Portugal Citizenship for Sephardic Jews – Complete Legal Guide

Sephardic Judaism and the Portuguese Law of Return

Sephardic Jews are descendants of the historic Jewish communities that lived throughout the Iberian Peninsula long before the establishment of modern Portugal and Spain. The term Sepharad comes from Hebrew and refers to Spain, while Sephardi designates Jews whose ancestry traces back to the Iberian Peninsula prior to the expulsions of the late 1400s.

In recognition of this shared history, Portugal enacted legal provisions allowing descendants of Sephardic Jews of Portuguese origin to reclaim Portuguese nationality, acknowledging centuries of displacement and persecution.

Our office has extensive experience in this area and has assisted numerous families in reconnecting with their Portuguese roots. For many, obtaining citizenship for one family member becomes the starting point for broader family reunification and renewed ties with Portugal through residence, investment, or long-term engagement with the country

Our Main Website for the Sephardi Law Citizenship can be visited if you click here.

Portugal Sephardi Jews that have received the portuguese citizenship can apply for their minor kids, please read more about - portuguese citizenship for minors - here.

Spouses can also get the citizenship based on marriage, if they're married for more than 3 years, please read more about - portuguese citizenship for spouse / portuguese citizenship by marriage - here.

Portuguese Citizenship Sephardic Jews

Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews: Legal Background

Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic descendants is governed by the Portuguese Nationality Law (Law No. 37/81) and subsequent amendments introduced in 2015 and later revised between 2022 and 2024.

Initially, proof of Sephardic origin supported by certification from a recognized Jewish community was sufficient. However, legislative reforms significantly tightened the requirements. Today, Sephardic ancestry alone is no longer enough. Applicants must demonstrate an effective and lasting connection to Portugal, in addition to documented Sephardic lineage.

Sephardi Jews in Portugal – The Exile

Following the Alhambra Decree of 1492, Sephardic Jews were expelled from Spain and sought refuge in Portugal. Although King Manuel I initially offered protection, this policy changed rapidly. Jews who refused conversion to Roman Catholicism were expelled, forcibly converted, or persecuted.

These events resulted in the near-total removal of Jewish life from the Iberian Peninsula and marked the beginning of centuries of diaspora for Sephardic Jews of Portuguese origin.

Sephardi Jews of Portuguese Origin – The Diaspora

After expulsion, Sephardic Jews re-established their communities across Europe, North Africa, the Ottoman Empire, and later the Americas. Despite dispersion, many communities preserved distinctive elements of their Portuguese Jewish heritage, including:

• Family surnames of Portuguese origin
• Use of Ladino and other Judeo-Iberian dialects
• Religious rites, manuscripts, and communal records
• Genealogical continuity within Sephardic communities

These preserved cultural and historical links form the basis of modern ancestry assessments under Portuguese nationality law.

Can I Still Apply for Portuguese Citizenship as a Sephardic Jew?

Yes — but eligibility today depends on when and how the application is made.

Under current law:

• Applications filed before the legal changes may fall under transitional provisions
• New applications must meet stricter evidentiary standards
• Applicants must prove both Sephardic origin and effective connection to Portugal

Each case requires individual legal analysis. Assumptions based on the former legal framework often lead to refusals.

Effective Connection to Portugal – Current Legal Requirement

Demonstrating an effective connection to Portugal is now a central requirement.

Accepted forms of connection may include:

1. Legal residence in Portugal
2. Long-term physical presence and repeated stays
3. Property ownership or long-standing lease agreements
4. Business activity or professional ties in Portugal
5. Other demonstrable links showing genuine integration into Portuguese society

Symbolic or indirect connections alone are generally insufficient. Each case is assessed on its own merits by the Portuguese authorities.

Can I Apply for Portugal Citizenship if I'm Not Jewish?

Yes. Portuguese law does not require applicants to practice Judaism.

Eligibility is based on Sephardic ancestry, not religious belief. Jewish and non-Jewish individuals may apply, provided they can demonstrate descent from a Sephardic Jewish community of Portuguese origin and satisfy the current legal requirements.

How Can I Prove my Sephardic Origin?

Applicants typically begin by obtaining a certificate of Sephardic origin from a recognized Jewish community. Historically, certificates were issued by Jewish communities in Lisbon or Porto.

Today, such certificates remain relevant but are no longer decisive on their own. Authorities assess the full body of evidence, including genealogical documentation and historical continuity.

Requirements for Obtaining a Certificate of Sephardic Origin

A. Evidence of the applicant's family history and connections to a Portuguese Sephardic community, such as surnames, genealogical histories, or other significant indications of this ancient Portuguese connection; and

B. Use of Ladino in the applicant’s home or as part a related kinship tradition demonstrated, for instance, in home movies, photographs of family graves (with Ladinoinscriptions), or ancestral documents written in Ladino; and

C. Official documentation that verifies the applicant possesses Sephardic ancestry, such as birth data, genetic testing, Brit Milah records, municipal census data or passenger lists.

We will be gald to consider your case and examine the documents you already have.

Don't hesitate to mail us with your questions. Kindly scan existing documents to facilitate the examination.

Application Process for Portuguese Citizenship (Current Law)

The nationality process generally involves:

1. Legal assessment of Sephardic ancestry
2. Community certification (where applicable)
3. Compilation of evidence proving effective connection to Portugal
4. Submission to the Portuguese Civil Registry
5. Review by central nationality authorities

Applications are carefully scrutinized, and incomplete or outdated submissions often face suspension or refusal.

Timeline and Government Fees

Processing times vary depending on case complexity and registry workload. In general:

1. Ancestry and documentation phase: several months

2. Nationality review: 12–24 months or longer

Government fees apply and are subject to change under Portuguese law.

Family Members: Spouses and Children

Once Portuguese citizenship is granted, family members may become eligible under separate legal provisions.

1. Minor children may apply under Portuguese nationality rules for minors
(see internal page: portuguese citizenship for minors)

2. Spouses may apply based on marriage duration and legal requirements
(see internal page: portuguese citizenship by marriage)

Each pathway has its own conditions and timelines.

Common Reasons for Refusal or Delay

Applications are frequently delayed or refused due to:

1. Failure to prove effective connection to Portugal
2. Weak or inconsistent genealogical evidence
3. Reliance on outdated legal standards
4. Incomplete documentation or translations

Early legal review significantly reduces these risks.

Why Legal Guidance Is Essential for Sephardic Citizenship Cases

Portuguese Sephardic citizenship cases are among the most complex nationality matters today. Legislative changes, heightened scrutiny, and evolving administrative standards make professional guidance essential.

For strategic legal assistance, consult an experienced portugal citizenship lawyer with specific expertise in Sephardic nationality cases and civil registry procedures.

Reviewed By

Clara da Costa, Degree in Law
Portuguese Bar Association No. 45229L