Portugal Sephardic Citizenship: Complete Guide 2025

Did you know that you can obtain European citizenship if you can prove your Portuguese Sephardic ancestry? According to Organic Law No.1/2013 of 29 July, descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled from Portugal in the 15th century can apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Having a European passport opens up new opportunities, including visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. Portugal is known for having the third most powerful passport in the world and is experiencing strong economic growth. Its stable political economy, widely spoken Portuguese language, and vibrant community make Portugal a great place to be.

This article contains all the information you need about applying for Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic people and their family members.

In this article, you’ll learn about:

• The law of Portuguese citizenship
• Portuguese citizenship requirements
• Obtaining citizenship for Sephardic Jews

History of Sephardic Jews in Portugal

The history of Sephardic Jewish communities in the Iberian Peninsula goes back hundreds of years, before the foundation of the Christian Iberian kingdoms.

After the Alhambra Edict of 1492 up until the late fifteenth century, many of these Jewish communities became the subject of persecution under the Spanish Inquisition, at which point many took refuge in Portugal.

King Manuel I, who initially issued a law guaranteeing their protection, later rescinded and ordered the expulsion of all Jews who did not undergo Catholic baptism, known as the Alhambra Decree. This led to the expulsion of tens of thousands of Portuguese Sephardic Jews from Portugal during the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries.

These communities then established themselves in other countries, such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Turkey, parts of North Africa, and later in the Americas, such as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and the US.

What is the law for Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic Jews?

Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic Jews has historically been available as a form of historical reparation for descendants of those expelled from Portugal in the 15th century. However, recent changes in Portuguese law have significantly altered the process, making it more difficult for Sephardic Jews to obtain citizenship.

While a special path for Sephardic Jews existed previously, it has been largely revoked, and now most applicants must meet the standard requirements for naturalization, including proof of a sufficient connection to Portugal.

The Decree-Law n.º 30-A/2015 of the Portuguese nationality law update states that the Portuguese government may grant nationality to the descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Portugal. This initiative allows individuals with Sephardic Jewish ancestry to reconnect with their Portuguese heritage and obtain Portuguese citizenship.

Since 2015, more than 250,000 Jews of Sephardic descent have applied for Portuguese citizenship via this route. More than 75,000 applications have been accepted, providing them with immediate access to the European Union.

Eligibility for Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews

Wondering who can apply for Portuguese citizenship through Sephardic Jewish ancestry? Any descendant of Portuguese Sephardic ancestry may apply, regardless of nationality or birth certificate.

You must prove to the Portuguese Ministry of Justice that you have genuine Sephardic origin and have maintained continuity in Sephardic traditions through generations.

Under the law, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship as a person of Sephardic origin if you comply with the following conditions:

• You are over 18 years old or emancipated according to Portuguese law
• You are of Portuguese Sephardic descent
• You belong to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin

Portuguese Citizenship Requirements for Sephardic Jews

Despite their expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula, many Sephardic Jewish communities have retained not only their use of the Portuguese language but also many rites of traditional Portuguese-Jewish worship, as well as family surnames, objects, and documents proving Portuguese origin.

The Portuguese government may grant those of Sephardic Jewish descent citizenship if they fulfill specific requirements. In these cases, the acquisition of Portuguese nationality always depends on a decision made by the Minister of Justice.

Any application for citizenship must be accompanied by the following documents:

• Birth certificates and proof of registration
• A criminal record certificate issued by the relevant Portuguese authorities, the country of residence, or the country of origin, which comprises a full criminal background check.
• Jewish community certificate that proves Sephardic Jewish lineage of Portuguese origin. This can be through surname, language, genealogy, or family memory. It’s important to show genuine family ties or relationship links. These certificates can be issued by, for example, the Lisbon Jewish Community (Comunidade Israelita de Lisboa – CIL), the Embassy of Portugal in Washington, D.C., or the Porto Jewish Community (Comunidade Israelita do Porto – CIP).
• Proof of legal residency of at least three years in Portugal

How can you prove your Portuguese Sephardic ancestry?

Jewish Community Certificate for Portugal

This certificate is issued by officials of a Sephardic Jewish community that is recognized under Portuguese law.

To obtain the Portuguese Sephardic community certificate, the following documents may be requested:

• Genealogy evidence of your Sephardic Jewish community family ties
• Proof of Ladino as a family language
• Evidence of Portuguese Jewish ancestry

Evidence of Portuguese ancestry

There are a number of documents that are eligible to meet this criteria. These include:

• Family records
• Family tree
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificate
• Cemetery registries
• Brit Milah records
• Government archives showing arrivals and departures from Portugal

The Certification of Sephardic Heritage must include the following information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Location of birth
• Nationality
• Applicants residence
• Description of applicant’s Sephardic origin
• Evidence supporting each element

Applying without Jewish community certificates

In the absence of a certificate, you may submit these documents to contribute to your eligibility requirements:

• A document issued by your local Jewish community supporting the application
• Documentation that proves direct descent, such as records from synagogues, residence permits, property deeds, and wills

If there is doubt as to the authenticity of documents sourced abroad, the relevant Portuguese Jewish authorities may provide judgment on the evidence.

Portuguese Citizenship Application Process for Sephardic Jews

To apply for Portuguese citizenship as a Sephardic Jew, the process involves several steps to prove your eligibility and connection to the Sephardic Jewish community expelled from Portugal centuries ago. The five steps in the process of applying for Portuguese citizenship are as follows:

1. Obtain the necessary documents

Gather documents proving your Sephardic Jewish ancestry. This can include genealogical records, family documents, or other evidence linking you to the Sephardic Jewish community expelled from Portugal. It is also crucial that you obtain a certificate from an approved Jewish community in Portugal (such as the Lisbon or Porto Jewish Community). This certificate verifies your Sephardic ancestry and connection to Portuguese Sephardic traditions.

2. Submit your application

Complete the application form and submit it to the Portuguese Ministry of Justice. You can do this through a legal representative in Portugal or mail the application form and all the documents to the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais.

3. Analysis of documents by government bodies

During this process for Portuguese citizenship applications for Sephardic Jews, the government will carefully review your submitted materials to ensure they meet legal requirements and substantiate your claim. Authorities will cross-check all submitted documents to ensure they are genuine and not forged. They will also confirm that all non-Portuguese documents are properly translated into Portuguese and authenticated through an Apostille or consular legalization.

4. Wait for Approval

Depending on case complexity and the Ministry’s workload, the process can take several months to years. During this time, authorities verify the authenticity of the documents and your claim.

5. Confirm citizenship

After you are granted Portuguese citizenship, you will receive a Portuguese ID card and can request a Portuguese passport. A Portuguese passport gives you freedom of movement throughout the Schengen zone and the UK, with no need for a visa. You can also travel visa-free to 183 countries around the world.

Timeline and cost

While certain visas and applications have a general timeframe, applications for citizenship through this route are unpredictable. As the Central Registry carries out this process, it is impossible to estimate when it will be finalized, although it can take several months to years.

The cost of the application is €250 and must be paid before submitting your application. When your application is approved, there is a standard €175 fee for processing citizenship applications.

Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you’re considering making the move to Portugal, it’s essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8). 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) – Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn’t just about visas. If you’re thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can’t forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.