on February 3, 2025

Portuguese nationality for Colombians: these surnames may indicate Sephardic ancestry

on February 3, 2025

Nacionalidade portuguesa para colombianos: estes sobrenomes podem indicar ascendência sefardita

Thousands of Colombians, especially from the Antioquia region, have sought Portuguese nationality through their Sephardic ancestry.

Portugal grants this right to descendants of Sephardic Jews, as a measure to repair the historical ties broken with the expulsion of this community from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th and 16th centuries.

To qualify, you must be of legal age and present documents proving your genealogical connection to your Sephardic ancestors.

Common surnames in Colombia, such as Ángel, Arango, Arboleda, Arroyo, Botero, Buendía, Calle, Caicedo, Daza, Diazgranados, Holguín, Jaramillo, Llano, Londoño, Maya, Mesa, Mosquera, Ochoa, Ossa, Palacio, París, Pérez, Pombo, Restrepo, Ricaurte, Serna, Toro and Uribe, may indicate this ancestry.

However, more important than the surname itself, it is essential to prove the family relationship with Sephardic Jews through genealogical studies and official documentation. The process requires a detailed analysis of the family tree.

Portuguese nationality represents a valuable opportunity for those who wish to live, study or work in Europe, offering free movement within the European Union.

However, immigration laws may change, making it essential to start the process as soon as possible. In 2022, 37% of the nationalities granted in Portugal went to Sephardic descendants, which shows the high demand for this route.

If you want to find out if you are eligible, contact Martins Castro, a reference in the subject, for a free, personalized analysis of your case. Click here and start now!