Portugal is one of the hotspots when it comes to citizenship. It offers an array of opportunities for people across the world. According to the Decree-Law no. 30 30 A/2015, the descendants of Sephardic Jews can now obtain Portuguese nationality by the process of naturalization. Here’s everything you need to know about the process:
Documents Required for Granting Nationality to Sephardic Jews Should Show:
- Family surname
- Family language
- Direct offspring or relations in the genealogical lines of the Portuguese Sephardic community
Your application will also include your birth certificate and a criminal record certificate issued by the Portuguese authorities.
How to Prove Ancestry?
During the 1400s, thousands of Sephardic ancestors migrated to various regions such as North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, etc.), the Middle East (Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Israel, etc.) or the Mediterranean (Balkans, Greece, Macedonia, Italy, etc.) or even the Netherlands, after the great Spain and Portugal expulsion. You can prove your Sephardic ancestry by proving that your ancestors originated from these areas. You’ll have to get records from the Synagogue of London.
Spanish or Portuguese Last Name
One easy way to prove Sephardic Jewish lineage is by finding out whether your ancestors had a Portuguese or Spanish lash name. Although this evidence alone might not be enough, you can certainly use it to learn more about your Sephardic Jewish history. The records of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation of London usually have all the information you need. But, keep in mind, these records can only be accessed by special authorities and not the general public.
How Can You Obtain a Portuguese Passport?
Once the proof has been approved, you’ll be required to send specific documents to the Portuguese Ministry of Interior. This includes your passport, birth certificate, criminal background check, marriage certificate (name change document). Once all these documents are approved, the authorities will issue a document that will be a Portuguese birth certificate. You’ll be eligible for a Portuguese ID and passport during this stage. The entire process typically takes about a year or two.
What Are The Advantages Of A Portuguese Passport?
Acquiring a Portuguese passport will automatically make you a citizen of the EU. This means you have the freedom to live, travel, and work in all EU countries and any other country in the world. Portugal offers a flexible residency process to its citizens. This means, as a citizen of Portugal, you aren’t required to maintain your residency or stay in the country.
Are you looking for an experienced and professional attorney for your citizenship procedure? Look no further than Cohen & Cohen. We have been helping several Sephardic Jews with the Portuguese Sephardic citizenship application, ensuring a smooth and seamless process. Whether you need to prove your Sephardic Jewish ancestry or require help with the forms, we’ve got your back through the entire process. Portugal offers endless benefits for those with a Sephardic origin, so don’t wait any longer; apply for citizenship today! Get in touch with us to learn more.
Warning: The Portuguese government is expected to change the laws in the future. The best time to apply for Portuguese nationality due to Sephardic Origin is now!
