Sephardic certificate portugal , former Portuguese colonies), other historical or genealogical records may be needed to establish your eligibility. But if the “certificate” can be backed up with primary sources, then the primary sources have value. Portuguese nationality for Sephardic Jews is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with cultural heritage, access a better life in Europe and strengthen the Jewish community in Portugal. See the documents below. The request to obtain the certificate must be addressed to the Jewish community of Porto or the Jewish Community of Lisbon. Nov 4, 2025 · What is Portuguese citizenship by descent? Portuguese nationality law allows individuals to become citizens of Portugal in two ways: Origin (through descent, passed from parent to child), or through acquisition (by marriage or naturalization). SEPHARDIC CERTIFICATES Portulive processes certificates of Sephardic genealogical origin for its clients. 💡 Historical family records, like the birth certificates of ancestors born in Spain or Portugal, are crucial for tracing your Sephardic background. Now you know how to get Portuguese citizenship through parents using descent, birth, adoption and even Sephardic Jewish ancestry. I got my CIL certificate today. The main step: the applicant who aims obtain Portuguese nationality must require a certificate to the Portuguese Jewish community. To prove Sephardic origin, an official certificate from one of the Jewish Communities of Portugal, Porto or Lisbon must be obtained. Some well-known communities include those in Lisbon, Porto, New York, and London. This certificate essentially vouches for your connection to the Sephardic diaspora and its historical ties to Portugal. While this may seem weak evidence, it definitely plays an important part in helping you further dig into your Sephardic Jewish lineage. In September 2016 my citizenship was awarded. Birth or marriage certificate, called “ketubah”, demonstrating the celebration in the Spanish tradition. Aug 13, 2024 · For instance, applicants of Sephardic Jewish descent must provide evidence of their Sephardic ancestry, such as a certificate from a recognized Sephardic community in Portugal. From eligibility requirements to application processes. The Portuguese law granting citizenship to Sephardim entered into force in March 2015. Nov 11, 2025 · As of 2025, the Sephardic Jewish citizenship route is now closed. These are namely, the Jewish Lisbon community and the Jewish Porto community. One of them is the Israelite Community of Lisbon in Portugal. Portugal offers citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Portugal in the 15th century, though requirements have changed significantly in recent years. Apr 29, 2022 · Obtaining Portuguese nationality for Sephardic Jews has never been easier! Check out the step-by-step guide along with our tips. This document serves the purpose of obtaining Portuguese Citizenship (Nationality), and taking into account the provisions of Decree-Law nº 30-A/2015 of 27 of February, the Jewish Community of Oporto (CIP) is issuing this CERTIFICATE that successfully brought about a positive conviction of the applicant identified above and that he is a direct An applicant's first step towards Portuguese citizenship will be the acquisition from a Sephardic Jewish community, of a certificate of origin. Nov 12, 2024 · Learn how to get a Portuguese passport through naturalization, descent, or investment. Sep 6, 2021 · What I learned when tracing my Portuguese family ancestry Without all the usual busyness of life during the pandemic, I decided to start documenting some of my family history. Learn how to become a citizen of Portugal with our detailed guide. You'd need to present your birth certificate, your criminal record, a certificate given to you by one of Portugal's Jewish communities (Lisbon or Oporto) and you will need to make an appeal to the Ministério da Justiça, where you state your ties to the Jewish Sephardic Oct 17, 2023 · Unlike Spain’s version, Portugal’s law was less stringent, demanding only a clear criminal record and verifiable Sephardic lineage certificate, typically vouched for by major Jewish I applied for Portuguese citizenship by Sephardic origin literally on august last year right before the change of the law, and the consulate here in Manchester accepted my application. Jun 2, 2025 · Discover how to become a Portuguese citizen in 2025. Apr 28, 2025 · In 2025, Portugal retains the status of one of the most accessible destinations for obtaining EU citizenship through the repatriation program for Sephardic Jews. Discover eligibility rules, required documents, and step-by-step guidance. Sep 19, 2022 · Nearly 200 million descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities around the world can now apply for a "Sephardic ancestry certificate," media reported on Monday. I've read similar posts here on Reddit but not a lot of personal experiences. Portuguese Criminal Record (which the applicant’s Lawyers may obtain for applicant in