Portugal’s Jewish community once played a vital role in shaping the country’s culture, economy, and identity. But five centuries ago, the nation made a tragic mistake: it expelled, persecuted, or forcibly converted its Jewish population.

In 2013, in an effort to right this historical wrong, Portugal introduced Law Decree 43/2013, granting Portuguese citizenship to Sephardic Jews.

This initiative aimed to reconcile the injustices stemming from King Manuel I’s decree, which forced Portugal’s Jewish population to choose between conversion to Christianism or exile. Today, Portuguese citizenship for Sephardic Jews is a common topic on our Porto Jewish Heritage Tour.

A Look Into History

Porto, like the rest of Portugal, suffered greatly from these forced conversions. But none suffered more than the Jewish community itself. A vital part of Porto’s society was lost. Many perished, while others were forced to “convert,” leaving a lasting scar on the city’s social fabric.

Despite attempts to protect the newly converted, Porto could not fully shield them from the Portuguese Inquisition. One well-known story recounts how, on Rua de S. Miguel in Porto, evening gatherings led the Inquisition to suspect secret Jewish rites. To protect the community, city officials claimed the noise came from illegal gambling, shifting jurisdiction from the religious courts to the civil courts and preventing further Inquisitorial action.

Such resistance angered the Inquisition, leading to repeated complaints to the King, with officials lamenting: “In Porto, they do not let us do our job!”. Eventually, the Inquisition moved its operations to Coimbra.

This protection continued until the 20th century when Captain Barros Basto led efforts to revive Porto’s Jewish legacy. But that is another story.

Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews: Then and Now

If you have Portuguese Sephardic ancestors, you must prove that you are traditionally part of a Portuguese Sephardic community. Acceptable evidence includes Portuguese family names, ancestral languages (such as Portuguese or Ladino), or direct or collateral lineage.

However, if you are considering applying now, be aware that the rules have changed. Previously, the process was relatively straightforward, but as of 2024, Lei Orgânica n.º 1/2024 introduces stricter requirements:

• Residency Requirement: Applicants must now reside in Portugal for at least three years. No more remote applications based solely on genealogy. Portugal now requires a real, present-day connection, not just a historical one.
• Stricter Review Process: Certification by a Jewish community (Lisbon or Porto) remains mandatory, but the Ministry of Justice now has the final say, ensuring that applicants have a genuine and lasting link to Portugal.

Portuguese Citizenship for Sephardic Jews: How to Apply

1. Prove Your Sephardic Ancestry: Provide solid documentation, including family names, historical records, and expert evaluations;
2. Get Certified: The Jewish communities in Lisbon or Porto will review your claim;
3. Live in Portugal for Three Years: Residency is now a mandatory step;
4. Submit Your Application: Once certified, apply through the Portuguese government.

Steps to Apply

1. Obtain a background check from Lisbon or Porto’s Israeli communities before applying to local authorities.
2. Required Documents:
   
   • Copy of your passport;
   • Birth certificate or similar document indicating birthdate, birthplace, and parents’ names;
   • Proof of residency in Portugal;
   • Proof of payment to initiate the process;
   • Supporting documentation for evaluation (see below);
   • Documents can be submitted in Portuguese, French, or English.

Acceptable Forms of Proof

1. Circumstantial Evidence: Any documentation linking you to a foreign Sephardic Jewish community;
2. Documented Evidence: Family records, genealogies, community files (births, marriages, deaths), cemetery records, Brit Milah or Bar Mitzvah certificates, immigration records, passenger lists from Portuguese ships, etc;
3. Witness Testimonies: Signed and notarized statements from credible witnesses attesting to family oral traditions. These must be translated into Portuguese and submitted to the Jewish community;
4. Expert Opinions: Assessments from specialists in the Portuguese Jewish diaspora. Reports must be notarized and include a biographical note on the expert.

Warning: Candidates can face criminal liability for false testimony or submitting forged documents.

Once you receive approval from the Jewish community, you may proceed with your application for Portuguese citizenship. If successful, we will warmly welcome you as a fellow Portuguese citizen!

Ricardo Brochado, founder of City Tailors, explores Portuguese Sephardic citizenship in this blog post, now featured on the Taste Porto blog as part of the fusion between City Tailors and Taste Porto.