The Portuguese government has announced its intention to set an end date for the law granting Portuguese citizenship to descendants of Sephardic Jews. This decision comes after a series of changes made in the past year to tighten the rules for obtaining citizenship under this scheme. In this article, we’ll discuss the key points you need to know about the upcoming changes and what they mean for those seeking Portuguese citizenship through this route.
Government's Plan to End the Sephardic Jews Citizenship Scheme
The Portuguese government has recently decided to end the scheme that allows descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews to obtain citizenship. While the exact changes and end date have not yet been specified, this announcement demonstrates the government’s intent to close the program soon.
This decision follows a series of changes made in the past year to tighten the rules for obtaining Portuguese citizenship through this scheme. Applicants are now required to provide additional documentation proving a real and measurable connection with the country, including the inheritance of a property in Portugal or proof of visits throughout their lives. Additionally, the certification process must be supported by documents proving descent from Sephardic Jews.
Comparison with Spain's Sephardic Jews Citizenship Scheme
It’s worth noting that Spain also had a similar scheme for granting citizenship to Sephardic Jews. Still, it was in place for a much shorter period. The Portuguese law has been in force for ten years and has faced some controversy due to the profits made by certain organizations and the involvement of high-profile individuals such as oligarch Roman Abramovich.
Recent Requests for Suspension and Transparency
Less than a month ago, the Frente Cívica association formally requested the Minister of Justice to suspend the granting of citizenship to Sephardic descendants. They also called for publishing a list of all naturalized citizens or those with pending processes who are considered “Politically Exposed Persons.”
Investigations into the Citizenship Scheme
Following concerns about the profits made by organizations such as the Porto Jewish Community and the involvement of some lawyers who profited from the naturalization of Sephardic Jews, the Bar Association has opened investigation processes. In addition, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has also initiated an investigation into the matter.
Impact on Citizenship Applications
Between March 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021, 56,685 naturalization processes for descendants of Sephardic Jews were approved from 137,087 applications submitted to the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN). However, with the upcoming end of the citizenship scheme, it remains to be seen how the process will be impacted for those currently seeking Portuguese citizenship through this route.
The Portuguese government’s decision to set an end date for the law granting Portuguese citizenship to Sephardic Jews marks a significant change in the country’s approach to this unique route to citizenship. While the exact changes and time frame are yet to be determined, those seeking citizenship through this route should stay informed and prepare for the upcoming changes.
FAQs - Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews in Portugal to End
The government’s decision comes after a series of changes made to tighten the rules for obtaining citizenship under this scheme and concerns about the profits made by certain organizations and the involvement of high-profile individuals.
Applicants must provide documents proving a real and measurable connection with Portugal, such as the inheritance of a property or proof of visits throughout their lives. They also need to provide documents proving their descent from Sephardic Jews.
Both organizations have opened investigation processes to look into the profits made by organizations involved in the scheme and allegations of client recruitment practices by lawyers who profited from the naturalization of Sephardic Jews.
: Individuals should closely monitor updates from the Portuguese government and consult with legal professionals to ensure they understand the changes and any necessary steps they should take.
The exact end date has not been specified yet, but the government has announced its intention to close the program in the near future.
The association has requested the suspension to address concerns about the transparency of the process and to ensure that Politically Exposed Persons are not granted citizenship without proper scrutiny.
Between March 1, 2015, and December 31, 2021, a total of 56,685 naturalization processes for descendants of Sephardic Jews were approved.
Spain also had a similar scheme, but it was in place for a much shorter period. The Portuguese law has been in force for ten years.
One notable example is oligarch Roman Abramovich, who became a Portuguese citizen in April 2021 under this scheme.
It remains to be seen how the process will be impacted for those with pending applications or those currently seeking Portuguese citizenship through this route.