Portugal). This certificate attests his ties with a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin. Jan 19, 2022 · After being expelled from Portugal in 1496, descendants of Sephardic Jews now have a chance to gain citizenship via naturalization. If applying under special circumstances (e. Other Essential Documents: Don't forget to gather your birth certificate, criminal record, and passport photos. Mar 25, 2025 · Discover how to get Portugal citizenship in 2025, including benefits, requirements, investment options, timelines, and visa-free travel details. To obtain a Portuguese passport, Sephardic descendants need to prove their origins by obtaining a certificate from the Israeli community of Porto or Lisbon. Millions of descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jews, whose ancestors were forcibly converted from the 14th Century onwards, can now apply for a Certificate of Sephardic Ancestry, it was announced Monday. Applicants must meet two conditions. These certificates are issued by different entities and associations that group Sephardic communities. 3. Any other circumstance or condition that demonstrates clearly the Sephardic Jew condition of Spanish origin. Oct 17, 2022 · The Decree-Law n. I'm Mexican, and my Sephardic Jewish ancestor was born in 1551. Sep 27, 2022 · Initiatives help descendants of Crypto-Jews reconnect with stolen Sephardic heritage Certificate of Sephardic Ancestry validates identity, while an online ancestral database of 45,000 Sephardic According to what I just read, you would need to be over 18 and, of course, a descendant from Portuguese Sephardic Jews. 03, which introduces relevant changes added to all the previous requirements. Sep 10, 2025 · Certification from a Jewish Community: Obtain a certificate from a recognized Portuguese Jewish community, such as CIL (Lisbon) or CIP (Porto), verifying Sephardic heritage. Oct 24, 2025 · Descendant of Portuguese origin Member of a community of Portuguese descent Has rendered or rendered relevant services to the Portuguese State or national community Descendant of a Portuguese Sephardic Jew Ascendant of a Portuguese origin Foreigner, Born in the former colonies, who has remained, regardless of title, in Portugal since 25 April 1974 Jan 22, 2024 · Obtaining Portuguese citizenship through your parents opens a gateway to various opportunities, from visa-free travel to a high quality of life and more. Eligibility and pathways for jews in Portugal: adults, minors, spouses, and marriages. 4 Dec 24, 2021 · In March 2015, Portugal enacted legislation to restore the right of Sephardi Jews to Portuguese citizenship that did not require them to live in Portugal or speak Portuguese. Portugal currently has a law that allows descendants of Sephardic Jews to apply for Portuguese citizenship without taking any tests or residing in the country. Next, there is an Jul 12, 2021 · The Portuguese citizenship law accepts your certificate from any approved Sephardic community in Portugal. Essential documents include an apostilled birth certificate, parents' birth or baptism records, certified Sephardic origin certificate, apostilled criminal records translated into Portuguese, and a valid passport copy. Find out more! Contact us. Dec 19, 2019 · Until recently, there were only two Jewish communities which had received official recognition from the government of Portugal for the purpose of issuing Sephardic heritage certificates used for the Portuguese citizenship process: The Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa (CIL), and the Comunidade Israelita do Porto (CIL). Unlock EU benefits with this step-by-step guide. * Article originally published in May 2017; requirements for this law are in flux Spanish and Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews Within the last three years, Spain and Portugal have begun to offer citizenship to the descendants of Sephardic Jews who were exiled during the religious persecutions of the Jul 22, 2025 · In recognition of this long history of exile and persecution, Portugal passed the Sephardic Nationality Law in 2015, which allows descendants of Sephardic Jews to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Dec 15, 2019 · Until recently, there were only two Jewish communities which had received official recognition from the government of Portugal for the purpose of issuing Sephardic heritage certificates used for the Portuguese citizenship process: The Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa (CIL), and the Comunidade Israelita do Porto (CIL). Besides having standardised the regulation in light of amendments made to the Nationality Law, it has also changed the requirements for naturalization of foreigners who are descendants of Sephardic Jews Oct 18, 2023 · Unlike Spain’s version, Portugal’s law was less stringent, demanding only a clear criminal record and verifiable Sephardic lineage certificate, typically vouched for by major Jewish In the following section, we go through each of the 5 main pathways for how to get citizenship in