Sephardic Jews and Special Citizenship Paths in Select EU Countries

For centuries, the descendants of Sephardic Jews—those expelled from Spain and Portugal during the Spanish Inquisition—have carried the legacy of their ancestors across generations. In recent years, some European nations have sought to reconnect with this diaspora, offering special citizenship pathways as a form of historical reconciliation.

For those of Sephardic Jewish descent, this presents an opportunity to reclaim ancestral ties while also securing a second passport within the European Union. This article explores which European countries offer these citizenship programs, the eligibility criteria, and what applicants should consider.

Which EU Countries Offer Citizenship to Sephardic Jews?

• Portugal – Still active, but stricter requirements

• France – Case-by-case basis

• Greece – Limited to Holocaust survivors' descendants

• Turkey – Special consideration, not automatic citizenship

Portugal (Still Active, but Stricter)

• Status: Still available, but with stricter rules (as of 2022)

• Residency Required? Yes (Recent change)

• Language Requirement? No

Portugal’s Sephardic citizenship law, enacted in 2015, offered a similar path to Spain’s but without language or cultural testing. Originally, applicants only needed to prove Sephardic Jewish ancestry and obtain certification from a recognized Jewish community in Portugal.

However, due to the program’s popularity, Portugal introduced stricter rules in 2022. Now, applicants must:

• Provide proof of "effective and lasting connection" to Portugal (e.g., property ownership, residency, or family ties).

• Still obtain certification from a Portuguese Jewish community.

While still open, this law is now much harder to qualify for without deeper connections to Portugal.

France (Case-by-Case Basis)

• Status: No official law, but case-by-case citizenship grants

• Residency Required? Varies (Residency may be required but can be waived or shortened based on ties like French ancestry, education, military service, or fluency in French.)

• Language Requirement? Yes (French proficiency required)

France does not have a formal Sephardic citizenship law, but many Sephardic Jews—especially those from North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)—have successfully applied for French naturalization based on historical ties.

If an applicant can prove deep cultural and linguistic ties to France, they may be able to acquire French citizenship through naturalization or special provisions.

Greece (Limited to Holocaust Survivors' Descendants)

• Status: Restricted to Holocaust survivors’ descendants

• Residency Required? No

• Language Requirement? Varies (Language proficiency may be required in some cases but not universally enforced, depending on the applicant’s background and documentation.)

While Greece historically had a large Sephardic Jewish population, its citizenship program is not open to all Sephardic Jews. Instead, it applies only to descendants of Greek Jews who survived the Holocaust and wish to reclaim their citizenship.

Those eligible do not need to reside in Greece but may be required to demonstrate family ties and historical documentation.

Turkey (Special Consideration, Not Automatic Citizenship)

• Status: No direct Sephardic citizenship law, but naturalization possible

• Residency Required? Yes

• Language Requirement? Yes (Turkish proficiency required)

The Ottoman Empire welcomed many Sephardic Jews after the 1492 expulsion, and today, Turkey remains home to a small but historic Sephardic Jewish community. While Turkey does not grant automatic citizenship, individuals of Sephardic descent may find it easier to naturalize, particularly if they have strong cultural or familial ties to Turkey.

Proving Sephardic Jewish Ancestry

Applicants for these programs must provide documented proof of Sephardic Jewish heritage. This may include:

• Genealogical records linking them to Sephardic Jewish ancestors

• Historical evidence of Sephardic surnames in their family history

• Certification from a recognized Jewish community in the country offering citizenship

• Birth, marriage, or immigration records from Sephardic Jewish communities

Each country has specific requirements, so it is essential to research carefully and consult a legal expert specializing in Sephardic Jewish citizenship applications.

A Unique Path to European Citizenship

For Sephardic Jews seeking citizenship in Europe, Portugal remains the most viable option, though its requirements have become more restrictive. Spain’s program is closed, but some applicants are still awaiting decisions. Turkey offers a favorable path for naturalization but does not have a dedicated law for Sephardic Jewish descendants.

Reclaiming citizenship through these programs is more than a legal process; it is a connection to a historical and cultural legacy. For those considering this path, careful research and expert guidance are essential to navigating the application process successfully.

Historical Context

The term Sephardic comes from the Hebrew word Sepharad, meaning Spain. Following the 1492 Alhambra Decree, Spain forced the expulsion or conversion of its Jewish population, leading to a mass exodus of Sephardic Jews to Portugal, the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, and the Americas. Portugal enacted similar expulsions in 1497.

Despite their displacement, Sephardic Jews maintained distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions, including Ladino, a Judeo-Spanish dialect that has endured for centuries. Today, many individuals of Sephardic descent can trace their lineage back to these Iberian ancestors, making them eligible for citizenship restoration programs in certain European countries.