1. Direct Descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews

   • Ancestry must be documented.

   • This can include genealogical records, Sephardic surnames, or connection to Sephardic cultural/religious practices.

2. Members of Recognized Sephardic Jewish Communities

   • Communities that have preserved Sephardic-origin religious, cultural, or linguistic practices.

3. Applicants with Historical Proof of Portuguese Origin

   • Individuals who present family records or historical evidence linking their lineage to the Portuguese Sephardic diaspora.

4. Applicants Who Are Not Practicing Jews but Have Sephardic Ancestry

   • It is not necessary to be a practicing Jew, as long as Portuguese Sephardic ancestry is proven.

5. Connection to the Contemporary Portuguese Jewish Community

   • In addition to ancestry, applicants may be required to demonstrate some connection or recognition by the certified Portuguese Jewish community.

Certified Jewish Communities in Portugal

• Jewish Community of Lisbon

• Jewish Community of Porto

• These communities are responsible for issuing the certificate that proves Portuguese Sephardic ancestry.

Documents Required to Obtain Portuguese Nationality by Sephardic Jewish Descent

1. Birth Certificate of the Applicant

   • Original and legalized/apostilled (if issued outside of Portugal).

   • Certified translation, if not in Portuguese.

2. Proof of Sephardic Jewish Ancestry

   • Document issued by one of the certified Jewish communities in Portugal (Lisbon or Porto).

   • Certificate must confirm that the applicant descends from a Sephardic Jewish community of Portuguese origin.

   • Proof can include:

     • Sephardic surnames.

     • Spoken language (e.g., Ladino).

     • Genealogical or historical records.

3. Genealogical Documents (if applicable)

   • Family trees, birth, marriage, or death certificates demonstrating Sephardic ancestry.

   • Historical or religious documents proving connection to the Portuguese Sephardim expelled in the 15th century.

4. Criminal Background Checks

   • Certificates issued by:

     • The applicant’s country of origin.

     • Countries where the applicant has lived after the age of 16.

     • Portuguese authorities (Polícia Judiciária).

   • Must be legalized/apostilled and translated if necessary.

5. Affidavit of Honour

   • Declaration signed by the applicant affirming the truth of the information provided and confirming the connection to Sephardic tradition.

6. Copy of Identification Document

   • Passport or equivalent document.

7. Proof of Payment of Fees

   • Receipt or proof of payment of administrative fees, typically between €175 and €250.