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Sephardic Citizenship Portugal: Current Status and Requirements
Update on Portugal's citizenship pathway for descendants of Sephardic Jews, including the tightened requirements and documentation standards following 2022 reforms.
Portugal’s citizenship program for descendants of Sephardic Jews continues, though with significantly stricter requirements following 2022 legislative changes.
Background
The program, launched in 2015, aimed to provide citizenship to descendants of Jews expelled from Portugal during the Inquisition era (15th-16th centuries).
Current Requirements
Following Law 2/2022, applicants must demonstrate:
Traditional Connection Evidence
- Family surname from Sephardic origin
- Documentary evidence of Portuguese Sephardic ancestry
- Family language (Ladino) preservation
NEW: Effective Connection to Portugal
The 2022 reform added requirements for:
- Ownership of real estate in Portugal
- Regular visits to Portugal
- Business or professional ties
- Family members residing in Portugal
- Active participation in Portuguese Jewish community
Documentation Required
- Certificate from Portuguese Jewish community verifying Sephardic descent
- Family tree and genealogical evidence
- Historical documentation of ancestral connection
- Proof of effective connection to Portugal (post-2022)
- Criminal record certificates
Processing Reality
- Processing times have increased significantly
- Requirements interpreted more strictly
- Effective connection requirement has reduced applications substantially
Those with genuine Sephardic heritage and existing ties to Portugal may still qualify, but the program is no longer accessible to those without demonstrable current connections.