Portugal: naturalization, citizenship by descent, citizenship for Sephardic Jews, and citizenship by marriage. c) Certificate issued by a Jewish Community in Portugal (Lisbon or Oporto) d) Authenticated Copy of the Passport (All the pages) This is done by the Portuguese Embassy in Israel or in the Portuguese Embassy in which country the person lives. The ancestor may not have been of Sephardic Jewish origin, but the possibility deserves investigation. Obtain a Certificate of Sephardic Jewish Descent: This certificate must be issued by a recognized Jewish community in Portugal, such as the Lisbon or Porto Jewish Community. Nov 11, 2025 · Learn how to obtain Portugal Citizenship by Descent. But Lisbon and Porto interpreted the law differently. Therefore, from 1st September 2022 onwards, it will be necessary to submit a certificate of Certificates of Sephardic ancestry and ‘Surname Reports ‘ Proper genealogy adheres to codes such as the Genealogical Proof Standard and the Code of Conduct of the Sephardic Genealogical Society, which require evidence for every genealogical claim. Children and grandchildren of Portuguese nationals born abroad can acquire citizenship. This website is a genealogical resource for people researching their Sephardic Jewish ancestry from Spain and Portugal, a land known by Jews as Sefarad. Certifying your sephardic origin by a certificate issued by a Sephardic Jewish entity from a foreign country. º 237-A/2006 and other regulations. However, it is still possible for those with Sephardic Jewish heritage to move to Portugal and obtain citizenship through naturalization. Nov 26, 2024 · The new law maintains the possibility for Sephardic descendants to acquire Portuguese nationality but introduces more stringent requirements. A more specific path is offered to Sephardic Jews, who can apply for a Portuguese passport if they are descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal. e) Application Form filled in Portuguese + A Signature Recognition by the Portuguese Embassy. One is the Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa (CIL) and the other is the Comunidade Israelita do Porto (CIP). The Hebrew word "Sepharad" literally means "Spain," but it came to encompass the entire region, including Portugal. This means that children of Portuguese parents or grandparents may apply for citizenship, provided they can prove their lineage or ancestral ties and Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews Our firm is leader in dealing with all bureaucracy related to the process of acquiring European nationality. If you are a descendant of Sephardic Jewish you can apply. The organisation says it has based its position on a lengthy study carried out by its legal services to present its understanding and position on […] Jul 20, 2025 · Gathering Proof of Sephardic Descent: Begin by gathering all necessary documentation proving your Sephardic ancestry. It is estimated that around 30,000 Sephardic people have received Portuguese citizenship to date. A report that credits the belonging of the applicant surnames into the Sephardic lineage of Spanish origins. Apr 9, 2025 · Descent. The certification process thoroughly examines applicants' family names, family trees, religious and cultural . Learn how to apply from the United States of America. Certificate from a Jewish Community: A certificate from either the Jewish Community of Lisbon or the Jewish Community of Porto attesting to your Sephardic ancestry. Get in touch with us today to get a free consultation from our citizenship lawyers. This includes birth certificates, marriage records, and historical evidence linking your lineage to Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal or Spain during the Inquisition. Mar 1, 2018 · 1. Establishing this familial link requires official birth certificates and other genealogical documents proving direct lineage. Now, there is a third, called the Comunidade Judaica de Belmonte (CJB Jan 28, 2024 · However, proof of tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin will be subject to a restrictive change compared to what currently occurs: if, until now, it is demonstrated through the presentation of a certificate from one of the two Sephardic communities in Portugal, when the new changes come into force, this Dec 22, 2021 · Applicants need a certificate of Sephardism, which can be obtained through the Portuguese Jewish communities or the communities of origin of the applicants abroad. Apr 2, 2022 · These people requested certificates of Sephardic heritage from the Oporto Rabbinate in order to request Portuguese nationality. Descendants of Sephardic Jews may be eligible for Spanish or Portuguese citizenship. So, while digging up old family documents is crucial, getting that certificate is the official stamp of approval you need to move forward. Once obtained, the applicant should send the document to the Jewish community in either Porto or Lisbon. Marriage. 