Portuguese Citizenship for Descendants of Sephardic Jews: Updated 2026 Guide

The search for Portuguese citizenship for descendants of Sephardic Jews has undergone a radical transformation. While a simplified regime was still in place until 2024, the new Nationality Law of 2026 has significantly changed the rules of the game.

Sephardic Jews were Jews expelled from the Iberian Peninsula during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisition. It’s worth noting that Spain also no longer grants Spanish citizenship through this path.

Understand what happened and what alternatives are available to achieve dual citizenship.

Also read our complete guide to Portuguese citizenship.

What changed for descendants of Sephardic Jews in 2026?

The most impactful change under Organic Law No. 1/2026 was the formal repeal of paragraph 7 of Article 6 of the Nationality Law. This was the legal provision that allowed for specific naturalization for Sephardic Jews with reduced residency requirements.

Now, Sephardic Portuguese citizenship no longer has a “shortcut.” Descendants who had not started their applications before the new law took effect must now meet the general naturalization rules, which have become stricter for all foreigners.

Paths to Portuguese Citizenship for Descendants of Sephardic Jews

With the special pathway eliminated, a Sephardic descendant wishing to obtain a European passport must now meet the normal requirements for general naturalization based on time of residence in Portugal.

To obtain naturalization by residence, the applicant must:

• Extended Legal Residence: It is necessary to legally reside in Portugal for at least 7 years if the applicant is a national of a CPLP country (such as Brazil) or of the European Union. For Americans or other nationalities, the period rises to 10 years. To hold legal residence, it is first necessary to obtain a visa for Portugal, unless the applicant already holds another European nationality.
• Means of Subsistence: The applicant must prove the ability to support themselves within national territory.
• Knowledge of Culture and History: In addition to proficiency in the Portuguese language, the new law requires proof of knowledge of Portugal’s history and national symbols as part of the citizenship application.
• Criminal Suitability: The applicant must not have been sentenced to more than 3 years in prison for serious crimes, such as terrorism or violent crime.

It’s worth noting that a citizenship application through this path is no longer limited to descendants of Portuguese parents or grandparents, and no longer requires a certificate from the Jewish community. It is a common pathway available to any resident.

Transition Rule: Do You Have a Pending Application?

If you already filed your Portuguese citizenship application via the Sephardic Jewish pathway before the publication of Organic Law No. 1/2026 (May 2026), there is good news. The law establishes that pending administrative procedures will be governed by the previous wording. This means these applications will still be judged based on the 2024 requirements, including the shorter residency period that was in effect at the time.

For reference: How the Sephardic pathway worked until May 2026

Summary Table – Portuguese Citizenship via the Sephardic Pathway (Now Suspended)

Advantage of This Pathway to Portuguese Nationality

The main positive aspect of this citizenship pathway was that the basis for the application was not limited to descent from Portuguese parents or grandparents. It could stem from any relative in the direct line (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, great-great-grandparent) or in the collateral line (descendants who share a common ancestor). In short, the basis was Sephardic ancestry.

The process, when filed directly in Portugal, usually took at least 2 years to complete, and the processing fee was €250.

Certificate from the Jewish Community

The essential element of this type of application was proof of Sephardic ancestry, established through direct documentary evidence, in addition to indirect evidence such as surname, family language, genealogy, customs, and origins.

In this regard, the applicant needed to include with their citizenship application the certificate issued by the Jewish Community of Lisbon.

If the applicant did not have the certificate, the Portuguese Nationality Regulation allowed proof of Sephardic ancestry to be demonstrated:

• Through an authenticated document, issued by the Jewish community to which the applicant belonged, attesting to their use of Portuguese expressions in Jewish rites or, as a language spoken within that community, Ladino;
• Through authenticated documentary records, such as synagogue and Jewish cemetery registries, as well as residency permits, property deeds, wills, and other evidence of the applicant’s family connection.

Changes to the Law Over the Years

2022: Connection to Portugal

In September 2022, the process of acquiring Portuguese citizenship for descendants of Sephardic Jews became stricter, as it became necessary to prove a “real and measurable connection to Portugal.” This connection had to be demonstrated through:

• Property inherited in Portugal or other personal rights of use, or ownership stakes in Portuguese companies; or
• Proof of regular travel to Portugal over one’s lifetime, demonstrating an effective and lasting connection to Portugal.

2024: Residency in Portugal

In 2024, new changes were introduced. As of April 1, 2024, the Portuguese Government began requiring an additional condition for granting this type of citizenship. Applicants had to prove they had legally resided in Portuguese territory for at least three years, whether consecutive or interspersed.

It was also added that CIL certification was subject to final approval by an evaluation committee appointed by the government.

Before this change in the law, the requirements for applying via the Sephardic pathway were:

• Be over 18 years old or legally emancipated at the time of application.
• No final criminal convictions for crimes punishable under Portuguese law with a prison sentence of 3 years or more.
• Not pose a threat to national security or be involved in terrorism-related activities.
• Have at least 3 years of legal residence in Portugal.
• Demonstrate a tradition of belonging to a Sephardic community of Portuguese origin, based on objectively proven ties to Portugal.

How to Obtain Portuguese Citizenship After the End of the Sephardic Pathway?

The law that allowed descendants of Sephardic Jews to obtain Portuguese nationality was in effect since 2015 and benefited thousands of people over the years. Although this “shortcut” came to an end with the recent legislative changes of 2026, the dream of obtaining a European passport remains entirely possible through other legal paths.

Whether through residence, work, or investment visas, marriage, or the traditional path of direct ancestry (children and grandchildren of Portuguese citizens), Portugal remains open to those who wish to plan their move with legal security.

Want to find out what the best alternative is for your specific case?

The team of experts at Atlantic Bridge is ready to assess your profile and map out the best plan for your citizenship or visa.

👉 Click here to make your request with our legal team.