from Venezuela.
Santos Benarroch
After citizenship is granted
Citizen card & Passport
After portuguese nationality is obtained, client can obtain citizen card or issue a portuguese passport.
Travel freely in Schenguen countries
Portuguese passport gives access to travel freely in Schenguen countries and UK, no need for visit visa.
Residence European permits
Access to residence permits to other European countries.
Need help?
Our law firm can assist you in all the steps of the process to obtain the portuguese citizenship.
We will provide you with all the necessary information you need to know to make sure your submission is complete and we will help you obtain the documents you need to apply.
Who is eligible to apply?
Who is eligible to apply?
The law offers Portuguese citizenship to Sephardic Jews. Descendants of Sephardic Jews are eligible to apply, provided they receive the endorsement of a Sephardic community.
Applicants must meet two conditions. First, they must be at least 18 years old or emancipated under Portuguese law. Second, they must not have any serious convictions on their criminal record. Those convicted of crimes punishable by three years imprisonment under Portuguese law are ineligible.
What are the requirements?
Applicants must be able to prove ties with a Portuguese Sephardic community. They must include a birth certificate, passport copy, and criminal record in the application.
A criminal record must be submitted for every country of nationality and residence. Applicants must also submit a document which shows their Portuguese Sephardic ancestry and tradition. Documents should be translated and certified.
How do you benefit?
This law presents a great opportunity for descendants of Sephardic Jews from Portugal. It creates a pathway for Portuguese citizenship to Sephardic Jews. It paves the way for descendants to develop a connection with their family history and legacy.
Approved applicants get the same benefits granted to citizens of European Union member countries. They will have the right to live, work, and travel freely in the Schengen Area.
How can applicants prove their sephardic ancestry?
Option 1
A certificate from a Sephardic community recognized under Portuguese law. For example, the community of Porto or Lisbon. This certificate confirms the applicants’ ties with a Portuguese Sephardic community. It does this using family name, language, lineage, and family memory. To obtain this certificate an applicant must provide evidence of relationship with that community. For example, a rabbi’s declaration, recordings or texts in Ladino, etc. If the government of Portugal suspects misrepresentation, it may request further evidence.
Option 2
A certified document from the applicant’s Jewish community. This document proves that the applicant uses Portuguese Sephardic languages, expressions, and rituals. They must be languages and practices used in the Portuguese Sephardic community, like Ladino.
Option 3
Certified documents which attest to the applicant’s family ties with Portuguese Sephardim. For example, property deed, will, record of family lineage, marriage certificate, death certificate, birth certificate, circumcision record, synagogue record, cemetery record, etc.