6 days ago · Millions of descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jews, whose ancestors were forcibly converted from the 14th Century onwards, can now apply for a Certificate of Sephardic Ancestry, it was announced Monday. The short answer is that the “certificate” is worthless. Discover everything you need to know about Portuguese Sephardi citizenship with this comprehensive information guide. This right is established in Article 6, no. An applicant's first step towards Portuguese citizenship will be the acquisition from a Sephardic Jewish community, of a certificate of origin. 2) After you receive the Certificate from the Jewish Community in Portugal (if you got your approval), you should order your CRIMINAL RECORD CERTIFICATE from the police and get your BIRTH CERTIFICATE and take both documents to Apostille in Jerusalem (Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Misrad Harutz). Key changes include:descendência de judeus sefarditas, introduzida em 2015, foi uma f What do you need to apply? Certificate of Sephardic origin from the Portuguese Jewish Community, which proves the Sephardic lineage. Citizenship Through Naturalisation (Living in Portugal) This is the most straightforward path to Portuguese citizenship—live in Portugal legally for a set period, learn basic Portuguese, and Nov 9, 2025 · What is Portuguese Sephardic citizenship, and why does it matter? "Sephardic" refers to the Jewish communities that originated in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). Step 2: Obtain a Certificate from a Jewish Community in Portugal: Contact a recognized Jewish community in Portugal and request a certificate confirming your Sephardic ancestry. There are a few steps to obtaining Portuguese Nationality and a Passport. A certificate of Sephardic Jewish descent obtained from a recognized Jewish community in Portugal Proof of ongoing family ties to Sephardic heritage, like Ladino language use or shared traditions Dec 19, 2019 · Until recently, there were only two Jewish communities which had received official recognition from the government of Portugal for the purpose of issuing Sephardic heritage certificates used for the Portuguese citizenship process: The Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa (CIL), and the Comunidade Israelita do Porto (CIL). The nationality application process has two main stages. “A little of Portugal’s promising future passes through this office. Jews of this origin are known as Sephardim (singular: Sephardi) or as Sephardic Jews. What kind of sources? For people with recent Jewish ancestry, it could be as simple as “so and so was buried in a Jewish cemetery,” here are the documents proving that Jews of Sephardic descent can apply for Portuguese citizenship under a law introduced in 2015. My last name Is very similar to some Sephardic surnames and my families history is linked to Spain, so i figured it was worth some digging. Portuguese citizenship for descendants of Sephardic Jews was introduced in 2015 as historical reparation for the expulsion during the Inquisition. Aug 25, 2025 · CIL Certificate Processing: The review and issuance of the Sephardic origin certificate by the CIL typically takes between 6 and 8 months. Eligibility and pathways for adults, minors, spouses, and marriages. Citizenship by marriage is available to spouses of Portuguese citizens. Dec 20, 2024 · Jewish community certificate with religious-related status in Portugal, in accordance with the law in force at the date of entry of the Regulation, proving Sephardic Jewish lineage of Portuguese origin via surname, family language, genealogy, and family memory. 2. These communities thrived for centuries, developing a unique culture, language (Ladino, or Discover everything you need to know about Portuguese Sephardi citizenship with this comprehensive information guide. For those with Sephardic Jewish ancestry, Portuguese citizenship requirements focus on a real connection to those roots and an uninterrupted connection to your heritage. The Jewish Community of Porto has issued over 300,000 certificates granting Portuguese nationality to descendants of Sephardic Jews over the past 3 years. Historical Context Mar 19, 2025 · Portugal’s Jewish community once played a vital role in shaping the country’s culture, economy, and identity. This document describes the 5 steps of the process to obtain Portuguese nationality through Sephardic ancestry, including genealogical research, a certificate from the Jewish community of Lisbon, an application to the Ministry of Justice of Portugal, and the final issuance of the Portuguese birth certificate. Jan 12, 2024 · How to prove Sephardic ancestry Many people’s starting point in researching Sephardic Jewish ancestry is the discovery of an ancestor with a Spanish or Portuguese (or sometimes Arabic or Hebrew) surname. " These are the Sep 10, 2025 · 1. The most significant challenge for many applicants will be the new residence requirement, as many potential applicants may not currently live in Portugal or plan to do so. º 26/2022 of March 18 amended the Portuguese Nationality Regulation. You can