(This article was developed in collaboration with IMI Daily)
For Sephardic Jews seeking a connection to their ancestral land and a gateway to Europe, Spain’s Golden Visa program offers a unique opportunity. By combining the benefits of the Golden Visa with Spain’s expedited naturalization process for Sephardic Jews, descendants of this historic community can now reclaim their heritage while enjoying the perks of European citizenship.
Spain’s Golden Visa program grants automatic residency to non-EU citizens who invest at least €500,000 in Spanish real estate. This allows them to live, work, and study in Spain and travel visa-free throughout the Schengen Area. For Sephardic Jews, the Golden Visa can be the first step towards a deeper connection with their roots.
Spain: The Optimal Destination Following the Amendment of Portugal’s “Law of Return”
Portugal has recently amended its “Law of Return,” making it easier for descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews to register as such in the country. According to the revised law, applicants can prove their connection to Portugal through surnames, family language, or direct or collateral descent. However, obtaining citizenship in Portugal now requires a minimum residency of three years instead of the usual five, and applicants do not need to take language proficiency tests.
In contrast, Spain’s expedited naturalization process for Sephardic Jews remains an attractive option. Sephardic Jews who have legally resided in Spain for at least two years can apply for Spanish citizenship, a significant reduction from the standard ten-year residency requirement.
Sephardic Jews do not need to renounce their original nationality when applying for Spanish citizenship, giving them a straightforward path to dual nationality. Descendants of this community can efficiently navigate the path to Spanish citizenship by using the Golden Visa to establish residency in Spain and registering as Sephardic Jews in Portugal.
The new legislation in Portugal means that obtaining Spanish citizenship as a Sephardic Jew is now a simpler prospect. By combining the Spanish Golden Visa, free movement within the Schengen Area, simplified registration in Portugal, and Spain’s expedited naturalization process, Sephardic Jews have the optimal way to obtain EU citizenship quickly and easily.
As of July 2024, over 90,000 descendants of Sephardic Jews have already become citizens of Portugal or Spain since the introduction of these laws in 2015. Most applicants in Portugal are Israeli, highlighting the strong interest among Sephardic Jews in reconnecting with their Iberian roots.
