Last call: time is running out to secure Portuguese nationality through the Sephardic route
History is counting down. Portuguese nationality by Sephardic ancestry, which has reconnected thousands of families to their Portuguese roots for over a decade, is about to cease to exist as we know it.
The Portuguese Parliament has set September as the deadline to vote on the proposed reform that could eliminate this pathway to citizenship. The bill has already passed the first legislative stage and, if approved, will conclude a cycle that has already enabled thousands of people to live, study, and work in Europe or several other countries with the benefits of a European passport. Until then, the current rule remains in place—but every day counts.
An opportunity that never happens again
Experts already consider the reform's approval likely, and its impact will be immediate. The proposal provides for:
- Extinction of the Sephardic way as a criterion of nationality;
- New minimum residency requirements in Portugal (between 7 and 10 years, depending on the origin);
- Stricter criteria for naturalization; and
- possibility of loss of nationality for criminal convictions.
Anyone who has not started the process before the change will be subject to this new, more restrictive and uncertain scenario.
How to prevent and apply for nationality for your family
Many Portuguese descendants have already taken the first step and filed their applications. In this case, the change in the law has no impact, but what about their family members?
- Under current rules, adult children need to start a new request, that is, with the approval of the end of the Law, it will no longer be possible to start;
- In the case of minor children and spouses, it will still be possible to transmit Portuguese nationality, but with more restrictive rules.
Whatever the scenario, it's best to ensure the process is submitted as soon as possible to avoid losing rights—whether due to the end of the possibility or because there are more criteria to be met.
Right now, what's at stake isn't just a right: it's the possibility of guaranteeing international mobility as a legacy for future generations.
A call to responsibility
If you have already started your process, please be aware that this does not automatically protect your family members.
The question now is no longer “is it worth doing?”, but rather: “What happens if I don’t do it now?”
Discover everything you need to know about passing on Portuguese nationality to your family with the experts at Martins Castro. To request an analysis and start the order based on current requirements, visit:
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