read about it here at the Portuguese US Embassy's site. Who issues it? Jewish Communities of Porto and Lisbon What documents do you need to gather? Apr 28, 2022 · New rules will be enforced for the acquisition of Portuguese nationality, through naturalization, granted to descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews, according to the regulation implemented by Law Decree number 26/2022 of 18. Once said certificate of Sephardic origin is obtained, the interested party may formalize the application for Portuguese nationality by presenting it at the Civil Registry offices of the Ministry of Justice of Portugal. Oct 3, 2022 · Also make sure you have the following documents available: your permit for residence, passport, birth certificate, a certificate proving lack of criminality received from Portuguese law enforcement/the country you currently live in or were born in, and any document proving your Sephardic Jewish-Portuguese heritage. 💡 A widely used method for establishing Sephardic roots is through DNA testing, which helps map your family tree and pinpoint possible Sephardic connections. Ministry of Justice Review: This is the longest and most Jan 14, 2020 · How can I apply? There are two ways to apply for the portuguese nationality if you are a sephardic jew: Certifying your sephardic origin by a certificate issued by a Sephardic Jewish entity from Portugal. To quickly obtain the info you need, jump to the appropriate section below to learn how to obtain Portuguese citizenship. A certificate from a Sephardic community recognized under Portuguese law This certificate confirms that the applicant is a descendant of Portuguese Sephardim and is issued by an officially recognized Portuguese Sephardic community in Portugal. On the internet there are many lists of names and surnames that are of The process of obtaining Portuguese nationality for descendants of Sephardic Jews. Learn all about the changes to the Portuguese Nationality Law in 2025 and how they impact the ways you can become a Portuguese citizen. Nov 13, 2025 · Obtain a Certificate from a Jewish Community: This is generally the first and most important step. While, until now, it has been verified by the presentation of a certificate from one of the two Sephardic communities in Portugal, with the new amendments coming into effect, that certificate will now be subject to final approval by an evaluation committee appointed by the Ministry of Justice. g. 37/81. 7 of the aforementioned law, by demonstrating the tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin. But its loose rules allowed a lucrative business to emerge, which is now at the heart Apr 28, 2021 · The Portuguese “Law of Return”, which allows the descendants of Sephardi (hailing from Spain and Portugal) Jews and Conversos (Jews forcefully converted Christianity) to obtain Portuguese Dec 20, 2023 · Initially, the Portuguese government gave community leaders significant discretion to determine Sephardic ancestry. To start the process of obtaining Portuguese citizenship for Sephardim, you will only need to provide a copy of the following documents: first page of your passport, birth certificate, proof of residence and a certificate issued by the rabbi or president of the Jewish-Sephardic (Orthodox community) corresponding to your place of residence indicating that you are of Jewish and Sephardic origin. Sephardic descendants can apply now for Portuguese nationality. The original approval The approval translated Current passport Criminal record certificate issued by Portuguese authorities, your country of residence, or by authorities in the country you were born Jewish community certificate proving Sephardic Jewish lineage of Portuguese origin. Rembrandt, The Jewish Bride Sephardic Jewish Diasporas Sephardic Jews formed three often overlapping Dec 15, 2019 · Portugal For Portugal's purposes, there are currently only two entities that can issue certificates recognized by the Portuguese government for the purposes of proving Sephardic origins for a citizenship application. What is Portugal’s Sephardic Citizenship Program? Portugal’s Sephardic Citizenship Program offers a path to citizenship for descendants of Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Portugal in the late 15th century. This certificate attests to ties with a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin. In 2024, the requirements have changed, as we will explain The Community of Israelis of Lisbon (CIL) has made an official statement regarding the changes introduced to the Portuguese Nationality Regulation, concerning the naturalisation regime of descendants of Sephardic Jews. The applicable Portuguese Law states the following: "The Portuguese Government may grant nationality to descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews who demonstrate a traditional connection to a Community with Portuguese Sephardic origins, based on proven objective requirements of a connection with Portugal, such as family names, family language, direct or collateral ancestry. Can minors apply? Aug 10, 2025 · This includes descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal, requiring proof of a connection to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, under Law No. Applicants needed a certificate of Sephardism, which can be obtained through the Portuguese Jewish communities or their communities of origin. Since 2015, this program has allowed individuals with Sephardic heritage to reclaim Portuguese citizenship, providing a way to reconnect with their ancestral roots and access Feb 13, 2025 · The Portuguese government offers a special path to citizenship for descendants of Sephardic Jews, requiring certification from Jewish communities and specific documentation - here is the key context and information you need. Learn the requirements, benefits, and application steps in this step-by-step guide. Certificate issued by the Israeli community in Lisbon or Porto. Discover a diverse collection of books and talks crafted by our dedicated staff and partners of the Certificate of Sephardic Ancestry, inspired by conferences, research, and personal narratives. However, significant changes took effect in 2024, with stricter requirements. It qualifies me for Portuguese citizenship. Nov 13, 2025 · Certificate from a Jewish Community: A certificate from either the Jewish Community of Lisbon or the Jewish Community of Porto attesting to your Sephardic ancestry. Portuguese nationality for sephardic jews. But five centuries ago, the nation made a tragic mistake: it expelled, persecuted, or forcibly converted its Jewish population. All of these paths are for non-EU citizens. Click now to read the full guide! So I'm working on a tree for someone that is interested in claiming citizenship through that 2015 law from Portugal for descendants of Sephardic Jews. The records of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation of London – now Aug 22, 2020 · Before being able to apply for Portuguese nationality by Sephardic origin, it is necessary to have a certificate issued by a Jewish community indicating that you are indeed a descendant of a Sephardic Jew, although in order to prove this, several studies and tests are required to determine your genealogical relationship. Nov 13, 2025 · Certificate from a Jewish Community: Obtain a certificate from a recognized Sephardic Jewish community that confirms your membership and attests to your Sephardic ancestry. The ultimate guide for Portugal Citizenship for Sephardi Jews guided by a lawyer. In 2013, in an effort to right this historical wrong, Portugal introduced Law Decree 43/2013, granting Portuguese citizenship to Sephardic Jews. The majority have descended from Sephardic families that lived for centuries in the Balkans, Middle East, and North Africa. Oct 4, 2025 · Discover the requirements and procedure for obtaining Portuguese citizenship. Sep 21, 2022 · The certificates to be issued to these non-Jews but descendants of Sephardic Jews will have a cost - a mandatory fee that will be between 76 and 152 euros per applicant -, something similar to the certificates that are issued in the Jewish world to Jews. Sephardi Jew here who is involved in a Sephardi synagogue. Apr 15, 2023 · A year and a bit later than 11 March 2022, when dozens of policemen fiercely invaded Oporto’s great synagogue, the Jewish Community of Oporto wrote to the Presidents of Israel and Portugal, Isaac Herzog and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, respectively, to inform them that the police had forgotten to take Roman Abramovich’s certification process. Now, there is a third, called the Comunidade Judaica de Belmonte (CJB Mar 7, 2024 · Explore the step-by-step process to obtain Portuguese citizenship via Sephardic lineage. The Portuguese Nationality Law continues to provide this possibility for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews in 2024. By following this step-by-step process and fulfilling the requirements, Sephardic Jews can obtain Portuguese nationality and enjoy the many benefits it offers. Submitting the Application: Complete the application form provided by the Portuguese authorities. I applied to receive my Portuguese citizenship as a Sephardi Jew on November 2015. Some groups and individuals offer certificates of Sephardic ancestry or surname reports. The process was sent to the two statesmen, as were May 2, 2023 · The deadline for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews to apply for nationality under the current regime is December of this year, as the Government considers that the law has fulfilled its aim of historical reparation. Now, there is a third, called the Comunidade Judaica de Belmonte (CJB Portugal The Nationality Law of Portugal establishes that the Government may grant Portuguese nationality to the descendants [Jews or non-Jews] of Portuguese Sephardic Jews, based on objective requirements of a connection with Portugal, such as surnames or family language. Nov 13, 2025 · This certificate essentially vouches for your connection to the Sephardic diaspora and its historical ties to Portugal. We offer professional representation in Portugal, enabling you to complete the entire process without traveling. Considering this historical heritage, the Portuguese Citizenship Act (Lei da Nacionalidade) was amended as to permit the acquisition of Portuguese citizenship by the descendants of Portugal’s Sephardic Jews. Dec 23, 2021 · Discovering the Spanish or Portuguese Last Name One of the most basic ways to prove your Sephardic Jewish Ancestry is discovering that one or more of your ancestors have a Portuguese or Spanish last name. First, an applicant needs a certificate confirming Sephardic ancestry from either the Jewish Community of Lisbon (CIL) or the Jewish Community of Porto (CIP). Always stay updated on the specific criteria that fits your needs. º 30-A/2015 in 2015, amending Decreto-Lei n. The initiative was launched by the American Sephardic Federation’s Institute of Jewish Experience, Reconectar, which helps descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities Certificate from a Jewish Community: A certificate from either the Jewish Community of Lisbon or the Jewish Community of Porto attesting to your Sephardic ancestry. An expert guide on obtaining Portugal Sephardic Citizenship, including the evidence required, who can apply, and how the law has changed. Include In practice, we could split the application process for Portuguese Nationality into three different procedures: – The initial procedure consists in the application for the Sephardic certificate of origin before one of the Portuguese Israeli communities legally authorized to issue it. Sep 18, 2022 · Jerusalem Post / Diaspora Sephardic Jewish ancestry certificate now open for millions of applicants Recent research has demonstrated that as many as 200 million people in the Americas and Europe This certificate essentially vouches for your connection to the Sephardic diaspora and its historical ties to Portugal. Portugal is excepting Sephardic Jewish descendants from Spain or Portugal for citizenship. Recent genetic research The ultimate guide for Portugal Citizenship for Sephardi Jews. Jul 7, 2022 · In its official statement, CIL expresses that, in their point of view, the application for Portuguese citizenship commences when the applicant requests the Sephardic Ascendency Certificate at the Portuguese Jewish Community and not just when one files the citizenship application at the competent public authority IRN - Instituto dos Registos e Are you looking to acquire Portugal citizenship? Here's a breakdown of the benefits, eligibility, application process, and visa options. Feb 27, 2023 · A 2013 law was supposed to make it easier for descendants of expelled Portuguese Jews to obtain citizenship. Details are provided about the requirements, estimated times, and costs of each stage. The burden of proof is on the applicant Mar 25, 2022 · The nationality concession in Portugal was introduced under Decreto-Lei n. Jun 11, 2015 · Translation into Portuguese of the above mentioned birth certificate issued within the previous six months and certified by the Portuguese Consulate of the country of origin of the document in question. There is a real window of opportunity for Sephardi Jews to obtain an EU passport quite easily. Special form Identification document Birth registration certificate Certificate issued by a Jewish community attesting to the tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese originCertificate issued by a Jewish community attesting to the applicant's tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, materialized, namely, in the applicant's surname, family Portugal currently has a law that allows descendants of Sephardic Jews to apply for Portuguese citizenship without taking any tests or residing in the country. We help descendants of Sephardic Jews obtain Portuguese citizenship with the help of our Sephardic lawyers. Contact a recognized Sephardic Jewish community in your country or region and inquire about their process for issuing certificates of Sephardic ancestry. Sephardic genealogy is a door into your family history. One of my mom’s … Mar 23, 2025 · Descendants of Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th century can apply by showing a documented link to a recognized Sephardic community and related genealogical proof—consult the requirements for Sephardic Jews on Jewish Heritage Europe. Apr 19, 2024 · Portuguese citizenship for Jews became available in 2015, as the government seeks to correct a historical injustice. Here's everything you need to know about Portugal citizenship by descent, including eligibility, requirements, and the application process. October 2022 – For the first time ever, the tens of millions of descendants of Spanish and Portuguese Jewish communities, whose ancestors were forcibly converted from the 14th Century onwards, can now apply for and receive a Certificate of Sephardic Ancestry. Your certificate can be based on surname, language, family tree, or reliant upon what your ancestors say.